Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help

Guest Review by Debbie Lynne Costello of Laurie Alice Eakes's A Necessary Deception

2012-03-13T01:30:00.000-04:00

A Necessary Deception

(Revell, 2011)

By Debbie Lynne Costello

The year is 1812. England and France are at war. LadyLydia Gale is a young confident widow of a military man. In order to honor herdead husband’s wishes, Lady Lydia arranges parole for a French prisoner.Believing she will never see the man again, she feels she has fulfilled herduty and heads to her family’s home to help her ailing mother with her youngestsister, Honore’s, entrée into London Society and her other sister Cassandra’swedding.

Before she makes it to London she is interruptedwalking her cat at night by a man of mystery who keeps his identity hiddenother than a name. He claims she is a traitor and has freed a French Prisonerand he has proof. He blackmails her into playing a dangerous game.

As if Lydia’s troubles aren’t enough the Frenchprisoner she helped obtain parole, Christien de Meuse, shows up in her homewanting entrance into society. Lady Lydia finds herself having to make harddecisions to keep her family safe from harm and ruin.

As Lady Lydia is pulled deeper into the intrigue ofspies, her two younger sisters are forever causing her trouble. But they aren’tthe only troubling things in her life, Christien de Meuse has worked his wayinto her heart, but the question is can she trust him?

I love Laurie Alice Eakes’ unique ability to sweepyou away into another world. Every historical aspect of her stories read trueto time. You can be sure she’s done all of her homework. As she takes you from DartmoorPrison, to Society in London, to balls and masquerades you can taste a bit ofEngland history.

I love hercharacters. It doesn’t matter if it is the hero, heroine, parents, sisters orone of the much lesser characters in the story, you will always find them wellthought out and developed. You won’t find a cardboard character in one ofLaurie Alice books. When you finish the book you’ll feel you are sayinggood-bye to an old friend.

Her ability to start a story out and hook you frompage one and continue to keep you glued to the pages as you flip themfrantically to find out what happens next is a true art. I can’t wait to readher upcoming Regency, Flight of Fancydue out October of 2012 in which Cassandra pursues her interest in balloonflight, her fiancé gets entangled with the Luddites, and they both pay whatmight be too high a price for their intemperate behavior.

Laurie Alice's books can be found on Amazon, as well as on Christian Book Distributors, and other book stores.

Bio: Debbie Lynne Costello's tagline is Southern-Kissed Historical Romance. She is a member of ACFW and HisWriters and writes Christian historical romance. She chairs the CROWN promotional group and is a member of HEWN which promotes Christian historical fiction in European settings. Debbie Lynne lives in South Carolina with her family. Debbie Lynne is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can learn more about her at her websites www.debbielynnecostello.com and www.theswordandspirit.blogspot.com. Debbie Lynne also is co-hostess of www.fictionaddictionfix.blogspot.com.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Your choice of Laurie Alice Eakes’s books, choice of format.

Carrie Fancett Pagels' Review of Printed on My Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes

2012-03-11T16:00:00.000-04:00

We are deviating from our normal format this week - Laurie Alice Eakes week here on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help. A brief interview and commentary will be up next Saturday. We begin the week with a review of Laurie Alice's contribution to a wonderful four novella compendium that recently released.

Highland Crossings

By: Laurie Alice Eakes, Pamela Griffin, Jennifer HudsonTaylor, and Gina Welborn

(Barbour Publishing, 2012)

HighlandCrossing is a four-novella collection of Scottish immigrants, centered aroundan heirloom brooch.

1758 - Printed on My Heart, By Laurie Alice Eakes

Stacks of paper at Colonial Williamsburg

This is the second novella in the series.

Laurie Alice Eakes and Gina Welborn

The really fun part of reading this novella was thatI took Laurie Alice around Colonial Williamsburg, with Gina Welborn, last year when sheinterviewed the printer there.

Laurie Alice is blind but the reader would neverknow that reading her work. She gives great details.

Laurie Alice Eakes interviewing printer at Colonial Williamsburg

This novella is yet another example of thisauthor’s ability to pack a shorter book (in this case a novella) with unbelievable detailswithout sacrificing the integrity of the story.

Colonial Williamsburg Printers' tool

And what a lovely romance! Laurie Alice has you loving poor Fiona and her hero Owain before you cansay “I do”!!!

Laurie Alice's books can be found on Amazon, as well as CBD, and other book stores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Your choice of Laurie Alice Eakes' books, choice of format.

Carlton's Healing by Teresa Mathews - Overcoming Cancer

2012-03-10T00:30:00.000-05:00

1999is a year forever etched in our minds. In January I noticed a lump under myright jawbone that would pop out when I would chew. I went to visit my familydoctor and was immediately sent for a scan. When the results came back I wassent to a Neurologist because they thought it was cancer that could havealready invaded my skull. She made mefeel better because she told me it had not invaded my skull. Then she referredme to an ENT that specialized in facial cancer.

TheENT was a wonderful Christian doctor that assured me everything would be ok. Hetold me he did not think it was cancer and that it should not be a veryinvasive surgery. But he also explained that it was possible that he might haveto cut through my jawbone and replace it with a steel plate. The surgery wentfine and there was no cancer and he did not have to cut through my jawbone. Wewere so relieved and thankful that God had spared me from cancer.

Abouta month later my oldest son who had just turned five, was having constant sinusinfections. The ENT he had been going to for about three years thought Danielwould benefit from a two part sinus surgery. He came through both of those withflying colors and once again all was well with the Mathews family. We neverdreamed what would come next.

Fastforward to Father’s Day, June 20. My husband, Carlton, was the Worship Leaderat the church we attended, and I played the piano. That morning after the choirhad finished, Carlton was going to sing a song dedicated to our small sons. Hehad only sung a few bars when he suddenly stopped singing and knelt down. Thepastor thought he was overcome with emotion but that was not the case. He wasin a tremendous amount of pain and could not stand.

