Author: For the Love of Books

Bargain books part two December 27, 2021

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Author Margaret Daley’s regular email shared bargain books from a number of her friends. I’ve not read most of these writers and I’m excited to check out the interesting offerings.

Grown-Up Christmas List (Ocean City Boardwalk Series, Book 5)

Book 5 of the Ocean City Boardwalk Series, where life isn’t just fun in the sun—there’s love waiting on those sandy shores!

Dina Griffin flees a dangerous situation and ends up in Ocean City, Maryland where she hopes to spend the holidays in hiding. Trusting no one, she wants only one thing this Christmas—to feel safe. Then Officer Gav Thomas threatens to arrest her for shoplifting. Shoplifting?

Gav is certain there’s something Dina isn’t telling him about her visit to his seaside town, so he devises a means to stick close to the vulnerable beauty. An unexpected attraction sparks, fierce enough to heat up the salt-tinged, wintry nights.

But the trouble Dina had hoped to escape arrives at her doorstep, bringing with it stark-raving fear and the realization that she must place her trust in someone.

Is Gav really just a local cop… or is he Dina’s guardian angel?

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A Doctor’s Christmas: A Sweet and Emotional Medical Romance (Lifeline Air Rescue Book 6) 

When Lifeline Pilot Megan Hoffman finds herself pregnant with her ex-fiancé’s baby, she is determined to remain independent and to raise her child alone. Normally keeping her distance from the rotating residents, isn’t a problem, until she meets the very attractive and very serious Dr. Drake Thorton who discovers her secret.

Drake hasn’t recovered from losing his wife and unborn child shortly before Christmas, but when he realizes Megan is pregnant and the baby’s father out of the picture, he finds himself unable to stay away. Megan is not only beautiful but an amazing pilot especially in a crisis. He opens himself up to friendship, and leans on Megan for support after discovering the identity of his birth mother. Will Drake learn to celebrate Christmas and allow himself to fall in love, again?

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Falling For The Petticoat Physician

She’s a woman in a man’s profession.
Puma Ridge needs a doctor, but they never expected a woman to step off the stagecoach in response to their advertisement, and no one wants to be the first to use her services. Dr. Charlotte “Charley” Adams isn’t afraid of a little skepticism and disapproval, though. She overcame much bigger challenges while becoming a physician, and sooner or later, need will outweigh the townsfolk’s reluctance. So why does the disapproval of one grouchy, gray-eyed stagecoach driver thoroughly rattle her customary composure and resigned heart?

He hates the profession.
Experience is the best teacher, and Cooper Knight has enough of it to know that physicians are bad news. However, his protective instincts won’t let him ignore the pretty tenderfoot when she gets herself into trouble, and before long, he begins to see the woman behind the medical bag. But when an unexpected discovery fractures their developing relationship, will Cooper allow forgiveness to heal them both? Or will the tragic mistakes of the past destroy their future?
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1-800-NEW YEAR: A Sweet Contemporary Holiday Romance (Flipping For You Book 5)

Holiday love and romance are in the air—but Shanice Williams will be spending the second most popular date night of the year alone, agonizing over selling the quirky old farmhouse she inherited from her beloved grandmother.

The money would help save her struggling landscaping business, but emotionally she can’t bear to part with a place so filled with memories—especially of Lincoln Reid, her mad teenage crush.

Then she accidentally overhears his heartbreakingly familiar voice, and she realizes Lincoln still makes her heart race. But from what she heard, he’s only back in Roses, NC to buy Granny’s land—for an apartment complex.

Lincoln Reid remembers the first time he kissed Shay on Granny Williams’s settee. But his high-falutin’ family had expectations for him. He’s grown the toy business into the most popular in the country, and now he’s back for a chance to reclaim the house—and the woman—that holds a special place in his heart.

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There’s more… part three coming right up.

I thought I would get through this day without any new growth on my TBR pile. Guess not!

I’m smiling, I hope you are too.

Free and bargain books December 27, 2021

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BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us. I can still remember reading and enjoying this story back in 2017.

