The House at the End of the Moor

After seeing this book posted in various Facebook reading groups, I knew I would have to get the most recent Michelle Griep book. I fell in love with my first book from her - "Brentwood's Ward" - and the rest in that series; but this new book, "The House at the End of the Moor" may now be my new favorite! She takes you on a journey through Maggie's perspective, but we also get to understand Oliver and even Barrow, one of the antagonists, views as well.



This is very much like a "rags to riches" kind of tale, but don't be fooled, there are twists and turns that you may not expect. I'd love to tell you more, but that would be spoiling this amazing mystery. I will say, Griep had me hating the character Barrow at the beginning, questioning my feelings for him in the middle...and well, you will have to read it for yourself to see how he turned out. It is truly a great redemptive story for all three characters. Even though each had his/her own past sin, they had to learn how to give it over to God and reconcile their faith into His hands. It's a great reminder that we can all be saved and redeemed, from any sin, if only we ask. Psalm 103:2-5

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey

This beautiful novel first captured my attention when I saw its cover in a Facebook group about three weeks ago. I had not yet heard of the author, Abigail Wilson, nor any of her books. But it was this cover that so captured my attention that shortly after I purchased it. (Maybe it was the real, as I am a sucker for that color). Nevertheless, as soon as I cracked open the cover I quickly realized it was not just the cover that captivates, is the story.

Wilson does a wonderful job writing from the first-person narrative (something I had to get adjusted with but did so), and relays Elizabeth’s feelings and thoughts out so concise, yet also profoundly. It has been a while since I have read a true mystery, but I found myself trying to guess “who done it?” throughout every page. No spoilers, I assure you! But you’ll be guessing, just as I was, all the way through till the last chapter!

Also, the marriage of convenience has always been an interesting idea for me. While I find it fascinating in books, in real life would I? Probably not. But reading about how two people have to learn about each other and get along while also figuring out the “marriage” side of the relationship is just so intriguing. Wilson does a great job of creating that strange tug and pull between the characters and their emotions for each other.

I could not recommend this book enough! I read it in 4 days and stayed up way late last evening finishing it because it is just. That. Good! Go now, get Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey and begin your mystery hunt!

Until the Dawn

Usually I don’t finish a book in under a week. But due to an unplanned trip to the ER last evening (no worries everything is okay),  I read for four or five hours while waiting on test results to return. The tile of the book was most apropos, “Until the Dawn”, because it felt like we would never get out of there...until the dawn broke!

The book, however had so much conflict! I love reading books from Elizabeth Camden because she includes so much detail. It feels like more than just one story. Her characters are detailed and take on personalities that make them real. None of them are perfect, and I like that. I feel like I can relate to them and maybe actually see them in other people as well.

What I also loved about this book is that they talk about the history of Dierenpark, the name of the building within the story. I just love when a building/home/place has been given a name. My family calls our home “the ranch” or “the farm”. We are not farmers, but we have acreage and loan it out. Anyway, I love older names because they have significance, a deeper meaning. This one meant paradise in the native Algonquin Indian language.

That’s reason two why I enjoyed this book. It includes different Indian tribes that were around this are in the 1660s. And those just happened to be some of the same tribes I teach about in my classroom. I always loved with things like that crossover and connect.

Overall, if you enjoy a good romance, sprinkled with a little history and a dash of mystery then “Until the Dawn” is your next must-read!

Reflections

It’s the end of the year, a time when people look back and reevaluate what they have accomplished (or not accomplished) in the past 365 days in order to better plan and create goals for the next year. This is a good practice, because if one doesn’t see where they have come from and make plans as to where they want to end up, they could get lost along the way. To see where you want to go and make a plan, a path, is quite the feat. Some years I am better at making (and achieving) those goals, than other years.

But don’t get lost in the trap that reflection can become. As some begin looking back, the wishes and dreams of things not accomplished are also seen. And for some, like myself, the negative is more prevalent sometimes than any and all the good that was done. Don’t get lost in the trap! Will there be disappointments? Yes, but that is how we learn and grow. Do we want that told to us in the moment? No! But that is where reflection and seeing how God took those low points and crafted something beautiful out of them. And if you don’t see that beauty yet, that means you are in the middle of God’s creating!

In going forward, what are you goals for 2020?

