BOOK REVIEW - Until the Dawn

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
A volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau, Sophie van Riijn needs access to the highest spot in her village to report the most accurate readings. Fascinated by Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff in the Hudson River Valley, Sophie knows no better option despite a lack of permission from the absent owners. The first Vandermark to return to the area in sixty years, Quentin intends to put an end to the shadowy rumors about the property that has brought nothing but trouble upon his family. Ready to tear down the mansion, he is furious to discover a local woman has been trespassing on his land. Instantly at odds, Quentin and Sophie find common ground when she is the only one who can reach his troubled son. There’s a light within Sophie that Quentin has never known, and a small spark of the hope that left him years ago begins to grow. But when the secrets of Dierenpark and the Vandermark family history are no longer content to stay in the past, will tragedy triumph or can their tenuous hope prevail?
Author's Website: http://elizabethcamden.com/books/until-the-dawn

MY REVIEW: 
Elizabeth Camden has given us another exciting read filled with history, romance, and mystery. The story takes place in a historic mansion in the Hudson River Valley. This part of New York and the Dutch migration were unfamiliar to me and I enjoyed learning more about them as I read the book. One thing I appreciate about Elizabeth Camden's books is that she always has interesting and different locations for her stories. She effectively describes both the interior and exterior of Dierenpark and it was easy to be drawn into the intrigue of the surroundings. I can understand Sophie's desire to want to stay at a mansion that has both a design of elegance and the spirit of a home.

The book has several characters that are growing spiritually and maturing throughout the story. I thought Camden did a great job defining the characters, giving you the ability to follow the characters as they developed. Sophie was very likable and she possessed great spiritual wisdom at a young age. I liked that she was independent in a time when this was not common or accepted. She did not have a full education, yet she was smart, intuitive, and had an unsinkable faith. Her smarts were gained from reading the books in the mansion's library and I appreciated this part of her story. My favorite character in the book was Quentin as I found myself routing for him despite his disbelief and cynicism. As we came to know more about his past my heart felt a tugging toward him. I can relate to some of the feelings and pains he was experiencing. I am a believer in true love and that God can ignite a fire between two people in order to show His love between them. They were exactly what the other person needed and that can only happen by Divine hands.

This is the second book I have read by Elizabeth Camden and I have become a huge fan. I am grateful to have been given this book for review by Bethany House Publishing for my honest opinion of Until the Dawn.

BOOK REVIEW - Love Everlasting

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Abrianna Cunningham has always viewed her longtime friend, Wade Ackerman, as a protective  brother. Lately, however, she’s begun to see him differently and finds herself attracted romantically to him. But she’s confused and overwhelmed by these unfamiliar feelings.  Wade, on the other hand, has loved Abrianna for some time and has been waiting for her to realize they are more than just friends. When he asks her to marry him, she asks for time to adjust to their changed relationship. And then there’s Priam Welby, who has been relentlessly pursuing Abrianna. Will his underhanded tactics succeed in luring Abrianna into marriage with him?
Author's Website:  http://traciepetersonbooks.com/brides-of-seattle-series/

MY REVIEW:
Maybe it is the happy ending, but I always find the last book in a Tracie Peterson series is my favorite.  Throughout the series I have grown fond of our heroine, Abrianna, and her exciting adventures. Love Everlasting lets us see Abrianna in an adventure that may just cost her life and she deserves the casting role of heroine.

All along in the series, we have known that Wade has started to think of Abrianna as more than a friend and we finally get to see how Abrianna returns those same feelings.  I enjoy the differences in their personalities and how they compliment each other.  I believe that makes for a great marriage.  Her lively, adventurous spirit works well with his calm, practical spirit.  He tames her somewhat and she brings him to life.  How Wade would quieten her with his kiss was perfect.  My favorite parts of the book were their conversations.

As I read this book, I was reminded of the word change.  Abrianna was 21 years old and that age range brings about a lot of changes - physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.  Then, I felt the spirit remind me that life is full of changing seasons.  I recently turned 40 and I feel like I am going through one right now, so I wondered what lessons I could learn from Abrianna's story.  Remember to fully trust God, remember that I have friends and family that love me, and remember that in times of change... never change who I am.