When I’m Weak: A Contemporary Christian Epic-Novel (The Grace Series Book 2)

Jaycee Lawrence has never had room in her life for anything less than perfection. Now charged with keeping the hottest contractor on television in one piece and on schedule, her life revolves around production times and remodeling nightmares—not to mention the very real issue of guarding her heart from falling for her very eligible boss. Weakness in this industry is not an option, and it’s never been one for Jaycee either. Then life starts throwing kinks and curve balls at her. With her family back home in jeopardy, what will she choose — the job and Derek or the life she left behind when it collapsed around her?

Derek West never pictured himself running his own construction show, but working for the Home & Hearth Channel has become his Number One priority. On the job, he will settle for nothing less than 100% perfection, and that’s why he likes having Jaycee around. His focus and drive is only surpassed by hers, and he has learned to relax and work and let her take care of the rest of his life for him. However, when tragic news strikes for Jaycee back home, Derek soon realizes his reliance on her might run deeper than just schedules and take-out. Can he fight the growing attraction with the woman he always thought was just doing her job? Or is Derek in much deeper than he ever thought possible—too deep to go back and deep enough to drown if he doesn’t figure out how to stay strong and resist the feelings that are quickly becoming impossible to ignore?

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1531 Entertainment has one FREE and several bargain book suggestions for us. I’ve not read either of these first authors and I’m trusting the suggester’s assessment of them. I have read and enjoyed the last one.

Unmasking Lady Caroline: A Regency Christmas Romance

She thought the mask would protect her identity, but she underestimated his determination to discover who she was.
Peter Blythe, Earl of Rockwell fled England when he was thrown over in favor of his father. Now after nearly ten years, he has returned to England to assume his family title. When he asks a young woman to dance at a masquerade ball, he is intrigued by her wit and charm. The only problem is she refuses to give him her name.When Lady Caroline unexpectedly meets the man she has always loved at a masquerade ball and he does not recognize her, she is determined to keep her name a secret. What starts out as a game soon becomes much more when she realizes she still loves him, all the while knowing if he knew her true identity, he would never feel the same for her.
When they both return home to their neighboring estates for the holidays, acquaintances from years past threaten to sever more than just their childhood friendship.

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Plot Twist by Bethany Turner

February 4, 2003, promises to be a typical day for Olivia Ross—a greeting card writer whose passion project is a screenplay of her own. But after she and a handsome actor have a magical meet-cute in a coffee shop, they make a spontaneous pact: in ten years, after they’ve found the success they’re just sure they’re going to achieve, they’ll return to the coffeehouse to partner up and make a film together. The only problem? Olivia neglected to get the stranger’s name. But she doesn’t forget his face—or the date.

For the next ten years, every February 4 is marked with coincidences and ironies for Olivia. As men come and go and return to her life, she continues to write, but still wonders about the guy from the coffee shop—the nameless actor she’s almost certain has turned out to be Hamish MacDougal, now a famous A-lister and Hollywood leading man.

But a lot can happen in ten years, and while waiting for the curtain to rise on her fate, the true story of Olivia’s life is being written—and if she’s not careful, she’ll completely miss the real-life romantic comedy playing out right before her eyes.

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Warrior: Contemporary Christian Romantic Suspense (Spiritual Warfare Series Book 1)

Kati Walsh battles in her kickboxing class, but she’ll have to learn spiritual warfare when a new pastor & a gang leader take an interest in her.

Kickboxer Kati Walsh’s one outreach is to her kickboxing friends at the gym, but she’s praying God will stir her heart again. She’s not sure, though, that the new assistant pastor and his friend Reece Jernigan are what she prayed for—because Assistant Pastor Josh Corbin intends to win the hearts of the gangs in the northside neighborhood.

When Josh plans a prayer walk in the area, both the congregation and the police are wary, but Josh insists that prayer works. He believes in spiritual warfare—prayer, praise, and the Word of God. Reece, on the other hand, has been on the streets before, and his weapon of choice is a 9mm Glock. Two close friends with differing perspectives and both with an eye on Kati.

