survival

Bargain book February 22, 2022

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Just one book today. 1531 Entertainment‘s suggestion is one I’ve read and think I’ve enjoyed. My memory on this is a little hazy.

One Thursday Morning: Inspirational Romance (Romance At An Inn) (Diamond Lake Series Book 1)

How Do You Start Over?

Running not only for her own life, but that of her unborn baby, Serenah moves across the country to a little town outside of Spokane Washington called Newport. It’s here she’ll begin to build a new life and go by a different name in the hopes of staying hidden from her abusive husband John.

Can Serenah find happiness in her new life? Or will the past eventually catch up to her?

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Nothing much is showing up in the suggestion strip and it is not easy to care very much tonight.

Life all around us is going a little crazy. Just like in this book suggestion, where the abuser is leveling accusations loudly and convincingly with both words and fists, and his abuse has escalated. She is afraid for her life and rightfully so.

In real life the one yelling the loudest is the bully. Actually, if we look closely, he is the only one yelling. The abused has been emotionally beaten down over an extended period of time to the point she is incapable of standing up to protect herself. At rock bottom she will either choose to stay in abject defeat or in desperation plan and follow through on an escape.

It looks like we are at that point. Rock bottom lowest point.

Low point shows up in the amount and kind of damage being done. The bully has ceased to care about keeping injuries hidden from public view and rage is out of control. The last blow wasn’t fatal but the next one could be.

It’s funny how the world around the couple can often see the truth of a relationship when those living in it day-to-day can’t. Until it’s almost too late.

Something bigger is going on. January 15, 2022

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My take-away from this new interview – in this present day with it’s upheaval and polarization the discussion here has a different perspective, we are missing the real point.

The title identifies today’s topic as Future Church Trends. This is true but it’s not the whole truth. These days we are in hot debate, coming close to blows over things like Covid, global warming, CRT, and so many more. The discussion here expands to embrace the global view, not just the church view, of our struggles and it encompasses all the areas of life we as a culture are fighting about.

Mark Sayers has taken a step back to look at the global in-fighting and has reached the conclusion, there is something bigger going on here.

His view on this speaks to me.

A number of weeks ago, as we watched the massive destruction of farmland and major highway systems in south western Canada, due to major flooding, a realization came over me. For years we have been engaged in the heated philosophical debate over climate change and how to combat it. We have totally ignored the practical aspects of infrastructure maintenance. If the level of energy given to the climate change debate had been applied to the consideration of practical areas, like fixing the reported weaknesses in the local dykes, the disaster could have been significantly reduced.

On a global level, are we so caught up in our emotional and opinionated disagreements that we are missing the reality of what is going on in our world?

Mark Sayers is not offering any thoughts on what is truly happening but I think he could be right, there is something.

The world could be falling apart all around us and the way we are fighting, we wouldn’t even notice. Until it was too late.

Personally, I’m taking a few steps back to think about what we could be missing here. What is truly going on in our world? I don’t think there are any easy answers. If we are vigilant maybe we will see the truth exposed in time to do something about it.

So, who is it? Happy to see us consumed in heated arguments while they steal the rug out from under us?

I think generations coming up behind us need us to lay aside our feuds and pay attention to reality.

Enjoy.

Current read and two new interesting books January 09, 2022

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Last week I mentioned a book written by a psychotherapist interviewed on a podcast I came across. I think I shared it here, I need to check that out to be sure. Anyway, I’m reading her book and it is like taking medicine mixed with delicious honey. The authors aim was to provide help to those of us who might not be inclined (for whatever reason) to visit a therapist but dish it up as a story to make sure we would read it. I have to say she is doing a masterful job. I’m almost finished the first third of the book and it is not easy to put down.

Maybe You Should Talk To Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

Now being developed as a television series with Eva Longoria and ABC!

“Rarely have I read a book that challenged me to see myself in an entirely new light, and was at the same time laugh-out-loud funny and utterly absorbing.”—Katie Couric

“This is a daring, delightful, and transformative book.”—Arianna Huffington, Founder, Huffington Post and Founder & CEO, Thrive Global

“Wise, warm, smart, and funny. You must read this book.”—Susan Cain, New York Times best-selling author of Quiet

From a New York Times best-selling author, psychotherapist, and national advice columnist, a hilarious, thought-provoking, and surprising new book that takes us behind the scenes of a therapist’s world—where her patients are looking for answers (and so is she).