Werushed Carlton by ambulance to the local hospital and after blood tests and anultrasound; an Urologist was called in that told us that Carlton either had aninfection or a tumor. Let me say this as polite as possible, we were told hemight have the type of cancer that the bicyclist Lance Armstrong had. The doctorwas very direct and to the point, he certainly had lost his bedside mannersomewhere before he got to us. He told us if Carlton was not better he would behaving surgery on Friday morning.

Itwas a long week filled with a lot of prayer and a lot of fear. Friday morningcame and I waited and prayed while Carlton was in surgery believing that Godwould take care of him. Monday we were back in the Urologist’s office hearingthe words we never thought we would hear, Carlton had cancer. We were told theywould refer us to an oncologist but we might have to wait a few weeks beforethey could get us in.

ThankGod Carlton’s brother-in-law’s sister worked for one of the top oncologists inour area. We were in his office before the end of the week and had started histreatments the following Monday. Dr. Jones was so wonderful and upbeat and toldus this was beatable and Carlton would only have to undergo one week oftreatments once a month for three months. He told us the cancer was caught inthe very earliest stage.

Iwould like to say going through this was the hardest thing we have ever had todo. It was very stressful especially having to travel to North Carolina to havea PET scan, but God went before us and everything turned out fine. It verystressful the day Carlton came out of the bathroom with his hands filled withhair that had fallen out. But through it all God took care of us and made thepath easy for us. When we look back it seems like it happened to some else,God’s grace was so great in our lives.

Whenyou hear the “C” word fear comes in like a flood, but as it says in Isaiah59:19b “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shalllift up a standard against him.” It has been thirteen years this year since ithappened and Carlton is still cancer-free. He is still a Worship Leader and heis still praising God for healing him.

By Teresa Mathews - contributor on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help.

CONGRATULATIONS Teresa and Carlton on your upcoming 25th wedding anniversary! And thank you Jesus, for curing Carlton!

Marian Baay Reviews The Master's Wall by Sandi Rog

2012-03-08T01:30:00.000-05:00

The Master's Wall
by Sandi Rog
(DeWard Publishing, 2010)

Reviewed by Marian Baay

4 stars ****

Sandi Rog writes an interesting and original story set in the first century. The two main characters are energetic young people who become close friends – one the master’s granddaughter, the other the master’s slave.

Young David was sold as a slave at the age of 10. He’s the son of Hebrews who believed in Yahshua and because of their faith they were killed. In the first century Christians were awfully persecuted. David kept the faith of his parents and starts telling other slaves about his God and a church was planted between the master’s wall.

On David’s first day at the master’s villa he meets the master’s granddaughter. Alethea is 7 years old and just saw her father get killed by the hand of her grandfather, because her father was a Christian.

Alethea is a feisty little girl. She reminds David of his little sister. He decides then that he will protect her. A sweet friendships grows in the years that follow. They love to escape in the woods and have a secret place on top of the master’s wall.

David lives a hard life. He is trained to be a juggler and warrior. He learns that his master is a hard man. He gets undeserved whippings, because of the lies of the master’s family members. There are several opportunities for David to escape, but Alethea is the reason that he never runs away. She needs him to protect her from her selfish family.

At the age of 11 Alethea was betrothed to a man she didn’t love and didn’t desire to marry. She wants to marry David, but a marriage between a master’s granddaughter and a slave is impossible. She prays to David’s God for a way to marry David.
Is there a way then? Will God answer such a prayer?

The Master’s Wall is full of action and has plenty of twists and turns. I also learned a lot of historical facts. I didn’t like so much to read about the whippings and beatings, but those things really happened back then. It only added to the reliability. The more I read of this story the more I liked it. I’m looking forward to read more of Sandi’s books!

Bibliotherapy: death of parents, graphic whippings and beatings.

The Master's Wall is available through Amazon and other book stores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Your choice of Sandi’s books, choice of format.

Diana Reviews Walks Alone by Sandi Rog

2012-03-06T03:30:00.000-05:00

Walks Alone
by Sandi Rog

(WhiteFire Publishing, 2012)

Review by Diana L. Flowers

5 stars *****

A"Captivating" Read!

Sandi Rog has crafted anunforgettable, gripping tale of a young Dutch woman who comes toAmerica to find her dream, and ends up in the savage wilderness abode of theCheyenne Indians! Ten year old, Anna van Stralen has left her homeland ofHolland, along with her beloved widowed father, to find their dream inColorado Territory. Upon reaching America's shore, Anna's father passes awayand she is left in her abusive uncle's care for six long, miserable years.Anna, however, never loses sight of her dream, and scrimps and saves everypenny until she is able to catch a train to Denver, far awayfrom her uncle. Because of her naivete, something goes terribly awry, and Annafinds herself on the back of a horse, held captive by the fearsomeCheyenne, and headed into the savage wilderness home of the Indians.

White Eagle isdisturbingly handsome, with mesmerizing blue-green eyes, and speaks Englishbetter than Anna. In exchange for Anna's freedom and safe passage to DenverCity, she agrees to a platonic marriage to White Eagle, a kindheartedand gentle man, with a haunting secret. As Anna learns to live alongside ofthese gentle, but strange people, she learns some valuable lifelong lessonsabout prejudice, the color of a person's skin, and the true beautythat lies within a man.

Finally on her way by stagecoach to Denver, her coach is robbedby highwaymen, and before she is knocked unconscious she sees a pair ofbeautiful sea green eyes above the mask of her attacker. Who is thistenderhearted, but deceitful and fierce man she has married, calledWhite Eagle, and will she ever make it to the place of her and herfather's dreams? Is the answer to all of her dreams right inside ofher carpetbag? Will she ever be able to let go of her bitternesstowards God because of the abuse she has suffered? Will White Eagle findforgiveness in his heart towards the white man, and find peacewith God?