BOOK REVIEW - Refining Fire

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Twenty-two-year-old Militine Scott is in training at the Madison Bridal School in Seattle, yet she has no intention of pursuing marriage. What respectable man would have her? But she has found the school provides the perfect opportunity to keep her unsavory past hidden. Thane Patton, though fun-loving and fiercely loyal to his friends, hides a dark secret, as well. He finds himself drawn to Militine, sensing that she harbors a haunting pain similar to his own. Will they allow God to make something new and beautiful from the debris of their past?

MY REVIEW: 
If you frequently read book series, you probably understand the long wait until the next book is released.  Tracie Peterson's books are no exception - I have eagerly awaited the rest of the story in several of her series.  With the Brides of Seattle , I was so excited to start reading the next book, Refining Fire.  After the first book, Steadfast Heart, I was ready to continue in the drama of the Madison Bridal School and the ladies living there.

Refining Fire is the story of a bridal student, Militine Scott, and her surprising relationship with a local boat maker, Thane Patton. I say the relationship was surprising because Militine had no interest in a husband (she was a student in order to seek shelter from her past).  I really enjoyed their story in the book because both Militine and Thane had  pasts filled with violence and remorse that with God's help they would overcome.  Each found their refuge in Seattle and were surrounded by friends who were strong in their faith.  Neither had a strong spiritual life, but together they began to grow in their faith and discovered true love.  We all have something in our past that we wish to escape and the question is where and in Whom we find our refuge.

If you have been enjoying this series, it is obvious that the heroine is Abrianna Cunningham and she continues to be the primary character.  Abrianna does not let you down in this book as she finds herself in several predicaments and also a love triangle.  The two suitors are local carriage maker, Wade Ackerman, and the wealthy businessman, Priam Welby.  I enjoy Abrianna's addition to the series due to her spunk and determination to serve her Lord and minister to those in need.  What a spirit she has!  Her comebacks to the new pastor, Ralston Walker, were witty and had me laughing as I read them.  At first I thought maybe Abrianna and Pastor Walker might have an "opposites attract" relationship start, but I was very relieved that was not in the plot-line.  Pastor Walker was definitely a character I was not sad to see exit the story.  I think if I was a character in this book, I would have to give him a good "what for".

Tracie Peterson never fails to deliver a book with vivid imagery and an interesting plot-line that is rich in history.  I was not aware of the 1889 Seattle Fire and cannot imagine seeing my entire city engulfed in flames.  I think her choice in title, Refining Fire, was reflective of the burdensome fire in Militine and Thane that wore at their hearts.  God is no stranger to overwhelming fires and He can certainly tame them and bring about a beautiful refinement.  Beauty from ashes!

I was provided this book for free as an Advanced Reader Copy by Bethany House, a division of Baker House Publishing, for my honest review.

BOOK REVIEW - Sing For Me

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
When a good church girl starts singing in a jazz club and falls for the music—as well as a handsome African American man—she struggles to reconcile her childhood faith with her newfound passions.  Raised in the Danish Baptist Church, Rose Sorensen knows it’s wrong to sing worldly songs. But Rose still yearns for those she hears on the radio—“Cheek to Cheek,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”—and sings them when no one is around.  One day, Rose’s cousin takes her to Calliope’s, a jazz club, where she discovers an exciting world she never knew existed. Here, blacks and whites mingle, brought together by their shared love of music. And though Rose worries it’s wrong—her parents already have a stable husband in mind for her—she can’t stop thinking about the African American pianist of the Chess Men, Theo Chastain. When Rose returns to the jazz club, she is offered the role of singer for the Chess Men. The job would provide money to care for her sister, Sophy, who has cerebral palsy—but at what cost?  As Rose gets to know Theo, their fledgling relationship faces prejudices she never imagined. And as she struggles to balance the dream world of Calliope’s with her cold, hard reality, she also wrestles with God’s call for her life. Can she be a jazz singer? Or will her faith suffer because of her worldly ways?  Set in Depression-era Chicago and rich in historical detail, Sing for Me is a beautiful, evocative story about finding real, unflinching love and embracing—at all costs—your calling.