Mine are pretty much the same:
-read more books
-exercise more
-worry less
-love more

Notice a theme? “More” or “less” of something. I tried completely wiping out carbs or aiming  to “only” eat this or that. It doesn’t work like that (at least for me). I am not one who can cold turkey start or stop something. But that’s what is great about a new year. You don’t have too! You can start slow by just trying to do “more” or “less” of something everyday.

A new resolution: to write more here about the books I finish. In 2019, I read 50 books, many of those smaller than I’m used to, but they are longer series. I found that sometimes a smaller book is good for the soul. And I also rediscovered that I love making family trees of the characters within these interconnecting novels. But in looking back, I don't think I wrote about a single one! It doesn't really matter because I know there are not many of you out there actually reading this. And that's okay. It's more for me to sit back and reflect on the books I've read. To take a moment and savor. Enjoy.

That's what I want to do more. Enjoy. To have JOY.

It’s a new decade, a new year, and maybe for some, a time for a new point of view. Maybe this is the year you start working out more. Maybe this is the year you spent less time on social media.  Maybe this year you start that new venture or hobby you’ve been dying to try. Whatever you decide, remember, God is there with you in the good and the bad. “He will never leave you, nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6).  Take courage! This new year - God already knows the outcome. How reassuring is that?

Finding your voice

I just finished the most recent publication of Rebecca Connelly’s, a new favorite author who I seem to consume her books faster than she can publish them, called Spinster and Spice. This third enstallment of the Spinster Chronicles centers around “sweet little Izzy”, the one whom everyone takes advantage of because she never causes a fuss. She learns how to find her voice in this novel, and I am reminded to find my own voice as well. I tend to respond like Izzy, be more passive and peacemaker, than bold and opinionated. There is a balance between the two, and I think it’s something we all need to find.

 My recommendation is to go out and read a Spinster and Spice!
 (Maybe read the first two first, because that just makes sense!)

Familiar Connections: Gaining Confidence through Weakness

Have you ever read a book and found some connection with the settings, person, or feeling? Does that connection help you better engage with the book? I always find that I pay attention more when that phenomenon happens to me. But when multiple happen in the same book, I start to wonder, “God, what you are telling me?” In the case of my current book, To Honor and Trust by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller, the male character’s career hits close to home for me, one of the locations is in my home state, and I can relate to the female character’s desire for truth and trustworthiness in others due to a past heartache. My ears are alert, “What lesson should I learn from this book, God?”

The male lead, Wesley, is a 25 year old doctor, and my own brother (not named Wesley as that would be too coincidental) is 26 and currently in his second year in medical school. While Wesley is fictional, I feel that I understand some of his background just through my knowledge of what my own brother has experienced. For example, Wesley comes across as very knowledgeable in areas not only related to medicine. I might not think much of that as he is fictional, but over the last 17 months my own brother comes home on breaks more knowledgeable than the last time I saw him. I talked to him about this over Christmas Break and he told me that medical school is hard (duh, I already knew that) but that he had had to develop a sense of confidence and self-awareness about what he knows and how he knows it. I had always seen my brother as a confident person, even before medical school; but since going, he has become even more so. I didn’t realize that under that layer of self-confidence actually laid a layer of uncertainty. He had to develop this “thicker skin” so to speak in order to study and perform his duties.

 Amazing, I had never thought about confidence in such a way. That a person might first have to become aware of their failings and weakness before they could become strong. The Bible confirms this in Paul’s writing in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10,  “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christʼs power may rest on me. That is why, for Christʼs sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’” (https://www.bible.com/111/2co.12.10.niv) Growing up, I just assumed this was in reference to physical strength or in areas of faith; but now that I am older, and facing other challenges in life, I can see that in ANY situation, before we can become confident we need must first be weak. It is through this weakness, this trial, that we learn to become better, stronger, CONFIDENT.

Modern Mrs. Darcy Challenge 2019

I’ve been silent for a while, but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped reading. On the contrary, I’ve read more books in the past two years, and I am now finally digging my way out of all my series and novels that I had laying on my shelves.

One of my New Years resolutions was to join a book group that uses a checklist called the Modern Mrs. Darcy Challenge to expand their reading library. Each criteria is a book to read for each of the 12 months this year. It’s  only the end of January, but I’m able to check off 2 categories (totally 4 books). I am having a blast with this challenge. If you love books as well, I hope you’ll join me!

Before Grace there was Pain

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind but now I see. 

