Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Monday, April 20, 2026

Joyful Surrender (7 Disciplines for the Believer's Life) by Elizabeth Elliott

Book Description:  In our age of instant gratification and if-it-feels-good-do-it attitudes, self-discipline is hardly a popular notion. Yet it may be one of the most important lost virtues of our time. In Joyful Surrender, former missionary and beloved author Elisabeth Elliot offers her understanding of discipline and its value for people of all times. 


My Thoughts:  I've always enjoyed Elizabeth Elliott's comments on the radio and her books.  
This book is quite interesting but I was a little taken aback at Mrs. Elliott's comments at times.  She seems a bit harsh in her "dealings" with humanity.  I realize that as we grow older that we, sometimes, see the world in a different way.  It seems that Mrs. Elliott views 7 Discplines for a believer:· 
* discipline your mind, body, possessions, time, and feelings
*overcome anxiety
*change poor habits and attitudes
* trust God in times of trial and hardship
*let Him have control in all areas of life

I agree with Mrs. Elliott that we need disciplines in our christian walk.  BUT we can't do all of these things on our own.  I'm not real sure but she seems like she's reformer/reformed...a person who makes changes to something in order to improve it.
It seems to me as Mrs. Elliott has aged that she has changed...she rambles in her story telling. I'm not sure the reader needs to know just where she is at each time she writes. 
To be honest I was bit disappointed in this book.  Guess I was expecting a more biblical view.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Present Danger (Rocky Mountain Courage) by Elizabeth Godddard

  

Book Description:  Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He's committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.             When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn--one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he's failed her before. And if he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.


 My Thoughts: What a read!  What a story!  What a cover!  Oh, yeah it's a murder investigation at its best.
This is the first book I've read by Elizabeth Goddard and it won't be the last.  
I love the thrill of the investigation, the clean romance and the way Mrs. Goddard uses descriptive words, not just adjectives, to describe all that is transpiring in this mystery.
Of course, I love mystery/suspense novels and this book is one of the best.
Jack Tanner is great detective and all around great guy.  He discovers a body in the national forest.  The national forest of all places!
But he needs help on this murder investigation so he ends up working with Tara Conners, a long lost love.
But what he and Terra don't know until they begin to uncover the facts about the murder only to discover that the murder must be tied in to the stolen artifacts.
And, poor Jack, he's failed the gorgeous Terra before.  
It's a great story!

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

The Hawaiian Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter

   

My Thoughts: I love books authored by Wanda Brunstetter! And now her daughter-in-law, Jean, co-authors this wonderful novel, the Hawaiian Quilt.

This is not your "regular" Amish story.  In this lovely story about four Amish friends  who take a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands.  

The cruise is nice but the beds not.so.much to the four friends disappointment.  Love the real descriptions of the ship and the "funny.to.me" reason Mandy and her three friends decide to take a cruise because their Amish parents wouldn't approve of flying in an airplane.  

When Mandy and her friends decide to split up in to two groups of two to see more Hawaii and then share their experiences later at supper, Mandy loses her phone and this incident causes she and Ellen to miss the ship.

I love the Hawaiian Christian couple, Luana and Mikaio,  who take them in at the bed and breakfast and whose Hawaiian quilts fascinate Mandy.  

This is not your "regular" Amish read!  It's about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing life and God's people.

Loved, loved this fantabulous read!  


Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press 

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1634092244

ISBN-13: 978-1634092241