Book 3 - The Shadow of your Smile

I must confess I love Susan May Warren's books. I personally met her and had this book autographed by her. Before even reading it! Such emotion in "The Shadow of your Smile." I felt like I was one of the characters, just watching from the outside. Wishing I could change things. Wishing I could make them, make different choices.

Noelle and Eli have drifted apart after the tragedy of losing their daughter. While living in the same house, they are living very seperate lives. Tragedy strikes again and now Noelle has lost the last 25 years. Where do they go from here? Is Eli honest about what their marriage was really like, or will he try to rebuild a better marriage? Will they tell Noelle about losing her daughter? What will happen if they do? What really is going on with Eli's "friendship" with his friend's widow? All these questions and more keep you reading.

Great character development and realistic conversations. I enjoyed returning to Deep Haven again, but the book certainly has the ability to be a stand alone.

Book 2- Not in the heart

"Not in the heart" by Chris Fabry was a drama with a little bit of mystery.  I most certainly did not expect the ending.  The main character Truman was not a truthful man.  His addictions had cost him everything.  He scoffed at his wife Ellen's faith.  Yet she faithfully lived it out by drawing Truman into the drama of Terrell's life sentence.  By "finding" a job that would bring him back to his family and terminally ill son, she gave him a purpose while allowing him to see faith lived out.  Terrell's murder conviction and the question of his guilt was the backdrop of the story. 

Fabry wrote the story with Tru's sarcasim and acerbic wit.  The story of full of angst; Terrell's question of guilt, Tru's addiction, Aiden's health, Ellen and Abby's relationship with Tru, and how everyone fits into the big picture.  The story kept you wondering what was really the truth.  Complete with an unexpected twist, the story was satisfying.

Christian Business List

We are trying to generate a list of websites for local businesses that are owned and operated by Christians in our area.  If you know of some please let us know!

First book read

I finished my first book in Tyndale's Summer Reading program today.  Started it last night after work.  Must have been good, as I finised it before coming to work this afternoon.  (Teacher's schedule let's me read!  Yeah!!)  I read Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes.  So many times I wanted to shake Eric the main character.  Come on get with it man!  Fess up!!!!  He was being eaten alive with guilt, yet continued to rationalize why it was "ok" to keep his sin a "secret."  It effected every aspect of his life.  Communication is such a hard thing.  With so many ways to keep in touch, one would think we'd mastered the art of communication.  Hardly.  As with Eric we still find ways to avoid sharing what we really need to.  We hide from everyone, including ourselves.  One aspect of the story that really stood out to me was how his friend Larry judged him as not being a Christian.  While Eric's life didn't show that fruit, he was angered by that.  His private reflections made him realize it was sadly true.  Yet when Eric was presented with a chance to change a young life, He found the Word of Life was within him.  (I love that Larry was the one to present that chance) We all need grace.  Daily.  We aren't perfect and we know it better than anyone.  Just as Eric, when we allow other things to crowd out God, we begin a slippery slope that takes us farther and farther away from God and all that is right and true.  But He is still there.  He will offer grace, forgiveness and restoration when we turn back to Him.  An honest story, about an not so honest man, his family and his friends.  Realistic characters.  One is bound to resonate with you! -Cindy

Summer Reading Program

I have been very bad about keeping up with our blog.  I find myself on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest almost everyday.  Tyndale is doing their Summer Reading Program again this year.  Last year, I participated and reviewed several books; posting them on our blog.  I will again this year.  The program runs 6/1-8/31.  If you'd like to participate visit www.tyndale.com and follow the link for Summer Reading Program!  There are titles for adults AND kids

Easter Garden

Plant an Easter Garden! Using potting soil, a tiny buried flower pot for the tomb, shade grass seed, & crosses made from twigs. Sprinkle grass seed generously on top of dirt, keep moistened using a spray water bottle. Spritz it several times a day. Set it in a warm sunny location. Sprouts in 7-10 days so plan ahead. The tomb is EMPTY! He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! ♥

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