Courting Miss Amsel

Christian fiction author Kim Vogel Sawyer has written another wonderful historical novel that I highly recommend. Courting Miss Amsel is a delightful read that I thoroughly enjoyed! The story takes place in Nebraska in 1882, and follows a small-town schoolmarm as she strives to do the very best job she can. Her trials and victories come alive on the pages---as do all the characters. The ending of this wonderful story left me thinking (yet AGAIN!) how much I enjoy ALL of Kim Vogel Sawyer's writing. She truly brings the past alive for her readers, and that's why she remains at the top of my "Favorite Authors" list!

Winter Thoughts

There have been lots of comments lately about the Winter weather. Here in Georgia we've had our share of cold, rain, and even some snow and ice. But I'm sure folks in other areas of the country would consider our "bad" weather very mild! Something I've noticed---both in conversations and on Facebook postings---is that many folks are just TIRED of Winter. They're ready for nicer, warmer weather and Spring! And I must confess that I'm also really looking forward to seeing my trees have buds and green leaves, my azalea bushes flowering, and slightly warmer temperatures. ~ However, I'm reminded of my precious late Mama's words when I was younger: Don't wish your life away by being in such a hurry! ~ So I know it's fine to anticipate our lovely Georgia Springtime, but meanwhile I'll enjoy each day of Winter that remains---and know that God is in control and He has a purpose for each season. ~ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Thanksgiving in January

Yesterday when writing a check in the grocery store, the date seemed to startle me: January 28! Already the month of January is almost gone for this year--how can that be? Didn't we just have Christmas? ~ Later in the day I once again thought about how quickly this month is zipping by, and I also thought about the different "types" of days I've experienced this month. There have been many "sunshine" days--when I've enjoyed special times with family or friends, or received a good report from my doctor. But there have also been "dreary" days--when my physical state and emotions seemed to match the gray, dreary weather we were having that day. But I always have to remember that if we never had those dreary days, we wouldn't fully appreciate the sunshine! ~ So I must remember to be thankful even for the dreary days and make the most of them, because every day is special and a gift from God. So I will try to greet each morning with a thankful heart and make the most of that day--whether the sun is shining or not!

An "Event-FULL" Year

Christmas Greetings! It's hard to believe today is December 26 and a new year is just around the corner. Whew! 2010 has really flown by for me, and I've heard others say the same thing. ~ As I reflect over this past year, I realize my family had many major events! In May my middle child graduated college and my baby graduated high school! SO proud of both kiddos (thankfully they're much smarter than their mother!). ~ After being out of work for almost a year, my husband was hired by another company in June---which was a tremendous blessing! ~ In late June I had 4 spinal surgeries in an 8-day period at a major Atlanta hospital. Although that was the most difficult thing I've ever experienced, I saw the Lord's hand at work in so many ways, and numerous blessings have come out of that experience. ~ My middle child got her first teaching job and moved out in July, then in August we moved our baby into his dorm at college (a very emotional time for me---but again, the Lord's hand was at work throughout all of this). ~ November was very special for our family as our middle child married in a beautiful, sweet wedding. We adore our son-in-law and their wedding day was perfect! And again we knew the Lord had blessed us abundantly. ~ Now as we enjoy the Christmas season we are again reminded of how very blessed we are. And as I think of the various events of this past year---both the happy and difficult---I know without a doubt the Lord was with us in everything---just as He will be in the coming year. What a comforting thought! ~ May you have the peace of knowing whatever events you experience, the Lord is there with you.

In Every Heartbeat

Author Kim Vogel Sawyer has written yet another historical fiction book that I loved! Set shortly before World War I, In Every Heartbeat tells the story of three friends who grew up in the same orphanage and have gone off to college together. As in all of Kim's books, the events are never predictable! Her characters always come alive for me, and when I have to stop reading I look forward to "jumping back" into the story to see what happens. Fans of historical fiction and romance will enjoy this (and ALL of!) Kim Vogel Sawyer's books. Her books not only entertain, but offer messages of the hope we have when we have Christ in our life.

Wedding Countdown!!!

I cannot believe my middle daughter Becca's wedding is in only 4 more days! Seems like she and Shaun (her wonderful fiance we adore) just became engaged. ~ As I look back over their years of dating, I truly see the Lord's hand at work. He could not have brought a young man into our daughter's life who we'd love more than we love Shaun. In fact, I already consider him as my "4th child"! In spite of the busyness and sometimes "headaches" of planning a large wedding and reception, I try to stay focused on the fact that this event will truly be a blessing, and afterwards I feel certain we'll have happy memories to cherish for years. I am truly blessed!!! Thank you Lord.

Within My Heart

Since I am a fan of historical fiction, I love the books written by Christian author Tamera Alexander. Her latest release, Within My Heart, was another delightful story that transported me back to Colorado in the late 1800s. This author's style of writing always sweeps me into her stories and I thoroughly enjoy them so much that I don't want them to end! And at the end of Within My Heart, I let out a "sigh" of satisfaction, as I do when I finish each book by Tamera Alexander. The setting, characters, and events kept me turning pages and not wanting the story to end. I highly recommend reading this book, and feel certain you'll enjoy it as much as I did!