And they’re not the only ones. The gang leader has taken an unexpected interest in Kati, too.

“I wish I could give 10 stars! Inspirational and thought-provoking! The story grabs your attention from page one. I stayed up during the night captivated by the story line and characters’ personal challenges.” – Reviewer

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We are enjoying a snow storm here today, a perfect reading day – inside where it is nice and warm.

I would feel sorry for the persons having to clear it all away but with our dry climate and fine light snow it’s not that big a deal. Now if it was also -35C that would be lamentable but -9C is winter toasty.

A fresh snowfall makes the world look dressed up and pretty. What’s not to love.

Enjoy your day and…

Happy Reading

Taking a break December 24, 2021

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Stopping by to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas it’s always nice to use any excuse to enjoy and appreciate family and friends.

I was thinking about this last night as I was in the grocery store picking up salad ingredients for tomorrow’s dinner. It was busy and many of the shoppers were from other countries. It’s impossible to say if they were on a regular grocery run or something more. The frenetic pace of the shoppers seemed to suggest more. It’s easy to get caught up in the seasonal vibe.

Our town is turning into something much bigger with the influx of new people. Heavy traffic not seen in this sleepy town nine years ago. Then there is construction of six or eight new apartment blocks just down the street from me. Watching them go up I’ve wondered how they would fill them. It doesn’t appear to be a problem. The latest two buildings have a gigantic sign advertising occupancy as October 15th. By the looks of it they are about full already.

This town (they call it a city but I’m from somewhere with many more people and it’s hard to relate) had about 20 thousand people when I moved here. Stats say this is the third largest city in the province. You can tell there is plenty of room for more, that’s why the city has been actively promoting immigration.

As I’m out and about I’ve observed that many seem to be from Nigeria, Asia, and maybe even South America. The next thing I wonder is how they are managing with the cold climate in this part of the world. They don’t seemed to be bundled up and shivering so I’m guessing they are coping.

So, back to the break…

I had been doing pretty well with posting everyday and made it to 105 before missing a day. Since it’s Christmas I expect to miss another one or two days before getting back on track. I’m off to enjoy Christmas Eve with my family.

Covid has picked up again so I won’t spend as much time out as planned but it will still be more than the nothing we had in the lock downs last year.

Enjoy the season.

I’ll see you when I see you next.

Do some reading, I will be too.

Photo by Meruyert Gonullu on Pexels.com

Current read and one bargain December 22, 2021

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My current read is different, which is always good, and enjoyable. There is also a bargain book we first saw in January 2020, almost two years ago. Time flies by.

As I was reading this book I was struck by the sense that something seemed odd about the writing. It just seemed different, not like the usual we are used to. I chalked it up to different life experiences, different views on whatever touches life. As I looked for the blurb to share on this book I realized the truth. The author is a man. It’s not bad, just different. It’s interesting, similar scenes, different descriptions. Maybe I could say this time the men are more authentic in their actions and reactions. It wasn’t outright bothering me, it was more like a sliver that you can’t find but it keeps poking you. Now that’s been cleared up I can enjoy the rest of the story.

Manchester Christmas: A Novel (Paraclete Fiction) 

A young writer is drawn to a small New England town in search of meaning for her life. Soon, she encounters kindness, romance, and is pulled into a mystery centered on an old, abandoned church and the death of a special girl. Are the images that only she can see in the church’s stained-glass windows a warning, or is someone trying to reach her, to help heal this broken community? Manchester Christmas illustrates how God often uses the most unlikely among us to spread grace and healing in a wounded world. Full of love, hope, and forgiveness, this debut novel from an Emmy-winning writer will touch your heart and have you longing for Christmas in Manchester.

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Now the bargain book, read and enjoyed. Also written by a man.

Willow Falls (The Matt Bannister Series Book 1)

Welcome to Willow Falls. The town young Matthew Bannister ran away from fifteen years before. Now famed U.S. Deputy Marshal Matt Bannister is coming home to reconcile with his family. He prayed he wouldn’t see his ex-best friend Tom Smith nor the only girl he ever loved, Tom’s wife, Elizabeth. However, old feuds unsettled never die and spark a powder keg of action when the desperate Moskin Gang kidnap Elizabeth and leave a murderous trail behind them. In anguish, Tom, the Willow Falls sheriff, turns to his despised old-friend to help get the woman they both love back alive, if they can.