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Last week I shared a new book written by a member of our monthly writer’s group. I’m going to share it again along with the new book of a second member of our group. I do own both books and haven’t gotten to them yet but I’m excited about the prospect. We have been exposed regularly to the excellent writings of these gentlemen and they are well worth reading.

They have different styles, unique imaginations and they leave us wanting more.

Fire and Iron: Stories of Fidelity, Infidelity and Daring Commitment

Broken promises, ulterior motives, revenge and deceit; Ten stories detailing relationships some broken, and some redemptive, all recognizing human frailty.

Short stories for adults with stories for men, women, and youth including short love stories that make you cry.

Each story is followed by book club discussion questions to prompt reflection of the story and personal experiences. This short story collection is both suitable for the Christian book club and general adult book clubs.

Inspirational short stories of relationships.
Excerpts from the stories:
She attempted to grasp his hand, their fingers touched, but then his hand was gone. (Fire and Iron)

Emma reached out to collect her books. She hesitated when she saw Keara crouching in front as if to help. To her dismay, Keara only whispered, “You know you’re not my friend anymore.” (The River)

Rand Gavell’s moral fiber is put to the test. His injured wife lies comatose in a care home while an attractive, single real-estate agent suggests an alternative lifestyle. (A Touch of Salt)

The title, Fire and Iron, suggests the stories are of individuals tempered by the fires of hurt, strengthened by the pain and helped by the kindness of another.

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Stealth by Robert Stermscheg

1944. American bomber pilot, Jack Swaggart, has led his squadron countless times into hostile German territory, hit the assigned target, and returned to base none the worse for wear.

Eventually, Jack’s luck runs out. With his B-26 Marauder heavily damaged by flak, Jack is forced to ditch his crippled airplane in the German countryside.

Separated from his crew, Jack trusts an unlikely ally, Hilde Augsburg, a plucky young woman, a decision with icy catapults them into an adventure neither could have envisioned. Coincidentally, they spot a new type of German warplane in flight–a design unlike anything they’ve ever seen before.

In that moment, Jack realizes that the Nazis have developed a formidable new bomber, one that could dramatically alter the course of the war. In the blink of an eye, Jack’s mission shifts from survival to thwarting the Germans, just when the Allies are on the verge of triumph.

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All three of these authors are well worth the read. I think you will enjoy them as much as I do.

Happy Reading!

Read and enjoyed December 15, 2021

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It was magical. That’s the only way I can describe Unscripted by Davis Bunn. This was my current read yesterday and today it was another one of his books.

Unscripted was a combination of brilliant story line, and deep character development for the full cast. It felt like a movie and I was living in it. There was magic in the intense interactions between emotionally involved characters, and that could be said for all of them. There wasn’t a boring person to be had anywhere. Except for one and his outrageous lifestyle overruled his lack luster emotions. The measured unfolding of a complex and unpredictable plot added to the allure. This story went places I couldn’t have imagined.

Everything about this book worked and I loved it. I think it will need multiple readings to take it all in.

I could handle reading it again.

Burden of Proof by Davis Bunn was today’s read. I probably should have waited until the cloud of euphoria dissipated. There was zero similarity in the two books. It was like going straight from the best steak ever to what was probably a delicious seafood platter.

It took a while to shift gears and begin to think on a different plane. Part of the struggle was rooted in the strong but strange opening scenes. I would say more about all of that but don’t want to give away anything important. Actually, I would really love to give a major element away but I’ll behave.

My assessment of both was five stars. They were very different but both brilliant.

I will admit I was sad with the ending of the second book. It was emotionally impacting but with no euphoria.

Burden of Proof is still at a bargain price if you would like to give it a try. It was an intriguing story, that’s for sure.

Happy Reading!

Read and enjoyed November 24, 2021

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This book from yesterday met my expectations. This is an author I’ve enjoyed before.

One of the things I appreciate most in a story is: it doesn’t sound a bit like any of the others I’ve read.