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: http://www.karenschreck.com/

MY REVIEW:
I confess that I am drawn to books by the cover art...horrible, I know.  While book shopping at Mardel, my eye was drawn to a low shelf and there packed amidst several possible reads was a beautiful art deco font showing the title of "Sing for Me".  As a long time fan of Ella Fitzgerald and Rosemary Clooney, it is no wonder my eyes spotted this cover.  I've had this dream of being a modern-day lounge singer since probably about my sophomore year in high-school.  (That was about the time I discovered Harry Connick, Jr, my second musician crush...sorry Rick Springfield).  As I have gotten older and lost most of my singing ability, I am okay with letting Jane Monheit and Diana Krall carry that honor.

Maybe it was the excitement of starting the book or the stress I am currently going through in my job, but I had a hard time getting into the story of the book.  It is well-written and seems to be true to the time period, so I am sure I was to blame for my slow beginning.  I enjoyed the characters and appreciated the different dilemmas each were going through, but I was anxious to get to the music and romance. When that began to develop and became forefront, my interest fortissimo-ed and I finished the last half of the book in about a day.  I loved how the author included lyrics from hymns and standards throughout the story.  I found myself singing them all as I read and that makes a great read for me!

There are two evils addressed in the book - prejudice and stubbornness - and both of these give a painful ache to my heart.  Judgement has to be the most hurtful behavior in the world as it leads to much worse.  The judgement given to me since early childhood has not been the color of my skin or the religion I practice, but any judgement is hurtful and leaves permanent scars on the soul.  If I could have one wish granted, it would be that people would think first to accept differences rather than to punish them.  Let us live a life lead by love!  After all, we as Christians, are called to be examples of Christ who was Himself the truest form of love.

As I was finishing this book, the tragedy in Charleston occurred and I found myself crying for the families of the victims and the community.  I was saddened that in 2015 the cruelty of skin-color prejudice is still prevalent in our country.  It breaks my heart and I can only imagine the sadness it brings Christ who loved each one of us enough to sacrifice Himself for our freedom.  Oh, how I pray, that somewhere over the rainbow we can finally overcome this obstacle.

BOOK REVIEW - How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible

BOOK DESCRIPTION & AUTHOR'S WEBSITE
Do you feel like you should read the Bible more?  This book will help you want to read it.  Keith Ferrin has been talking to churches for years about enjoying God's Word. Here he shares the most helpful ideas and habits you can start using today. You will find ten proven tips that are equally practical whether you are a longtime Bible student or simply exploring what this life-changing book is all about.  Aimed at deepening your relationship with God, these simple suggestions will help you focus more easily as you read, remember Scripture better, and most importantly, enjoy the Bible and its Author more than you ever dreamed possible.
http://keithferrin.com/

MY REVIEW

"You have not truly mastered any part of the Bible until that part of the Bible has mastered you" - Bob Shinrock.

 

I met Jesus in 1982, but I fell in love with Jesus in 2001 when I felt His calling and discovered my spiritual gift was teaching.  I am somewhat of a study nerd...I love the research of studying and then sharing what I learn with others.  This is most evident in regards to His Word.  I love the Bible and cannot get enough of His story.  This book will be a reference I keep on hand to gift others I meet who desire to know how to read the Bible with a "relational" approach.  It is that helpful and I wish I would of had it years ago!

Ferrin has written a wonderful reference for new and long-time readers of the Bible.  I enjoyed the personal way in which the book was written.  It was as if he were sitting with you at Starbucks sharing with you his 10 tips for having a better time "hanging out" with God.  With his one-on-one writing style, it was easy to become motivated to put the tips to use.  The tips are practical in that they are lined out in a good format and they are easy to understand.  This practicality made the book extremely motivating.  It feels as if he were your Bible Reading Coach and reminding you that it can be so much fun.

