LEAVING NOVEMBER

Each time I read another book by Deborah Raney, it reminds me why she is one of my VERY favorite authors! Deb writes in such a way that it is easy to be "swept into" the story, and I feel that I am actually there and listening to the characters speaking. Deb has a series of 3 books that take place in fictional Clayburn, Kansas. I read the first one last year, REMEMBER TO FORGET. I loved that story and eagerly awaited the second book, LEAVING NOVEMBER. I just finished reading it, and LOVED IT!! In this story, the messages of putting the past behind us and moving forward with God's help are shown with true-to-life characters and situations, all set in a cozy little town I would love to visit (if it weren't fictional!). Now I can't wait to read Deb's third Clayburn book....and any other Deborah Raney books I can get my hands on! I highly recommend LEAVING NOVEMBER for an enjoyable, inspiring read.

Summer Days

I hope everyone is having a safe, fun summer. It's hard to believe that July is almost here! In spite of the heat and humidity where we live (Georgia) there are some great things about summer in my state. One of my favorites is the juicy Georgia watermelons - - yum! Another great thing about summer in Georgia is all the beautiful flowers and plants that grow in our state. The magnolias and gardenias are so fragrant, and due to the humidity, usually ferns grow well too (if not out in the direct sun). This year I have 2 hanging baskets of Hibiscus, which I am enjoying. They are a lovely shade of orange, and I'm doing my best to keep them alive - LOL!! May your summer days be blessed with family time and fun.

CONTROLLING INTEREST

While on my wonderful family vacation last week at the Georgia coast, I read the book Controlling Interest by Elizabeth White. I had not read any of her previous books, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced story! The book's action, sprinkled with humor and romance, kept me turning pages until after midnight (one evening I even read instead of participating in the family games for that night*gasp*). Most importantly, though, is the faith message in the book. The believable characters are certainly not perfect, but they strive to have a closer walk with the Lord and find out that He is with them no matter how bad the situation looks. I highly recommend Controlling Interest and look forward to reading more of Beth's books!

Happy Birthday Deb Raney!

Today is the birthday of one of my VERY favorite Christian authors, Deborah Raney. Happy Birthday Deb! I'm praying the Lord's blessings on you today and everyday, and I hope this coming year will be a wonderful one for you.

Deb is an awesome Christian writer and I LOVE her books. Her first novel, A VOW TO CHERISH, inspired a movie of the same title! Many of her books have won awards, and I'm looking forward to reading ALL of them! So far, my favorite Deborah Raney book is PLAYING BY HEART (and not just because it has a picture of a CAT on the cover!!).

Since Deb lives in Kansas, we've never met "in person," but I'm hoping to meet her this September at a Christian writers conference in Minnesota. (I know I'll like her a lot--she's a "cat person" too!).

If you've never read any of her books, you need to find some at your local bookstore - - you won't be disappointed. (she has NO idea I'm dedicating my blog to her today....hope she'll be surprised!) : )

Movies, Monkeybread, and Monopoly

Please allow me to share a "Mom musing" with you! Anyone who is a mom of "older" kids (teens or college-aged) can certainly relate to this. As our children get older and busier, we find that they are away from home more often, which is part of them gaining their independence. But I just happen to be the kind of mom who LOVES having all my kiddos at home! Okay, maybe I thrive on chaos....but anyway, this mother hen is happiest when her chickadees are all gathered in the nest. These past two weeks my middle child, Becca, was at home before leaving for her summer job at a Christian camp (in another town, living with a host family). Oh, how much I enjoyed spending time with my Becca....we watched old movies, baked yummy "Monkeybread" and played the classic board game, Monopoly....and I LOVED every minute of those simple activities!! ~ I am so very thankful the Lord has blessed me with my three children, and although I have "yearned" at times for the days when they were little, He is showing me just how wonderful EVERY age can be!

COURTING EMMA, An AWESOME Book!

I have just finished reading Courting Emma by Sharlene MacLaren and it was AWESOME! This is the first book I've read by this author, and I can honestly say that I am now a Sharlene MacLaren fan, and can't wait to read more of her books! Although I had not read the previous two books in the Little Hickman Creek series, I had no problem at all learning about the town and the characters. In fact, Sharlene's writing "transported me" back in time to that small Kentucky town, and I felt I was actually meeting the townspeople. As I read Courting Emma I had tears at some parts, laughed out loud(really!) at some parts, and felt a warm, joyous feeling as I read how peoples' lives can be changed when they accept Christ into their hearts. As an avid reader, I highly recommend this book, and now am very eager to read Sharlene's other books!

Marvelous May

Wow! I cannot believe the month of May is here already! Since Mother's Day is in May, hopefully all of you with mothers who are still living will make it a very special day for them. That holiday is a little sad now for me, since my precious Mom is in Heaven. But I still will enjoy the day with my own children, so that's a blessing! ~ The stray cat who "adopted" me is having her first Mother's Day (*grin*)....the precious kittens will be nine weeks old tomorrow, and are cuter than ever! Her children arise up, and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:28