This book almost accomplished it. There were a few spots with a familiar feel but that would be explained by the earlier books in the series. Same town, same people, mostly, with the focus on a different couple.

A reviewer commented the other day on an author he enjoyed but stopped reading because of the sameness in her work. I agree with him; different is better.

This was my favorite book so far this week.

Hangin’ by a Moment (Deep Haven Collection Book 5) 

He just wants to erase his past.

The day Jack—formerly Winston Stewart—walked out of jail, he vowed to keep his conviction a secret. After all, it wasn’t like he’d committed a murder. Just a terrible mistake, and he did his time. Now he wants a new life in a sleepy town where no one knows his name. Deep Haven is the perfect place to start over as a chef. The last thing the former pararescue jumper wants is to get involved. But when Boone Buckam—his friend and the one guy he owes for getting him out of the slammer—asks for help, how can Jack refuse?

She can’t seem to escape hers.

Colleen Decker has already escaped evil once—as a teenager, she was kidnapped by a murderer. But she’s put all that behind her as a trauma nurse in Minneapolis. Or maybe not, because a freak mistake in the ER sends her past crashing down on her. She needs a timeout in her hometown of Deep Haven. She doesn’t plan to stay—even when she’s roped into the job of flight nurse for the town’s Crisis Response Team chopper. Colleen’s not sure why she’s drawn to danger, but she’ll be safe enough. After all, she’ll need training, and her teacher is a handsome former pararescue jumper. What could go wrong?

But facing the past might put their future together in jeopardy.

When Jack said he didn’t want to get involved, he especially meant his heart—but being with Colleen feels like a fresh start. He’ll even climb aboard a chopper again, despite his vows. They’re headed for a happy ending… But secrets never stay buried in a small town. And when disaster strikes one snowy night, they’ll both have to decide if the past will destroy them…or if it just might lead them home.

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This is my current read, second attempt. I haven’t made it very far yet. Might be skipping to the end?

Running With The Wind: A tale of courage, love and survival aboard the Mayflower

(The Mayflower Collection Book 1) 

Jedediah Trelawney has a secret. Revealing it could cost him his life.

Jedediah Trelawney joins a small, overcrowded ship bound for America. A young man from a privileged background, he struggles to adapt to life at sea. Determined to earn the respect of his fellow passengers, he undertakes arduous tasks alongside the crew, but Jed is not cut out for the life of a sailor.

Sickness is rife aboard the Mayflower. Inspired by Samuel Fuller, a self-taught physician, Jed develops a fascination with the healing arts. He thrives as Doctor Fuller’s apprentice and challenges traditional ideas, seeking kinder methods for treating the sick.

Smitten by Desire Minter, Jed dreams of a future as a respected colony physician with Desire as his wife. Hostile passenger, John Billington, has other ideas. When Billington threatens to reveal Jed’s past, Jed becomes the victim of bullying and bribery. Somehow, Jed must silence Billington for good, or risk losing everything — including his life.

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Check these out, to see if you like them better than I do.

Happy Reading

An aerial view of the flooding in my home town

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The area is south western British Columbia, Canada. They had unprecedented rainfall last week and the damage is crazy. The number of people stranded is staggering too.

I thoroughly enjoyed the helicopter ride. Maybe you will too. The first town is Abbotsford, I’ve lived there twice. East of the flooding is Chilliwack. I was born and raised there. Further east is a small town of Hope. It is the junction town between three highways. One travels east and two travel north. I’ve spent many hours driving all of them. I love the mountains. That’s what I miss the most where I live now. On the prairies of southern Manitoba province. Flat, flat, flat.

I’m happy to be living anywhere. And I have family here. I do love seeing home though, I have to say.

There is a second video of other parts of BC, I haven’t watched it yet but if it’s as good as the first one it will be well worth the watch.

Enjoy.

They will travel where there is snow on the mountains. It will be beautiful.

I hope you love this a much as I do.

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

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.

I’ve been thinking October 17, 2021

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I’ve had this post in mind for two days now but it was on forgiveness, a comment yesterday changed my trajectory.

The observation was that I love books but people?… not so much.

At first I agreed with that assessment. It’s true I do have deep trust issues and live a solitary life on a day to day basis.