Sandi Rog has written abeautiful story of forgiveness and forbidden love--heartrending, exciting,and heartwarming--it's all in there. White Eagle is based on a truecharacter in our country's history, who Sandi Rog gleaned alot of theCheyenne's cultural practices from, and lends to the authenticity ofthe storyline. With a deep spiritual thread throughout, alot oftwists and turns, and a climactic, satisfying conclusion, this one willdefinitely have the reader burning the midnight oil! Very nicely done, SandiRog!

*I was sent an AdvanceReader’s Copy by the publisher, WhiteFire, and was not required to write apositive review.

Walks Alone and Sandi's other books are available through Amazon and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Your choice of Sandi’s books, choice of format.

Carrie Fancett Pagels Interviews Sandi Rog

2012-03-04T06:30:00.000-05:00

Sandi Rog is the author of YAHSHUA’S BRIDGE the second book in her Iron and the Stone series. Her first book was THE MASTER’S WALL, which won the Small Publishers Book of the Year Award, and her most recent release is a western romance titled WALKS ALONE.

I met Sandi Rog through ACFW and an online writers group HisWriters--those who have either published or planned works with European characters.

Sandi, welcome to Overcoming Through Time.
Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here!

Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past?
Okay, I’ve been sitting on this question for weeks! That’s why it took so long to get this back to you, Carrie. But I finally know what to share.

This last year I’ve been battling cancer. It’s been a rollercoaster ride with ups and downs, with trusting in God and doubting Him, with wanting to give up and wanting to fight. I’ve been an emotional mess.

After going through a stem cell transplant in May of 2011, then finding out in September that the cancer came back, and then going through radiation, I finally gave up.

Here’s what I mean. I had to give up two things: my children and my fight.

I have an idea of how Abraham and Hannah must have felt when they had to give up their children.

You see, my motivation to survive has been my children. Seeing their faces and knowing how much they need me made me fight that much harder. I wouldn’t let them go. But I finally had to realize that ultimately they’re not my children. They belong to God. Of course, I’ve always known that, but this time, I had to trust in that, trust in God to take care of them for me if it was His will for me to go home. So, mentally I had to literally hand each one of my children over to Him. I watched them in my mind, floating up to God and out of my hands and into God’s hands. That wasn’t easy, but once I did that, I knew they’d be fine because God would take care of them for me. After all, He loves them even more than I do!

Shortly after that (and radiation), I was exhausted and decided I was DONE. Done fighting, and just done. That’s when I prayed and told God I was finished fighting, and if He wanted me to survive on this earth, He was gonna have to do the fighting for me. When I let go of my fight against cancer, I can’t tell you how much relief I felt. The anxiety left. The fear diminished.

Everything was all in God’s hands, and what better hands could my children and my life be in?

I can’t say the fear was completely gone because I didn’t know what God wanted. Did He want to take me home, or did He want me to stay here longer? And if He wanted to take me home, would it be a slow and painful journey? So, I still had fear about those things.

Well, not long after that, I got a PET scan, which I scheduled to happen after Christmas (I didn’t want to ruin our Christmas with bad news; with all the pain I had in my back, we were sure it was covered in cancer).

I did the PET scan and two days later went in for the results. My sister came with me and my husband, and as we were in the waiting room, she shook out her hands and said her palms were sweating. She didn’t want to be there. Ha! I said, neither did I!

Anyway, I was finally called into the doctor’s office, and when the doc came in, she said they couldn’t find cancer anywhere in my body. The three of us just sat there in stunned disbelief. Before I could ask, she said the pain in my back was from a fractured rib due to the cancer and then the radiation. Then she pronounced me in remission!

Needless to say, we asked a lot of questions and left in shock. LOL I still have plans to go back to see my naturopathic doctor in AZ just to give this cancer one last major blast. Now we’re simply praying that it doesn’t come back.

So, that’s the most difficult thing I’ve had to face and overcome. Not necessarily overcoming “cancer,” but learning to let go and let God.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?
Jeremiah 17:7-8. I think it’s my favorite because it shows the power of faith. Even when our circumstances are difficult, simply trust in God—no matter what.

Disability friendliness:
My books are all available on Kindle, which has an audio capability.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
That they’re not alone in their struggles. That God is with them throughout it all, even during the lowest valley and when He feels far away. I also want readers to know they can be overcomers, to cling to the Lord no matter what happens in this life.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

For Yahshua’s Bridge, it was what the Romans did to interrogate the Christians. To find information on that, and all the steps they took to “save” the Christians or to make sure they truly weren’t Christians was bitter sweet. On one hand, they tried to get the Christians to deny their faith because they didn’t want to execute them. On the other hand, the things they made them do to prove they weren’t Christians were blasphemous.

For my book Walks Alone (which is a romance about the Cheyenne Native American tribe), I learned that genocide wasn’t only practiced by Hitler, but it was done on American soil. That really shocked me when I learned about the Sandcreek Massacre.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?

My story is about growing up with abuse and how we allow it to affect us. We can either be angry or trust in God and let it form us into a stronger person. I was abused as a kid, and God has made me an overcomer. I want others to learn that they can do the same.

Thank you Sandi. A year ago, I prayed that I would be putting up this interview and that God would save Sandi's life and give her an AWESOME testimony of His healing power. This brings tears to my eyes as I prepare for this to go "live" on Sunday. Thank you Jesus, for Sandi, and her survival!!!

Thank you for having me Carrie! So glad I could be here.

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away one of Sandi's books at the end of the week. Winner can choose any one of Sandi Rog's books, ebook or paperback. Leave your comment and email address.