"How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible" has truly encouraged me and I look forward to working through the challenges he presents at the end of the book.  Even though my time with the Bible is frequent, I do see that I can sometimes fall into the "informational" reading approach.  It is so easy to find yourself there in a dutiful feeling instead of a desiring feeling.  My heart so desires time in the arms of my Redeemer and getting to know Him more deeply.  The book has also refueled my love for sharing the Bible with others and I have asked my Pastor to possibly facilitate a Small Group to put these useful tips in the hands of my fellow church members.

I was provided this book for free as an Advanced Reader Copy by Bethany House, a division of Baker House Publishing, for my honest review.

BOOK REVIEW- Until the Harvest

BOOK DESCRIPTION & AUTHOR'S WEBSITE
When family tragedy derails Henry Phillips's college studies, he's left unmoored and feeling abandoned. The only things that can tamp down his grief are the family farm, his fiddle, and an unexpected friendship with sweet but unusual preteen Mayfair Hoffman. Unfortunately, Mayfair's older sister, Margaret, despite her spray of freckles and cute, turned-up nose, has a completely different effect. His grandmother's helper, she's always around, ready to push his buttons, and it seems at first that she doesn't care about his troubles. Henry soon realizes, though, that Margaret's facing her own struggles. Mayfair's health and unique gift sit at the heart of those worries. Henry and Margaret soon find themselves relying on each other as potential tragedy collides with growing hope in a warm story of family bonds and the surprising ways healing finds us all.  http://sarahloudinthomas.com/

MY REVIEW
Personally, this was a very inspiring book to read. I chose to read it because it was set in the Appalachians and I have liked other books set in this area of the country. However, this book was SO much better due to the spiritual message that flowed through the story. It was an engaging read as I finished the book in only 1 day (I was home recovering from surgery, so pain was my only distraction).

I thought the book was a sweet love story. At first, the main love story seemed to be Henry and Margaret, two people trying to find their place in the world with the fear of an unknown future. Who doesn't love a story of two somewhat lost people being brought together by God?  I can relate to both of the characters, but more so with Margaret and her struggling belief in God's love for her.   The book suggested that maybe she couldn't really love until she better understood how much God loves her.  As I became more involved in the story, the TRUE love story seemed to be between God and all the interesting characters. He was very active in all their lives.  God's love shined so bright through His precious vessel, Mayfair (Margaret's younger sister). My eyes filled with tears when Beulah looked at Mayfair and said "I don't need to look into your eyes to feel your love".  My deepest desire is to offer this much love, kindness, and "peace of mind" to those I come into contact with in this life.

There were a few other insights I pulled from the story that I would like to share because I think they are sometimes forgotten in our lives today.  The first is the value of the wise elders in our lives.  In the story, all the older characters were full of wisdom that they so freely gave to the Henry and Margaret.  I cannot tell you the amount of wisdom I have learned from my grandparents and church members - they are such a blessing to my life.  The second is the value of the love we offer through our talents and gifts.  There is a focus on the healing that Mayfair offered her community, but I also enjoyed the telling of how Perla stretched food through hard times and I truly feel that Margaret showed love to Beulah and Emily by cleaning their homes as they were no longer able to themselves.  We all have something we do really well that we can use to serve those around us.

What a story! "Until the Harvest' was a sweet read and is well written by Sarah Loudin Thomas. I am very grateful to Bethany House, a division of Baker House Publishing Group, who provided me with the book for my honest review.

JOURNAL - Scripture Journaling!

Journaling has been such a blessing to my spiritual life - especially in the way I read and understand the Bible.  As an audiovisual learner and an obsessive list-maker, using these study skills in my journaling has really opened my eyes to things I have missed in His Word.  The Inductive Study Method created by Precepts has also played a huge role in my understanding of the Bible.  I find it uses a lot of investigative journalism methods that I learned in school and helps to keep me focused as I study.  Honestly, I have a mind that wanders when I try to study - learning to block out the distractions is not something I have mastered.  Whatever your study skills were in school, you should give them a try with your Bible study.  You may be surprised at the impact as well!