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I’m going back to enjoying my read.

I hope you’ve found something as enjoyable read too.

Happy Reading !

This and that December 22, 2021

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Tomorrow is not Christmas Eve? Whew.

It’s always a relief when I get ahead of myself and find I’m wrong in the right direction. It’s the pits when I’ve lost a day and it’s later than I think.

I have some last minute shopping to do and it’s challenging. Partly because of shortages (no Christmas gift bags at the Dollar Store,) and partly because my intended gift store is gone. It’s been replaced with other businesses. How sad is that? It will have been a casualty of covid restrictions last year. Now I have to think of something else for a gift. It’s tough when some of us are hard to buy for. It’s that stage of life when there is nothing much we actually need or want. This extra day to think and look will save my bacon.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed but when I use slang I try to remember to search and make sure there is an available meaning. What good is a slang expression if you don’t know what it means. It’s amazing what can be found on the internet, I don’t think I’ve tried to use an expression yet that couldn’t be found.

Getting back to the gift I have to rethink, maybe I can find something at the garden store. Maybe a yard ornament or something, for one of her many flowerbeds. (It’s a good job she doesn’t read my blog, the surprise could be blown.)

As for the important gift I needed to find today… I was successful – sort of. My daughter wanted a hoodie (like everyone else is getting this year) in some shade of blue. It’s a good thing she wasn’t all that stuck on the color (I could tell by the way she answered the question) because all I could find was a grey one. I liked it a lot and I hope she will too. It looks like her, if that makes sense.

They were having a sale and right below her rack there was another one with a hoodie I thought I would like. It’s built short and wide, which isn’t all that flattering, but hey loose is warmer than tight. And since I’m always cold…

In fact, this one isn’t even enough tonight, I’ve added another layer, that makes four. I’m finally warm.

I’ll let you see.

so intense… it’s the picture taking thing
Four heavy layers is finally enough.

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What will I do when winter really gets here? lol

We haven’t talked about books but I am reading, so…

Happy Reading y’all

Free and bargain books December 20, 2021

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We have an assortment of suggestions this morning, two from 1531 Entertainment and one from BookRunes.

I’ve read and enjoyed this first one.

Silent Night Standoff: Faith in the Face of Crime (First Responders Book 1)

HOSTAGE SITUATION 

When armed robbers strike her bank, hostage negotiator Skyler Brennan’s life is on the line. Rescue comes from the last person she thought she could count on—the ex-boyfriend who chose his job over their relationship. FBI agent Logan Hunter knows how much is resting on this case. The promotion of his dreams…and the safety of the woman he’s never been able to forget. But when an unexpected twist in the case pulls Logan in two separate directions, he’ll have to make an impossible choice. Will he manage to have it all by Christmas—a career and love—or will he lose them both? 

First Responders: Brave men and women alert and ready for danger and love.

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This is a first for me with this author.

Finding Lady Enderly

Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London’s east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within–and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.

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This next author is also new to me.

Ivory Shores: Book One (Ivory Shores Book Series 1)

Amazon quote:

In Book One of this series, an unlikely group of six vastly different women journey together to a secluded, southern beach known as Ivory Shores. Not one of them knows just how much impact she will have on the others through the life experiences she brings with her into their tiny beach house. As friendships grow, bonds strengthen, and individual stories unfold, each woman – no matter how bold, bitter, or broken her heart is – begins to find her own place in the great story of healing and restoration. “I loved this book, and I think you will too. Six women travel to the beach together, getting to know one another and sharing the struggles and triumphs of life. The characters are relatable, and the message is uplifting. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll want to plan your own girls’ trip to the beach!” Inspired by her own love of reading Christian fiction and her desire to encourage women in their faith and friendships, Tonya Weeks combines her gift of storytelling and her sense of humor to bring authentic characters and uplifting plots to life. With wit and wisdom gained through both fun-filled and humbling experiences, she easily connects with her readers, drawing them into an imaginative world of life, love, and laughter.