Guest Post: Overcoming Lyme's Disease with God's Help

2012-03-03T01:30:00.000-05:00

Finding Magnificencein the Simple Things

by Larry Jones

You can learn a lot from a tick. Three years ago I was diagnosed with Lymedisease; a bacterial infection passed along by deer ticks. I failed to detect the bulls-eye rash fromthe bite, but I knew something was wrong when it became a struggle to climbstairs and get in and out of my car.

After my diagnosis I searched the Internet for moreinformation and learned some victims of Lyme suffer serious long-term neurologicaland even psychological damage. I read abouta preacher who was arrested by the police for drunk driving and fired by hischurch, only to discover later he was suffering from Lyme, not intoxication.

My lowest moment came in a shopping mall when I dropped somemoney and wasn’t able to bend my knees and pick it up. As I shuffled toward an exit resentmentwelled up inside of me when I saw an elderly man reach down to pick up sometrash. I imagined he was showing off onpurpose to torment me in my pain.

The good news is I survived. Months of antibiotics and the passing of time brought me to a completerecovery, although my family claims the jury is still out on psychological impairment.But even though the disease is history, its memory is not. That dangerous tick that almost cost me myhealth also changed my life. How, youmay ask?

With one infectious bite, he put me in a place where I wasallowed to suffer for my own good. As mymovements grew slower and the scope of my life smaller, I was forced to payattention to some of God’s magnificently simple blessings. Since Thanksgiving Day is upon us, it seems timelyto highlight a few. What did that peskyinsect teach me?

He taught me to bethankful for free blessings in life. As my disease progressed, the pain in my joints forced me to adapt. To climb in my car I clung to the door androof while slowly lowering myself into the driver’s seat. Then I gingerly lifted my legs into the car,one at a time. I still remember the daymy pain subsided enough for me to lift my legs by themselves, and now, when Islide effortlessly into my car seat I sometimes stop to thank God.

It is easy to overlook the free things in life. I have noticed small children are much betterthan adults at keeping these blessings in perspective. Children pray for the birds, and the sky, andthe neighbor’s cat Binky. Adults prayfor houses and cars and promotions at work. Granted it is best to have a roof over our heads, but is a car or abetter job ultimately more vital to our survival than a bird or the sky? I guess it depends on whether we mind livingin a world overrun with rodents and insects, or one without an atmosphere. As far as Binky, I will let you make thatdetermination.

Life’s free gifts become more important when we losethem. Perhaps this is why people facingtrials are sometimes the most thankful of all. They have learned to appreciate everything because they have had to letgo of so much.

He taught me to bethankful for the people around me. Irarely get sick, so my illness put me in a place I wasn’t prepared tohandle. There were times I was worriedabout the future, and moments when my frustrations overwhelmed me. In the beginning I wasn’t sure what waswrong, or if it could be cured. And as Istruggled, my wife, children, church family and neighbors sustained me.

Something happens to us when we are forced to depend onothers. It is no longer possible to livewith our illusions of self-sufficiency or our delusions ofindispensability. A good dose ofhumility opens our hearts and causes us to see God’s grace poured out in thelives of His servants. And the more weacknowledge our need for others, the greater our sense of responsibility toothers in need.

It is easy to take people for granted when we think wedon’t need them. But when we are drivento our knees and find ourselves unable to tie our own shoes, we learn to putour pride aside and embrace the strength of community.

He gave me a greaterappreciation for those who suffer. Pleasedon’t misunderstand. In the whole schemeof life, a temporary disease like Lyme disease, when discovered early, is amanageable crisis. But as I suffered,and stinging pains shot through my joints with every movement, I experienced ataste of what it must be like for those with lifelong debilitating diseases.

I thought of a two women in the church I serve. One has rheumatoid arthritis, but in spite ofher pain she leads our volunteer office receptionist’s ministry and personallyserves one day a week. The other hasmultiple sclerosis and she regularly participates in community outreachprojects. I thought of my friend who directsour recovery ministry who takes medication for dementia that is slowly stealingaway his mind. These and many othersdon’t let their suffering keep them from serving the Lord, and in fact,sometimes they use the lessons they have learned in the midst of their pain tominister to others.

I will never look at people who find a way to serve God intheir suffering the same way again. Theyhave found strength this world can’t offer, and have a testimony that drawsothers to the throne of grace.

He reminded me howblessed I am to have access to good medical care. The talented doctor who diagnosed me andcured me saved me from years of misery. Oneprescription and a bottle of antibiotics later I was on the road torecovery.

Not all diseases are so easily cured, but modern medicinehas found an answer for some of the deadliest illnesses in the world. Medical missionaries in impoverishedcountries watch people die of diseases that could have been cured if treated intime, and their hearts break for them.

Millions of people across the globe have no access to modernmedicine. In America we have so many pills wehave a name for the cabinet where we store them all. How can we not be thankful for ourcircumstances and compelled to help others with theirs?

He taught me to bethankful for a God who is present in my pain. Throughout my ministry people with horrific diseases have describeda portion of God’s grace that came to them in a time of need. Let me be clear: Lyme disease, when caught,is nothing compared to the life-altering and sometimes terminal illnessesothers face.

Yet, for a season, I felt debilitating pain. I was afraid. And on those mornings when I practically crawled to my office desk andtears ran down my face, I found some of that grace others had experienced. It didn’t take away my physical pain, but itreminded me in no uncertain terms I had not been abandoned. It also made me more receptive to God’sleading and the silent prompting of His Spirit within me.

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, in its variousforms and traditions. And although our celebrationis technically a national observance, as believers we view it as a spiritual opportunityto reflect on God’s goodness. With thePsalmist we say, “It is good to praisethe Lord.” (Psalm 92:1)

It is good to praise God for the big things and the smallthings. We thank Him for caring for usin the past, and ask Him to watch over us in the future. And in this special season we look deeper tofind those blessings that are the simplest of all and so easy to take forgranted.