READ - Coffee Book Tag

I stumbled on this tag watching Booktube videos and thought it looked like fun.  Hope you enjoy my picks and let me know if you liked or disliked any of them.

JOURNAL & BOOK REVIEW - The Butterfly and the Violin

After church today, I felt the pull to work in my art journal.  I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to get some paint on my fingers.  As I sat down at my art table, I turned on one of my favorite Pandora stations, Classical for the Soul, and the violin strings became my muse for the afternoon.

Earlier this month I read "The Butterfly and the Violin" by Kristy Cambron.  The book takes place in both WW2 and today.  The plot revolves around the story of Austria's Sweetheart, a young violinist named Adele Von Bron.  Together with her boyfriend, Vladamir, they risk their lives to help Jews escape from Vienna and she finds herself a prisoner in Auschwitz.  It was a hard book for me to read because the descriptions of camp life seemed so real.  For me, it was similar to reading "Night" by Elie Weisel because you JUST CAN'T take anymore, but then you NEED to know the outcome.  The story set in today's New York is about Sera James, a New York art dealer, who has a sentimental attachment with a painting of our heroine Adele.  Sera finds herself in California with a gentleman, William, who owns a copy of the painting and they team up to search for the original.  In the book you get to experience two love stories both connected to the painting of a beautiful survivor who found her strength in God to produce creativity in a time of adversity.  Many a tear fell as the book came to a close - well, truthfully, I sobbed.

I tried to capture the idea of the book as my art journal page.  Please meet my vision of Adele in about the middle of her stay at Auschwitz- before she shaved her head, but well enough into her look of starvation.  The book says she had beautiful blond hair and I can't remember if her eye color was mentioned.  I knew I wanted her eyes to draw you in and I hope I was able to carry that off.  Although the butterfly was a brooch in the story,  I added this as a necklace pendant.  I used the idea of her tattoo as a way to date my page.  Since the search for the painting was key to the plot, I put a bold black frame around my image of Adele.  I really felt like "creativity in adversity" was being placed on my heart as I read the book, so I added this as text on my page.  As somebody who has her fair share of adversity, I know the impact creativity plays in healing.  It has been my salve many a time!

BOOK REVIEW - Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe

BOOK DESCRIPTION

What if you could ask God anything? What would you ask? And how would He answer?  Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.  Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea’s door, and with him, an even more curious string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They’ve come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life’s biggest questions. When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask God a question of her own. Heaven answers in a most unexpected way.
Author's Website:  http://maxlucado.christianbook.com/miracle-at-the-higher-grounds-cafe/max-lucado/9780718000882/pd/000882/1529702503?event=MLDTS01

MY REVIEW
Although I am not a coffee-drinker, I was close to trying a mochachino as I read the newest book by Max Lucado.  The book started out a little slow for me, but I perked up when the God Blog modem was installed at the cafe.  The questions being asked by the customers and the answers they received from God were interesting to read and warmed my heart.  The responses reminded me of the Jesus Calling devotions in which scripture is written as a brief note from God.

The variety of relationships seemed to be the theme of this book - there were strong, bold relationships and light, sweet relationships.  The story revolves around the bittersweet, failing marriage of Chelsea and Sawyer.  I am probably the odd reader out because I enjoyed the maturing character of Sawyer.  I respected his desire to salvage his marriage and family.  He knew he had horribly wronged Chelsea yet he sought her forgiveness and tried to regain her love in a humble way.  The fact that he previously played for the Dallas Cowboys had only a small part in this.  Overarching these relationships was the relationship of God and His people.  With the God Blog we see His amazing love and throughout the story you cannot help but see His sovereignty in each of their lives.  My favorite character would be Manny - our "geeky" angel who I'd love to see fighting the Dark Side with his light saber.  

There is a battle brewing in the spiritual world and the book gives you glimpses of demons succumbing to the Heavenly angels.  (They don't need a light saber:))    At one point an angel said he had been delayed and that reminded me of Daniel 10 when the angel was delayed and left Micheal fighting in the spiritual realm.  I easily forget what all could be going on in the unseen by my human eyes.  I am humbled that God finds me worth fighting for.  