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Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books December 19, 2021

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One book so far today, from BookRunes. This is an author we’ve seen fairly often and if you enjoy cowboy romance I think you will like this one.

Maybe more interesting suggestions will show up along the way.

Country Romance: A Christian Cowboy Romance (Millars Crossing Romance Book 1)

Two lonely strangers and a snow storm.

Recipe for romance?

If Adele Marten’s troubled childhood taught her anything it was that family is everything.

So when the time comes to keep a promise she made to her dying friend, she knew she would do whatever it takes to reunite a father and son… who have never met.

Even risk her fragile heart.

Hard-working single dad, Wyatt Sutton had his hands full raising twin girls and running a ranch, after his wife took off and left them. He’s been doing things on his own for a long time.

When a gorgeous stranger shows up on his doorstep with child she claims is his, Wyatt is thrown for a loop. A simple test can tell him what he already knows… the boy is his.

Too bad it’s not as easy to figure out his feelings for Adele. She’s everything he never knew he was missing, but she has plans— and he already had a family.

With goodbye on the horizon, can Adele and Wyatt let go of the past to take a chance on a country romance?

Country Romance the first book in the Millars Crossing Cowboys romance series. If you like heartfelt explorations of hope, picturesque rural settings, and emotional journeys, then you’ll adore Carolyne Aarsen’s latest sweet tale.

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The suggestion strip had a bargain suggestion, also historical. I’ve not read this author and have no way to gauge if it will be a good read. The first few pages look interesting, though, it should be worth a try at least.

Two Souls Bound Together: An Inspirational Historical Romance Book

Erika Caldwell, one of Boston’s best dressmakers, has been struggling ever since her doctor diagnosed her with tuberculosis. She used to be a ray of joy but now she is dripping with misery, having to endure the one thing she hates the most – being pitied. While feeling utterly lost, a surprising opportunity for treatment appears, in a faraway place that she doesn’t hesitate to take. Upon her arrival, she meets the dashing William and regains her zest for life, but will she be able to escape the clutches of her illness and find true joy?

She feels as if a terrible shadow looms over their love….

For five long years, blacksmith William Bates has been mourning the loss of his parents in a horrible fire. He was saved in a last-minute rescue but he has been consumed by mourning ever since. When he meets the beautiful Erika he realizes that even if the path to happiness is sometimes narrow, yet it holds more than one surprise in store. As he discovers the promise of love, can he confess to Erika and break the shackles of remorse?

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It seems that all of Grace Clemens books are lengthy (over 400 pages) and priced as low bargains. This could be a bad sign. Still $1.25 is an easy way to check out her work. I’m going to order this one out of curiosity.

Currently, I’m reading an author new to me, one I wanted to check out. I’m about a third of the way through and undecided in my assessment. I will finish though. It is still free if you are interested.

Maybe part of my problem with enjoyment is that I forgot which author I was reading. One of the hazards of a fast pace between them. I was reading books from a less-enjoyed writer and needed a break. I’ve been reading this book with a biased opinion. Must rectify that.

Real Virtue: Inspirational Romantic Suspense Christian Thriller (Web of Lies Book 1)

In a virtual reality game where she can fly, someone is aiming to take her down.

Mel Mesini is a New York City restaurateur and an avid virtual reality world traveler. She’s risen above her misfit life and now bears a striking resemblance to her glamorous gaming avatar. But her successful life-both online and in reality-takes a swerve the night her father is seriously injured in a hit-and-run. Mel is careened back to her judgmental hometown, where being the daughter of the town’s crazy lady had made her an outcast. To make matters worse, Officer Jeremy Stiles, the man whose harsh, rejecting words had cut her the deepest, is heading the investigation.