One of my favorite old hymns is that of Amazing Grace. I remember singing it at youth group, Sunday morning services, and camp meetings; but my most vivid memory is at a high school youth retreat in a cabin in the woods, with hard wooden benches, hands held high, tears streaming down my face, belting it to the rafters. It has been re-made several times over the past two hundred and fifty years. The experience people feel may change, but the words and meaning never do. But do you know the story of how John Newton came to writing those wonderful words of grace and forgiveness? 

I just finished Jody Hedlund's newest novel, Newton & Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace, and let me tell you, it was inspiring and gave me a new perspective of the words Newton wrote in his famous hymn. The line, "through many dangers, toils, and snares/ I have already come" is somewhat of and understatement. Newton had been rescued from dangers more a dozen times, but his world-view was so polluted towards God, that he did not see the bigger picture. He was pleasing his lustful, human nature in hopes of finding peace; instead, he found the opposite, despair. It took falling to the bottom before he reconciled his faith in God. 

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear.
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

It was hard to believe that a man as sinful and self-serving as John Newton could become one of the most famous hymn writers in history. His story is very much like that of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15 - a man leaving his family to fulfill what he thought would satisfy his search for purpose. It was a wonderful reminder that we are all God's children, and he has a bigger purpose for all of us, if only we seek him. The words from the second verse of Amazing Grace brings tingles to my neck as I remember the trials Hedlund writes about, and yet he could still write that after everything he feared, he could still believe in God and the amazing grace of forgiveness.

Pick up Jody Hedlund's novel, Newton & Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace, today and travel on a journey of love, pain, loss, and peace. 

Snowy Day Blessings

Here in the Midwest, there is about a foot of snow on the ground, frosted with a thin layer of fresh ice from this morning's drizzle. You could ice skate on the sidewalks. I'm thankful that I can be cuddled up in my warm house, surrounded by my family, and a good book.

I love reading; especially books from the turn of the century. On days like this, it makes me wonder what families did in the late 1800s when "electricity" was considered a potbellied stove - which meant that someone had to spend hours chopping and cutting firewood prior to the cold weather. Even in today's modern world, there are some who cannot afford living in a warm environment. It is when I think of those less fortunate that I truly consider my blessings bountiful.

Nightmares don't Predict our Futures

Last night I had a most unusual nightmare that included fictious characters like werewolves, witches, and haunted houses. But when I awoke, I knew those dreams were not true. However, there have been times when the nightmares are more realistic, and sometimes, they don't always happen when I'm asleep.

In Karen Witemeyer's book Full Steam Ahead, Darius Thorton has one nightmare of an event that haunts him for years. When traumatic events happen, sometimes we take that as a sign of our future. We think that because of "this" or "that" effects our futures and we become consumed with outrunning our haunted pasts by remaining isolated, bound by what we believe is holding us back. 

Break free from the nightmares. They do not define you and don't let them claim your futures!

Not in my Wheelhouse!

We've all used the phrase, "That's out of my comfort zone", but how many of you have heard the original phrase - "That's not in my wheelhouse!" I never thought about what a "wheelhouse" was before, but figured that it was some form of a shelter.

Two weeks ago, I finished reading A Captain for Laura Rose by Stephanie Grace Whitson. I had another post already written, but then this morning, the phrase "not in my wheelhouse" hit me! A wheelhouse is the uppermost part of a steamboat, and a quick Google search verified that wheelhouses are protective shelters with huge windows on at least 3 sides to provide access to surveillance. In Laura Rose, Laura felt the safest and most like herself when she was piloting the Laura Rose - when she was "in her wheelhouse." So a wheelhouse is where we feel the most comfortable; it may be an actual location, a state of mind, the people we are around, whatever makes you happy.

However, we cannot remain in our "wheelhouses" forever. There are times when we need to leave. We need to experience new situations, uncomfortable as they may be. It is from these moments when we grow out of our comfort zone, our wheelhouses grow a little too.

If we remain in our wheelhouses too long, we can be exposed to the elements around us. Imagine, the wheelhouse is in the uppermost part of the ship, surrounded by glass windows. It provides shelter, but it can also be the most exposing spot on the entire steamboat. Within the confines of the wheelhouse, the captain is always on guard, scanning, guiding, directing. It must be exhausting work!