This morning I woke up feeling an overwhelming love for people. This is not uncommon. I’ve experienced this most of my life.

This last while, I’ve been troubled, not able to identify how both could be true, trust and distrust. Especially when it came to men. My dad was abusive. I have two brothers, they were abused. I hated my dad but loved my brothers? Is that what’s behind it? It doesn’t seem to fit but if not that, then what?

Take for example, my neighbor: I’ve shared with her some of my story. She has first hand knowledge of my struggle with trust issues and triggers. I’ve accepted her event invitations and cancelled at the last minute because I knew men would be there and I couldn’t make myself go. And yet… if we were standing in her drive way with her husband and he cracked a joke I was relaxed enough to laugh. I could tell by her body language that she was not happy and was now doubting my story. Which is true? The uptight or the relaxed?

So, how can I love and not love at the same time?

This morning I’m reminded, a survival tool for the severally abused is compartmentalization.

When I’m conscious of me and what I’m feeling, and people get too close – triggers happen, I’m reacting and not liking it.

When I forget about me entirely and my focus is completely on the other person, I feel empathy and love. I’m open and relaxed.

Where does all of this come from?

This morning I’m recognizing, it’s coming from my inner circle, the place where only three humans have ever been, or should have been. It would be truer to say they should have been there but all three chose to live outside of it, emotionally unavailable to me. One of them chose to visit the inner circle occasionally but only physically and in an abusive way.

Now, when I struggle with relating to people as the focus is directed toward me, I’m realizing it’s the result of the trauma inflicted on me by three. That’s one compartment.

There is another compartment where God shows up in the inner circle. This was my place of refuge in traumatic times. God was always there and has continued to be there, emotionally available to me my whole life.

This is how I can love and not love at the same time.

Wherever possible, I choose to love with the love I’ve experienced with God in the second compartment.

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The original thought for this post was – How could I be forgiving?

That’s a big question and I still want to share my story. Soon, maybe.

Photo by Peng Louis on Pexels.com

Free and bargain books October 05, 2021

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us, one that comes highly recommended. A biography that reads like a novel.

The Rabbi’s Wife, The Bishop’s Wife: A Historical Novel

The moving story of Joana Halevi – one brave woman who was willing to give up the most precious things in her life to maintain her faith.

Spain, 1391. Joana, wife of Shlomo Halevi, the Rabbi of Burgos, mother of five, and daughter of a wealthy and respectable family, is living a comfortable, carefree life. Until her world is shattered without warning one summer day.

While her husband Shlomo, now Pablo de Santamaria, joins the Catholic church and takes their family with him, Joana struggles with the unrelenting yearning for her children. Will her soul find relief? Will her children return to her side?

Jerusalem, 2020. Ruth is struggling with personal conflicts when the Covid-19 pandemic shakes her world, adding loneliness and isolation to her struggle. With her new online friend, she embarks on a voyage that will set Joana Halevi’s memory free from oblivion.

Based on the true story of Joana Halevi, The Rabbi’s Wife, the Bishop’s Wife addresses human behavior and condition: true and false alliances, betrayal and loyalty, destruction and redemption.

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1531 Entertainment has a suggestion from an author we’ve seen before.

Autumn Skies (A Bluebell Inn Romance Book 3)

When a mysterious man turns up at Grace’s family-run inn, it’s instant attraction. But she’s already got a lot on her plate: running the Bluebell Inn, getting Blue Ridge Outfitters off the ground, and coping with a childhood event she’d thought was long past.

A gunshot wound has resurrected the past for secret service agent Wyatt Jennings, and a mandatory leave of absence lands him in Bluebell, North Carolina. There he must try and come to grips with the crisis that altered his life forever.

Grace needs experience for her new outfitters business, so when Wyatt needs a mountain guide, she’s more than happy to step up to the plate. As their journey progresses, Grace soon has an elusive Wyatt opening up, and Wyatt is unwittingly drawn to Grace’s fresh outlook and sense of humor.

There’s no doubt the two have formed a special bond, but will Wyatt’s secrets bring Grace’s world crashing down? Or will those secrets end up healing them both?

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I’m looking forward to both of these books.

Happy Reading!