Jeremy knows he hurt Mel and attempts to make amends by finding her father’s assailant. When he realizes she’s the actual target, his plan for reconciliation turns to one of protection-whether she wants his help or not. What he wants are answers, especially about this online game she plays. Is it a harmless pastime as she says? Or is she using it to cover something up? As a faceless predator destroys the things that matter to her, Jeremy knows he’s running out of time before she loses the one thing that matters most-her real life.

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I hope you are enjoying your day.

It has been a stormy one here but has calmed down and, at the moment, there is a hint of blue sky out there.

A good day for reading.

Happy Reading!

Follow up to Dreams December 18, 2021

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You think I’m crazy. I’m sitting here watching (listening) to podcasts and playing a game and now I’m thinking about my Dreams post of a little earlier.

Looking at it from another perspective (maybe your’s) I’m sure you all think I’ve lost it. How in the world can a simple decision to sleep on a different side of the bed lead a person to see it as a life changing experience?

Here is the thing. Sometimes life changing has nothing to do with the size of the decision. Sometimes the decisions we wrestle with the most are inconsequential. In fact many of the ideas we hold on to with a death grip mean very little in the grand scheme of things.

The major shake up comes from the fact we made the change at all.

I had my little routine going on. The placement of all things important to me. Clock, hand lotion, tissues, position of the light switch. My dresser with drawers full of things belonging to me. Orientation to the room.

As I’m trying to find words to describe all of this in a sensible fashion an unwelcome but true thought is barging it’s way in.

I’ve always explained my reluctance away as a move that would deprive me of the conveniences I’ve enjoyed where I was.

Further thought has me realizing that it is about so much more than that and I haven’t been allowing the thought to materialize, never mind be honest about it.

I don’t need all the drawer space that comes with the furniture and from the beginning I’ve set the room up as a him and hers. This parts mine, this parts yours. I did make use of the space, mostly for craft supplies and such. Things that could be moved elsewhere if there ever was a “him.”

It all seems a little weird now because I didn’t expect there ever would be a reason to share this space. Although, there may be a subconscious part of me that wishes otherwise. Who knows.

Moving from my side to “his” side feels a little like moving into enemy territory.

The decision to change sides seemed to come from a different place this time.

A week or so ago there was a pivotal moment where I was able to let go and break free of the hold my childhood abuser had over me. It was a major break through. It looks like that event has affected me in ways I have yet to discover.

It seems I’m not (emotionally) sharing this house with anyone anymore. Finally I have accepted full ownership and view the house as all mine.

Reality is, it has always been mine. No one else has ever lived here, or has a history with the furniture or anything else. Something broken inside me couldn’t believe it.

The decision to change to the other side of the room seemed easy and inconsequential this time and yet there was a deep sense of excitement over possible life change and adventure. Having the conversation steer into this sober emotional place is unexpected. I’m not celebrating but I’m quietly happy about this new information.

So, back to the original intent of the post.

Sometimes it’s not the weight of the decision that’s important, it’s the fact that we made it at all.

In the end my decision seems simple but carries far more significance than I could have guessed.

Have you changed your crazy assessment of me yet?!?

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Dreams and all that December 18, 2021

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Photo by Elu012bna Aru0101ja on Pexels.com

I’m writing this in an effort to work my way out of this morning’s brain fog. There are many things on my mind these days but nothing coherent. Not clear enough to write a decent post anyway and I’m in a fix.

Some of this extra brain activity was showing up in crazy dreams this morning. But what do they mean? That’s the mystery. I was sitting here at the dinning room table looking out the narrow window by the front door when a delivery man from the country of residence for my son walked up, turned the knob and entered. I had no idea who he was, why he was here, or if I should be afraid. I screamed anyway and woke up.

Two nights ago I decided it was time to change sides of the bed. I have been sleeping on the same side for decades and was rather attached. I’ve entertained the thought of moving many times over the years but it was never an attractive idea. This time I made the decision and suddenly it has become a life changing moment. I have no idea why. I feel like I’m taking off on a new adventure.

The reason for the change was nothing earth shattering, it was simply to make use of the unused quarters of the mattress that were still like new.