Recently I was thinking about the prayers my grandfatherused to offer as we gathered for our Thanksgiving feast. His thanked God for family, food, Hiswatchful eye, and another year of life. Hedidn’t pray for the birds and the sky, or the neighbor’s cat Binky. But his prayers were childlike and simple.

I am not suggesting there is anything wrong with thankingGod for less simple things. In fact, ifHe has helped us through some incredibly complex issues in our lives, we shouldcertainly praise Him for it. It’s justthat sometimes, we find our complexities are self-imposed when we worry about thewrong things and neglect what’s most important.

Jesussaid, "ThereforeI tell you, do not worryabout your life, what you will eat ordrink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important thanfood, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away inbarns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.Are you not muchmore valuable than they?”

(Matthew 6:25-26)

God continues to humble me and strip away what doesn’t matterso I can see what does. And sometimes Hecorrects my perspective with the strangest instruction. Sometimes He even uses ticks.

Bio: Larry Jones is the pastor of Northside Christian Church in Yorktown, Virginia. He also writes inspirational children's fiction. His essays have been published in various Christian periodicals, including this one, which is from Lookout magazine http://www.lookoutmag.com/articles/articledisplay.asp?id=1055

THANKS, Larry! And thank you to Brandilyn Collins, our guest this week, and to Marian Baay, who was her hostess and reviewer. Diana, Teresa, and I are also happy to announce that Marian has joined us as a regular reviewer and team member of OTT-WGH. Welcome, Marian!!!

GIVEAWAY: Check here on Sunday afternoon (after I get through listening to one of Larry's awesome sermon!) and find out who this week's winner is!

Brandilyn Collins' new release reviewed by Marian Baay

2012-03-01T00:30:00.000-05:00

Gone to Ground

by Brandilyn Collins

Reviewed by Marian Baay

Five stars *****

In this novel Brandilyn Collins takes us to Amaryllis a little town in Mississippi where everybody knows everybody. And everybody knows what the other is doing. But nobody knows who ‘The Closet Killer’ is. Three women think they know who he is, but each woman suspects a different man.

The Closet Killer has murdered five women in the past three years. They were all stabbed with a knife in their neck and were found in their bedroom closet. Now a sixth woman was found murdered.

Three women are convinced that the man they know has murdered this last victim. Cherrie Mae thinks one of her clients did it. Deena thinks her brother did it. Tully thinks her husband did it. They all have believable arguments to think that the man they know is the killer.

The women get together and learn from each other that all three men have a motive to have murdered this last victim. Together they try to figure out who the real killer is.

Gone to Ground is a gripping page-turner. The story was very well written. I loved to read each woman’s thoughts and their own manner of speech. This made the characters more real to me.

Usually I figure out pretty soon who the bad guy is, but not this time. I had not guessed who the killer was.

Good job, Brandilyn!

Brandilyn Collins's books are available through Amazon, Christian Book Distributors, and other book stores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Your choice of thisauthor’s books, choice of format.

Marian Baay reviews Brandilyn Collins's Over the Edge

2012-02-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

Dutch Translation Copy of Over the Edge

DUTCH Readers - Scroll down for the Dutch version of this review, thank you!

Over the Edge
by Brandilyn Collins

5 stars *****
Reviewed by Marian Baay

On the Edge... of My Seat!

Janessa is married to a highly respected research physician named Brock McNeil. He’s a Lyme Disease researcher. He doesn’t believe in chronic Lyme Disease. He believes that patients should be healed after four weeks of antibiotics.

When Janessa is not feeling well for three weeks, she asks Brock if she could be infected with Lyme Disease. He thinks it’s nonsense. They haven’t been in the woods or anywhere else where ticks can be found.

What Janessa and Brock don’t know is that a couple of months earlier a man broke into their house and left three ticks in Janessa’s hair. Janessa will soon learn what the man did when he calls her on her cell phone. He explains what he did and that now she is infected with Lyme Disease and coinfections too.

In a couple of days Janessa must convince Brock to make a statement that chronic Lyme Disease does exist, or else the secret man will infect their 9-year old daughter too.

A race against time! Brock does not believe Janessa. She’s on her own. Her body is hurting terribly. She is immensly tired. She can not think clear. Can not find the right words. But she must convince Brock. Or is there another way to make a public statement?

This book is full of valuable information about Lyme Disease. You get a good idea how Janessa must be feeling. Lyme Disease is the subject of this book, but this wouldn’t be a Brandilyn Collins novel if there wasn’t suspense and mystery. I literally sat on the edge of my seat a good couple of times.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what it’s like to live with Lyme Disease, or to anyone who knows someone with this disease.

Brandilyn Collins books available on Amazon as well as Christian Book Distributors and other bookstores.

IN DUTCH

Op het randje... van mijn stoel!

Janessa is getrouwd met de vooraanstaande arts onderzoeker Brock McNeil. Hij onderzoekt de ziekte van Lyme. Hij gelooft niet in de chronische variant van de ziekte van Lyme. Hij denkt dat patienten binnen vier weken genezen moeten zijn als ze antibiotica innemen.

Wanneer Janessa zich als drie weken niet goed voelt, vraagt ze aan Brock of ze geinfecteerd zou kunnen zijn met de ziekte van Lyme. Hij denkt dat het onzin is. Ze zijn niet in het bos geweest of op andere plaatsen waar teken zijn.

Wat Janessa en Brock niet weten is dat er een paar maanden eerder iemand in hun huis heeft ingebroken. Hij heeft drie teken in Janessa’s haar achtergelaten. Janessa komt er snel genoeg achter wat de man gedaan heeft als hij haar op haar mobiele telefoon belt. Hij legt haar uit wat hij gedaan heeft en vertelt dat ze nu geinfecteerd is met de ziekte van Lyme en dat ze ook nog coinfecties heeft.