Miracles abounded at this beloved cafe and each was such a joy to read.  God is SO good!  For days I thought about the 1 question I would ask the God Blog.  Are You proud of me? Am I serving as You desire?  Why have I dealt with so much pain in my life?  Then came conviction and the remembrance of the TRUE MIRACLE - we don't need a God Blog, we have direct access.  We can ask God infinite questions and, like the cafe-goers, we can expect an answer.  It won't always be a written blog comment, but God knows how He can talk to His children.  Whether it be via music or nature or exercise, He will speak.  Are you listening?

READ - February Wrap-Up & March TBRs

The month of February I was quite excited to have read 4 really interesting books. In my first Booktube video, I have given brief reviews of my February reads and shown my TBR (to be read) books for March.  Thanks for watching!

Two Powerful Words

The last few days I have felt like I'm "going through hell".   Have you ever thought that before?  I certainly have voiced these words on several occasions in my life.  I usually feel guilty because I am sure of the fact that I will not be visiting there, but I go with this cliched phrase.  For the month of February and now early March I have been struggling through some type of sickness- headache, backache, sinus infection, viral syndrome, and a cyst was found in my ear canal.  I just can't seem to catch a break!  During my days of pain, I often relax with reading.  One day last week, I felt like I was walking through that hell of pain and I misread the book text.  I read hell instead of he'll.  I had a short LOL and then a spiritual moment over a forgotten apostrophe.  The Holy Spirit reminded me that when I'm going through my imagined hell of pain, I need to hold onto the fact that He Will.  Wow, the power of two words! 

In His sovereign time, I believe that HE WILL free me from the pains of this life.  His time management is superb and can be trusted. HE WILL guide my steps and make everything work according to His plan.  If I am still and know He is God, I have faith HE WILL fight for me and take care of me.  I have no doubt that HE WILL bring blessings from these storms of life and leave me with His peace - a peace that is beyond all understanding, provides refuge and relief, and removes all fear and worry from my days.  HE WILL!

BOOK REVIEW - Beyond All Dreams

BOOK DESCRIPTION
Anna O’Brien has the perfect job at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across a baffling mystery of a ship that disappeared at sea. When forces conspire to prevent her from learning the truth, she turns to a dashing congressman for help.
Luke Callahan is one of the most powerful men in congress until his career begins collapsing amidst scandal. When he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship, he is stunned to find himself falling in love with the down-to-earth librarian. Despite the attraction, strict rules forbid Anna from any romantic entanglement with a member of congress, and each meeting puts her career in jeopardy.  From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation to the scholarly archives of the nation’s finest library, Anna and Luke will begin unraveling a mystery larger and more dangerous than ever imagined.

Author's website:  http://elizabethcamden.com/


MY REVIEW
Beyond All Dreams was the best book I have read in quite a while.  I was quickly drawn into the story by the seventh page when the heroine, Anna, was questioned by the Navy with her finding of a nautical map error.  I was barely into the first chapter and my attention was captured by a nautical mystery, the lure of the Library of Congress, and a heroine that I felt I could relate to personally.  Anna would be what we call today an Introvert and she felt comfortable in the walls of the Library.  She was inquisitive, funny, and had seen her fair share of hard times.  She had a past and dealt with a residual physical obstacle.  I could relate to this as I have dealt with speech difficulties after trauma.  Anna also displayed a strong, witty sense of humor and we are introduced to our hero, Luke, when she calls him out during a House Committee meeting.  It was at this point our romance begins and I have to say I thought this was a true Beauty and the Beast romance.  The characteristics with these characters are amazingly similar - a beauty who loves books and is kind and loving with a beast who has a heart of love yet struggles with anger issues.  Our hero has a past as well and we find that these two "beautifully broken" people are the salve the other needs - Anna's imagined flaw was the very thing Luke needed to calm his own.  He needed her "cool wit and steady logic"...love it!  Outside of the romance and mystery, I feel the leading theme of this book is forgiveness.  Both hero, heroine, and supporting characters dealt with needing to forgive somebody in their past.  Even an old school bully of Anna's needed to seek her forgiveness for treating her cruelly.  I particularly liked this scene as I had some bullies in my past.  I enjoyed the growth of Luke's nephew, the aspiring artist, throughout the book and would love a sequel about his future.  Beyond All Dreams was set in my favorite time period in probably the most fascinating setting, The Library of Congress.  It was full of romance, history, and mystery.. I think I have found myself a new favorite author.  Thank you, Elizabeth Camden, for taking me into this true love romance and intriguing plot.