So a wheelhouse can be both a shelter and agent for stress. When the comfort becomes too suffocating, it is time to leave. But wheelhouses need captains - thus, it is not a lonely venture. Bring along those support and care for you. Then, your wheelhouse will become a place of comfort and rest.

Where are the Ladies?

I was never one to re-read a novel because I thought the purpose was to read it once in order to discover the plot and mystery and then it was done. A friend pointed out to me several years ago that if there is no difference in re-watching movies, why would there be any difference in re-reading favorite books? It just takes longer than a few hours.Ever since, when I'm in a lag or between books (awaiting for an author's next book to hit the shelves), I pull a book off my Corner Shelf and dive in. 

Just this past week, I pulled off an old favorite, Deeanne Gist's The Measure of a Lady. Set in Gold Rush San Francisco, Rachel Van Buren is a lady above reproach. Living by standards set incredibly high, Rachel finds that the true measure of a lady is not in following the rules, but being the best version of yourself possible. 

I wonder where all the "ladies" have gone? Let's pretend that we were to keep to the same standards that Rachel Van Buren believed measured a true lady, our wardrobe alone would disqualify women in today's modern society. Yet, I've still be called "a lady" even in pants (because I don't wear dresses or skirts). So, what defines a lady in the 21st century? 

Google's definition of a lady is 1.) a woman and 2.) a woman of superior social position, especially one of noble birth. If that is the measure, then there's a whole lot of "ladies" out there that are instantly disqualified. I would like to suggest that being a lady goes beyond social position or noble birth. Rather, it is the morals and beliefs held by said ladies, like protecting one's family from reproach, upholding modesty through morals, and standing by those morals even when it is difficult, that truly measure a lady. 

In my own words, I would define a lady as a woman of great character, strong morals, compassionate, and kind. A woman who is beautiful from the inside out, passionate about what interests her (whether that be bugs like Rachel, or books like me), and devoted to her family. A lady stands up for those weaker than herself, and strives to better the lives of her family and community members. A lady sees the good in others. A lady also knows when she has been bested and seeks forgiveness. A lady is a powerful individual indeed. 

A New Fetish - Novellas!

I've recently gotten into the mini-novella stories that are compiled into a larger novel. The one I finished last night was called A Match Made in Texas: A Novella Collection with four different stories of love in 1880s Dry Gulch, Texas. Writers Connealy, Witemeyer, Cox, and Jennings worked together to create a small western town with one meddling matchmaker and four unique situations.

DISCLAIMER - There is a spoiler in my musings today, so if you don't want to know the unknown meddler's identity, quit reading now!

The book I read had all four in one - 

But they are also available in eBook form for Kindle, iPad, nooks, etc. Each of those individual titles are shown below.

While I loved them all, last night's novella was very interesting. Meeting Her Match revealed the secret matchmaker that brought the other three stories together. In my own opinion, Hannah Taylor, the local school teacher, meddled in the affairs of her unmarried friends because she turned a blind eye to her own un-happily-ever-after story; and for the same reasons I read, I believe Hannah meddled in other's lives so that she wouldn't have to think about her own. 

In the end, however, her friends from the previous stories "retaliate" in kind by expediting her own wedding day through some cunning shenanigans that worked in that culture but possibly not in ours. (However, that doesn't make that scene any less my favorite! ;)

So, read them together or alone, you choose. But now, I'm on a novella kick with my next one ready by my bed. It's a little out of season, but it was 1/2 off at my local bookstore yesterday and there's no way I'm going to wait 12 months! 

Happy reading My Corner Shelvers!

New Year, New Start

Today is the day people around the world are "starting fresh" for the new year. New habits. Diets. Workout routines. A "clean slate." I've even written up some of my resolutions, but I'm old enough to realize that New Year's Resolutions aren't as easy to instill as writing them on paper. It first takes a decision, and then determination and perseverance to continue to follow through with the resolutions.

One of my resolutions is to read more books. Not a daunting task, mind you, since I read 26 books this year (picture below) but I want to read books outside of my desired genre of historical fiction. I'm not exactly sure which books I want to read, that is something I will decide upon later. If you have any suggestions, I'm listening.

I read every book pictured here (23 total) plus three more during 2014. 

My goal is to read at least another 26 more during 2015.