Binnen een paar dagen moet Janessa Brock overtuigen om een publieke verklaring af te leggen dat chronische Lyme weldegelijk bestaat. Zo niet, dan zal de geheime man ook hun 9-jarige dochter infecteren.

Een race tegen de klok begint! Brock gelooft Janessa niet. Ze staat helemaal alleen. Haar lichaam doet vreselijk veel pijn. Ze is ontzettend vermoeid. Ze kan niet helder nadenken. Kan niet de juiste woorden vinden. Maar ze moet Brock overtuigen. Of is er een andere manier om een publieke verklaring af te leggen?

Dit boek staat vol met waardevolle informatie over de ziekte van Lyme. Je krijgt een heel goed idee hoe Janessa zich moet voelen. De ziekte van Lyme is dan wel het onderwerp van dit boek, maar dit zou geen Brandilyn Collins boek zijn als er geen spanning en mysterie zou zijn. Ik zat regelmatig letterlijk op het randje van mijn stoel.

Ik beveel dit boek van harte aan voor iedereen die wil weten hoe het is om met de ziekte van Lyme te leven, of voor een ieder die iemand kent met deze ziekte.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Your choice of thisauthor’s books, choice of format.

Interview - Brandilyn Collins

2012-02-26T01:30:00.000-05:00

Brandilyn Collins is the author of Over the Edge and of 23 other books,including her latest release on March 1, Goneto Ground.

Brandilyn, welcome to Overcoming Through Time – WithGod’s Help. Would you share either themost difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, orthe most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had toget past?

In 2002 I became very ill. I literally went frombeing a healthy, five-miles-a-day runner to falling down on my kitchen floorand not being able to get up. My legs had suddenly gone weak. Eventually in2003 I learned I had Lyme disease. The disease crippled me and made me unableto perform the normal duties of being a wife and mom. My husband had to cookall the meals and take care of the home on top of his already demanding job. Icouldn’t do much for my kids. My daughter, 13 at the time, thought she waslosing me. It was a time of great fright and facing the unknown in our family.

During that time I learned how to truly praise Godthrough difficult circumstances. He taught me how to use the psalms for bothpraise and supplication. I prayed them aloud every day, sometimes praising withtears running down my face. I learned that praising God is an act of will, notemotion. When I eventually lost the ability to read because of Lyme, I listenedto the psalms on tape and praised that way.

In May of 2003 God granted me a miraculous healingfrom Lyme. It’s an amazing story that’s available to read on my website.Today, many people around the world have read about this event.

It is this experience with Lyme disease, and withfacing the general medical community’s tendency to dismiss the disease and itsdiagnosis and treatment, that led me to write my novel Over the Edge. The book features the first person story of awoman infected with Lyme. And woven into the story are the background issues ofthe battle between Lyme sufferers and the medical community. I have receivedwonderful praise for this book, both from reviewers and from readers who haveLyme or wanted to know more about Lyme. Some who have been sick for years,undiagnosed, realized they should be tested for Lyme after reading Over the Edge. Now they’re finallygetting treatment. Imagine receiving a note that says, “Thank you for helpingto save my life.” Other people have given the book to family and friends, whonow can understand what they’re going through. All in all I see how much thebook has helped people. Even those who simply pick it up to read a fast, tensesuspense walk away knowing more about Lyme disease. And I was able to weaveinto the story my own journey in learning how to praise God through it. This isalso what my main character, Jannie, learns.

So, yes, Lyme disease was a terrible, formidableopponent. But I wouldn’t want to give up what God taught me through it. ThenGod gave me a chance to use to the experience, through writing Over the Edge, to help others.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

My life verse God gave me—Psalm 138:8: “God willaccomplish what concerns me.” (NASB) Or as the NIV translates it, “God willaccomplish his purpose for me.” If I can believe that—really walk in it—thatabout covers it. Easier said than done.

Disability friendliness:

Is this latest release available in audio format ordo you have any other works available on audio?

Numerous of my books are available in audio formatas well as large print. Over the Edge isalready out in large print. Because I have so many novels, it’s hard to listevery one that’s available here. The best way to see is to click my name onAmazon and see all the variations of my books that come up.

What has been the most important thing you hope yourreaders will get from your books and why?

First and foremost, I want my readers to enjoy mynovels for the suspense experience. My trademark brand, Seatbelt Suspense®,carries a four-point brand promise: fast-paced, character-driven suspense withmyriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith. Although ultimately I hope thereader will latch onto the faith message woven into the story, I don’t sit downto write a “Christian suspense” or to write a story with a certain Christianmessage. Most of the time I have no idea what the Christian message will beuntil I’m some distance into writing the story. The faith element must arisenaturally from what the protagonist is facing, and her own experiences,background and built-in fears. Readers pick up my novels because they lovesuspense. So I must deliver that experience to them. If they like thesuspenseful story, if they can empathize with my main character, then they’llfinish the book. And within that reading they will see the faith message.(Which they can ultimately accept or reject.) But if I don’t deliver on thesuspense, readers will put down the book at page 30 or so. Then what good is mymessage? It’ll never be read.

The natural faith element in my novels allows me tohave both Christian and non Christian readers. With Over the Edge I’ve had a lot of readers who aren’t necessarilyChristian, because this novel has been so talked about among Lyme sufferers.People who’ve never read my books are picking up Over the Edge and recommending it to others. They want to read agreat suspense about Lyme. From all indications via reviews, I am deliveringthat. But they also are reading the faith message. And in the back of the bookI have a lengthy author’s note, which includes information about my ownexperience with Lyme and a link to my Lyme page and healing story on my website. Now many people who may have never found that recounting of my healingare reading it.