BOOK REVIEW - STEADFAST HEART

BOOK DESCRIPTION
Lenore Fulcher isn't pretentious despite her spoiled upbringing. Her deepest desire at the age of twenty is to find true love. However, her father believes she's wasted enough time searching for a suitable husband, and he wants to marry her off to one of his business partners--thirty-seven-year-old James Rybus. But the idea of marriage to a man so much older is out of the question for Lenore.  Kolbein Booth, a lawyer from Chicago, arrives in Seattle looking for his headstrong sister who he believes may have answered an advertisement for mail-order brides. Sick with worry, he storms the Madison Bridal School, demanding to see his sister, only to learn she isn't there. But Lenore Fulcher is, and something about her captures his attention. Is this the man Lenore has been searching for? She may not have long to find out... 

Author Tracie Peterson's Website -  http://www.traciepetersonbooks.com/

MY REVIEW
I have read several of Tracie Peterson's historical fiction novels and have never been let down, so I chose her newest release as the February read for my Book Club.  It was enjoyed by all!  I do have to say that I had a small struggle getting into the story.. partially due to all the character introductions in the first few chapters of the book.  I prefer to get to know the heroine of the story and then be introduced to the supporting characters.  There were too many loose ends for me as well (even for a trilogy), but none the less I look forward to reading Refining Fire later this year.  I would have liked a little more of a brewing romance between Abrianna and Wade to get me more interested in a second book (although I noticed that it would be focused on Militine's budding romance). Several secondary plots were written in and I was excited there was a small mystery involving murders around the bridal school.  I think these murders were staged by Priam and would have liked to get further information about that issue instead of what all was going on with Lenore in San Francisco. That really did drag for me. Another secondary plot involved human trafficking and I later found out that January is Human Trafficking Awareness month (the month in which the book was released).  Priam is just pure evil!  I hope he is not a key character in the next book, but that was one of the many loose ends that needs to be concluded.  I had no idea this horrible, inhumane act was even taking place in the late 1800s.  Overall, I really liked the book and I am excited to read Refining Fire when it's released.

BOOK DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ( I created these for my Book Club)
 1. What are your thoughts on "true love"? Myth or reality?
2. How did you feel reading historical fiction? What genre do you normally enjoy reading?
3. It's Valentine season, so let's talk about the different relationships in the book (romance and friendship). Are they good or bad? What influences or obstacles did they/will they face?  Were they genuine friendships?
4. Abrianna began to grieve her friendship with Lenore before the wedding. This seems to be relevant to today..balancing friends with family life.  What challenges have you experienced? Any successes or advice? pg.101
5. The world of 1888 Seattle is definitely different from ours today; however, there is a similarity with the secondary plot of human trafficking.  How do you think God feels about this? pg.163
6.Class divisions were a theme in the book.  What did you think about these and you see them in our culture today? How does His Word reflect this?
7.What about the bridal culture in these times?  Do they seem the same as today or different?
8. Abrianna had a heart-felt calling from God to minister to those in need ans she believed that everyone had a calling.  Do you feel that you are called and to what type of service? pg.138
9.The book had a mystery revolving around three men who were murdered.  Did the sleuth in you find any evidence or patterns?  Who do you think was behind this and was there a motive?
10. Steadfast Heart is the beginning of the Brides of Seattle series.  Do you think you will read the next book?  What do you think the next subject will be? How will everything turn out?