Going back to the idea of clean slates, my first book of 2015 has a similar theme of 'new life' and trust. A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano depicts an English aristocrat whose fortune was stolen. Eliza traveled to America to find the thieves and her fortune, but instead found a life with a different 'fortune' awaiting her. In classic Turano style, mystery and adventure move the story along with twists and delicious characters - chivalrous and brooding gentlemen, delicate yet determined ladies, and matchmaking mothers, and those are only the "good guys." 

Dreams are meant to be changed

Everyone has dreams and aspirations; better jobs, building a family, changing the world. Dreams are what motivate the desires we have and encourage us to persevere through the rough times. In the novella Gentleman of Her Dreams by Jen Turano, I was reminded of the fact that dreams can also change over time.

Charlotte believed God had pointed her in the direction of her dream, and in the pursuit of that she almost missed out on the love of her life - her actual dream was coming true before her very eyes, but she was blinded by what she "thought" was her dream. It's a very fine line that we walk sometimes in pursuing our dreams; every so often it's best if we pause to reevaluate our goals and aspirations because as we mature so do our goals and dreams.

I'm at this spot right now where I am evaluating what dreams I have and what I'm doing about pursuing them. Some have changed, others are fading in their desirability, but I will follow the path God is guiding me on towards my new dreams.

Today, being New Year's Eve, is the perfect time to reevaluate those dreams and plan for resolutions. Take a good look at yourself, are you still pursuing the same dream(s)? If not, what changed? Do you like where your new dreams are taking you? Why not take a moment today to assess where your path is taking you.

"Characters are Welcome"

Last night I finished A Match of Wits by Jen Turano. Her new twist on series writing has captivated me over the past several months. I use to read series collections because I would fall in love with the characters and did not want to lose them. You know what I mean, the characters become apart of your family or friend circle that you want to visit with daily. This also happens with TV shows like my favorite NCIS or movie franchises like Marvel and The Hunger Games (which originated in print form before becoming big screen productions). Even the television network USA uses the slogan "Characters are Welcome."

As humans, we are social beings. We want to make connections with others. Television, movies, and books provide for us more opportunities to make these connections and explore exotic locations, past experiences, and creative circumstances that we cannot always experiences ourselves.

Back to the printed word. For me, series reading became more of a "requirement"; I would pick up a new book and sigh, "Not another series… Now I have to buy 2, 3, 4, etc. more books." Instantly, I was less excited about reading, the excitement was replaced with a felling of obligation. But what I enjoy about Turano, is she writes her stories with individuality of plot with characters that are connected from book to book, just like real life situations, but if I want, I could put down a book, not finish the 'series' and still have a feeling of satisfaction. While I'm sure she would appreciate readers reading her stories in chronological order, I've proven that it's not a requirement. Back in October, I picked up her second book in the 'series', A Most Peculiar Circumstance, and fell in love with the era, progressive women, chivalrous men, and dangerous situations around every corner. I continued with A Talent for Trouble and A Match of Wits. (I missed the short novella ebook Gentleman of Her Dreams and first novel A Change in Fortune, but am just as excited to read those!) It's the characters that keep me returning.

Shortly, I'll finish the last two books in this 'series' and I'll need to put my characters back on my shelf. But the best part about reading… I can pick them back up in a few months, re-acquaint myself with Arabella, Theodore, Eliza, Hamilton, Agatha, Zayne, Felica and Grayson, and relive their experiences all over again.

What characters are you hiding on your shelves? Have you visited with them recently? Make every character welcome!

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

I just finished Julie Klassen's newest book, The Secret of Pembrooke Park out December 2, 2014. While longer than usual, Pembrooke Park was a captivating read! From chapter 16 on, I  could not put the book down. Thank goodness I was on winter break because I was up until 3 AM reading the last half!

Klassen is a fabulous writer, with historical settings in the 19th century including romance and the regency period. Her books remind me of Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice. With both dynamic and static characters, Klassen keeps you guessing about the secret of Pembrooke Park up until the very end.

Why couldn't I put it down? Because the mystery appeared to be clear, until another twist or new character came into the peripheral and then my theory was no longer plausible. The romantic plot was tantalizing as well, not knowing for sure which man Abigail would select (or which would be best for her), but secretly pulling for one in particular. Will you select the same man I did? The danger of living in Pembrooke Park continues to escalate as more seedy characters are unearthed, until the secret is revealed! 

I was reminded about the power of family ties and the strength of being rooted with a loving, devoted family of believers. What treasure will you find at Pembrooke Park?