God works in all kinds of unexpected ways.

As you researched your books, did you learn anythingthat particularly touched your heart?

I did do a lot of research on Lyme for Over the Edge, even though I had a goodbasis of knowledge to begin with. The stories are so heart-wrenching. Such as peoplewho are crippled today who could be well if they’d just been diagnosed andtreated. Instead doctors refused to test for Lyme, or assured them “We don’thave Lyme disease in this state.” Other sufferers are diagnosed but can’t finda doctor who’ll treat them. And many doctors who have treated Lyme long termare sanctioned and scared out of treating through the threat of losing theirmedical licenses. It’s a really sad situation all around. Bad enough to be sosick, but to have to fight the medical community as well is heart-breaking.

In this latest work, do you have any topics usefulfor bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder orsituation?

In the author’s note at the back of Over the Edge is a fairly lengthyexplanation of Lyme disease and its challenges in treatment/diagnosis. I linkto the Lyme page on my website, which has further helpful links in understanding the disease, findinga Lyme doctor, etc.

Thank you, Brandilyn, for agreeing to answer thesequestions. Have a blessed day and keepon writing!!

Brandilyn's books are available through CBD, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of one of Brandilyn's books, including her latest - Gone To Ground, releasing March 1, 2012!!!

Fibromyalgia and Arthritis

2012-02-25T03:30:00.000-05:00

First of all, I want to again extend condolences to AndreaBoeschaar on the loss of her mother to cancer this past week. Diana, Teresa, and I ask our readers tocontinue to pray for Andrea. Diana and Iknow first hand how difficult a time this is to get over our mothers’deaths.

Weekend topic: Fibromyalgia

If you missed Andrea Boeschaar’s post on dealing withfibromyalgia, go back to Monday of this week. She has a lot of wisdom about dealing with a chronic illness.

When I first got diagnosed with arthritis and told I hadfibromyalgia (later confirmed as RA) I was urged to get Arthritis Today the magazine of the Arthritis Foundation. I am surprised by the number of people whodo not know about this premier source of information about arthriticinflammatory conditions, including fibromyalgia. The issues are usually pretty evenly balancedamong the various types of arthritic conditions. There are a bunch of great resources withinthe website, including one for ease of use products You can also sign up to follow them for dailytips from the Arthritis Foundation on Twitter.

If you are someone being treated for fibromyalgia, keep in mind that many people with this are eventually diagnosed as having sero-negative Rheumatoid Arthritis. And don't listen to people, including medical doctors(!) who refer to the condition as a waste-basket diagnosis, as someone recently told a friend of mine. One way to keep up-to-date with the research is to get the magazine and to also check the website for the Arthritis Foundation.

Thank you, again, Andrea for opening your heart and sharing your story with us. And we will keep praying as your continue your journey in overcoming, through time, with God's help.

Our winner will be announced Sunday afternoon in the comments section below.

Diana Flowers Reviews Threads of Hope by Andrea Boeshaar

2012-02-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

Threads of Hope

by Andrea Boeshaar
(Realms, 2012)

Reviewed by Diana L. Flowers

5 stars~*****

Tender Historical Romance!

In Threads of Hope, Andrea Boeshaar has weaved a heartwarming tale of honor, forgiveness, and romance, set in Wisconsin, in the year 1848. After losing both of her parents, Kristen Eikaas travels from her native Norway to America, along with her Uncle Lars and his family, seeking a better life only to find disillusion and heartbreak. Instead of the lovely home her uncle has promised, she finds herself in a one-room shanty with barely enough to eat, in a town filled with division, prejudice, and superstition. Kristin finds herself immediately drawn to her handsome neighbor, Sam Sundberg, but is forbidden to have anything to do with him or his family.

After the death of Sam's mother, his father marries a lovely Christian woman from the Oneida Indian tribe, and Uncle Lars in his ignorance and prejudice, claims that the Sundbergs cast spells on people. Mr. Sundberg, on the other hand, claims that Uncle Lars stole their silver many years ago, and a lifelong feud ensues between the two families. As false accusations arise, Kristen is forced from her uncle's home and the Sundberg's hire her as a housegirl, in spite of Sam's father's intense dislike of her, because she is an Eikaas.

Is there any hope for Sam and Kristen to find happiness together, when all odds are stacked against them? Is there any hope for forgiveness and reconciliation to tear down the walls of bitterness that have been built over the years?

I have read almost all of Andrea Boeshaar's novels and this one certainly did not disappoint. Her characters were very realistic, with many human frailties, and her research into the history of Wisconsin and the Indian land negotiations, was extensive and very interesting. A true story of love, forgiveness, unforgettable characters, and a strong spiritual thread throughout, this book will keep the reader turning those pages until the very satisfying conclusion! Another wonderful novel from the pen of Andrea Boeshaar!

Andrea's books are available for purchase through many sources such as Christian Book Distributors and Amazon.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Your choice of thisauthor’s books, choice of format.

Carrie Fancett Pagels Interviews Andrea Boeschaar

2012-02-19T03:30:00.000-05:00

Andrea Boeshaar is the author of Threads of Hope, book one in the Fabric of Time series, as well as the author of the acclaimed4-book series, Seasons of Redemption.In addition, she co-authored the popular devotional BeStill…and Let Your Nail Polish Dry. Find out more about Andrea andher books at: www.andreaboeshaar.com

I met Andrea through some online groups, including ACFW, anorganization that she co-founded.

Andrea, welcome to Overcoming Through Time. Would you share either the most difficultthing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the mosttragic situation or circumstance one of your characters has had to get past?