I’m enjoying this sense of a new chapter in my life. I have no idea what it means or what it will look like but that doesn’t dampen the sense of anticipation.

So back to the dreams.

When overnight visitors come to my house and are shown to their room they automatically turn left to mine, which is kind of funny because they can’t see in the room yet. So, my door is closed, I open it to go in and someone has taken over my room, sleeping in my spot. What am I supposed to do now? Rather than try to boot them out I closed the door and left. I need to work on that.

Then, a recurring dream popped up.

I’m living in a big house. The main floor is large but the downstairs is larger. It has six or eight bedrooms, the floor plan is divided up into three main areas, each distinct from the other. All of them interesting and unique. I’ve dreamed about this house many times. No idea why.

Maybe all this dream activity is related to my son, his wife and daughter. They are planning a trip home for an extended visit after a number of years away. Their boys arrived in September and are living with their aunt, uncle, and cousins. Usually the family settles on the west coast using it as home base. Maybe this time they will settle here in the middle of the country. Maybe it will be my turn to host them.

We will likely find out tonight on our regular zoom call.

Instead of falling back to sleep I should have stayed up this morning after turning up the heat.

But then I would have missed out on all the fun dreams.

There were more but I’m sparing you the details.

OK, I’m awake now, the sun is shining and it’s a beautiful day. I should get ready to see what else the day can hold.

We will talk books in the next post.

This and that December 17, 2021

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Who am I reading? The other day I mentioned my favorite recent read. Unscripted by Davis Bunn. There was a fuzzy moment in the middle of the book where I sat up straight and asked myself who I was reading. In that moment I could have sworn I was reading Charles Martin, another top tier favorite author. This mix up is actually a compliment to both authors, they are that good.

I meant to mention this Charles Martin event in my review of Unscripted, the thought of the oversight and the need to do something about it has not left me alone. Maybe now I can move on!

The trouble with reading books of this caliber, it spoils me for reading regular books. I’m still searching for my next read. The path behind me if littered with rejects and I’m no closer to finding something to catch my interest enough to settle in for the duration.

I suppose it doesn’t help that my thoughts are taken up with Christmas, shopping, work deadlines, and the non-fiction book that is calling to my name.

Originally, I was planning to read a book on Boundaries but…

Years ago I read another book on the subject and I have wholeheartedly embraced the need for boundaries. That may have contributed to my procrastination. Recently another book on the shelf caught my eye, it’s one I’ve not read nor have I read any others like it. Maybe this would be a better way to go.

I have heard similar ideas expressed. If I think I can – if I think I can’t, I’m right. Another thought often heard, especially in regard to anger, is – no one can make you feel angry without your permission. I’ve found both of these expressions to be true.

The book I’m considering is written by Dr Gary Smalley, a family counselor with decades of ministry in relationships. The Five Love Languages is probably the most well known among the many books he’s written over the course of his lifetime.

Change Your Heart, Change Your Life is the name the one under consideration.

Today I was thinking about something similar to his idea.

I choose. I choose to trust, love, be tolerant and understanding. I don’t always do a good job. Sometimes my triggers short circuit my good intentions.

Anyway I’ve had this book for a number of years, it’s about time I read it.

If it gels, I will share nuggets that touch my heart as important.

Change Your Heart, Change Your Life: How Changing What You Believe Will Give You the Great Life You’ve Always Wanted

Out of your heart flow your words and actions. Change your heart, and you’ll change your life.

According to best-selling author Dr. Gary Smalley, nobody has to live by the destructive subtle lies or believe the distortions of truth this world holds out to us. There are steps, strategies, and beliefs people can bring to their lives to either totally transform them or quietly improve them-and it all starts with hiding God’s Word in their hearts.

Hiding God’s Word in his heart radically changed the life of Smalley himself, and he is seeing it revolutionize the lives of people around him as well-from lust, materialism, selfishness, anger, stress, overeating, anxiety, and guilt, just to name a few. No matter a person’s age, experiences, or previous patterns, this book will guide readers to the whys and hows of orchestrating their beliefs to forever change their lives and relationships.

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