I’mgoing to be blatantly honest here. I have fibromyalgia and something calledsmall fiber neuropathy, which, I’ve been told, is a cousin to MS. Whilemultiple sclerosis patients have problems with their “main power sources” Ihave trouble with my “electrical outlets.” In either case, things don’t workproperly. Furthermore, and contrary to what some doctors think, small fiberneuropathy isn’t always a result of diabetes. My blood sugar is not high.I am not pre-diabetic. With me, physicians have to think outside the boxand it’s difficult to find one capable of doing that. Personally, I think mychronic illnesses began after my thyroid was removed in 2000 due to thyroidcancer. My endocrinologist finds my theory interesting, although there are nostudies to prove it.

I writeall this to educate and not complain, although I confess that there are dayswhen my pain is so severe and so distracting that I cannot even think ofwriting. I can’t concentrate. I can’t think. I can’t plot or plan. I feeloverwhelmed. Sometimes all I can do is crawl into bed, turn on the heating blanket,and watch Little House on the Prairiereruns. I feel so pathetic!

BUT GODis greater than my feelings! I find that when I stay close to the Lord, I canclaim His promises so the devil doesn’t get a foothold in my life. I believeI’m called to write – and write stories and devotionals that will encourageother Christians. I believe there is a spiritual battle going on – a battle forthe souls of mankind and one to cripple believers. Our “sword of the spirit” isthe Word of God.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

I have so many, but one of my favorites is 2Corinthians 10:4: For the weapons of our warfare are notcarnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.

Ibelieve there are many reasons for believers to struggle with chronic illnesses.God works them together for our good, to draw us closer to Him, it’s true. Butthey can also turn into strongholds and what I mean is this: A person canbecome so preoccupied with his or her chronic illness that he/she becomesnarcissistic and useless to God. They look inward instead of upward. I willadmit that I’m tempted sometimes to dwell on my infirmities and not God and Hissovereignty.

Disability friendliness:

Is this latest release available in audio format or do youhave any other works available on audio?

My booksare not yet available in audio format; however, my more recent titles areavailable in e-book formats. Some of my books have been published in largeprint editions.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readerswill get from your books and why?

Chronic illness, no matter what form it takes, isreal. Accept it. Strive to understand it. But don’t allow it to consume you.Some days will be better than others.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything thatparticularly touched your heart?

I realize more and more the hardships our great,great grandmothers endured. With my medical history, I would have neversurvived in the 1800s. But that’s why I wasn’t born back then!

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful forbibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder orsituation?

In Threads ofHope, my hero Sam Sundberg’s mother suffers with a debilitating illnessthat cannot be diagnosed. I modeled it after fibromyalgia, which was unheard ofback in 1848 so I didn’t give it an actual name. Mariah Sundberg is a NativeAmerican who uses natural remedies to help many others, including my characterKristin Eikaas, and yet herbs and medicine don’t help her. But she states inthe book that she uses her times of illness to look up and speak with God. Ihope I can always use my “down time” in that way.

Thank you Andrea for agreeing to answer thesequestions. Have a blessed day and keepon writing!!

My pleasure.

Andrea's books can be purchased through CBD, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.

Giveaway: We are giving away an ebook copy of one of Andrea's book this week. Andrea is giving away a paperback copy of one of her books this week, also. thanks, Andrea!

Bibliotherapy Review of A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman

2012-02-18T07:30:00.000-05:00

A Heart Revealed

by Julie Lessman

Winds of Change Series, Book Three
(Revell, 2011)

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

5 Stars *****

Emma Malloy is a survivor. She wears her wedding ringlike a talisman to protect her against men, having been abused by the man whoput the ring there. He even scarred her face during a drunken rage. She doesn’t trust a man who can’t control histemper. But her deep shame has finally caught up with her when her young friendfalls in love with a man as bad as Rory Malloy had been. Emma is a deeply spiritual woman who has compartmentalized her marriage as a way of coping with her intense distress over the reality of the relationship.

(SPOILER ALERTS)

Sean has demons of his own. He loves Emma, but shekeeps him at arm’s length. And another young woman, his boss’s daughter, won’tleave him alone. When she corners him inhis office, he ends up losing his job.

A son in the O’Connor family, Sean is guilty overfailing to protect his sister from their uncle’s abuse when they were young. Aveteran of WWI, he lost a love and a child. He doesn’t want to be hurt again.But God’s plan is different than Sean’s.

Julie's tagline is "Passion with a Purpose" and this story is no exception. She's not afraid to include multiple character's storylines and we get an update, in this book, on the characters from the earlier two books in this series.

Bibliotherapy: This book rivals Jennifer Hudson Taylor’slatest release for bibliotherapy elements.

We have: resultsof physical abuse, sexual abuse (back story - implied, not on the page),commitment to vows, shame, alcoholism, trauma, scarring, ability to controlanger, overcoming the past, and even mental instability brought on byrepression of the truth.

I can think ofMANY people who would benefit from this wonderful and deep story about God’srestorative power in the hearts of two traumatized individuals who love andrespect one another, a bottom line basis for every marriage.
This is a great example of how compartmentalization as a coping mechanism cannot hold up under scrutiny when the Holy Spirit convicts a believer.

I really loved this story and Julie is such a master of charactization and story that I almost feel as though these characters are real people! Bravo, Julie!!!

Julie Lessman's books can be purchased at CBD, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest. Drawing will be late Saturday. Your choice of this author’s books, choice of format.

Two Friends on Valentine's Friday

2012-02-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

Review by Kim D. Taylor

Opening a book written by Julie Klassen is like jumping on the speedway in the middle of rush hour traffic (in a car, of course.) Klassen's extraordinary characters will thrill you to your fingertips and drive you mad with page-turning adventure. Recently, I read "The Maid of Fairbourne Hall" and couldn't put the book down.

"The Maid of Fairbourne Hall" is about a young woman driven to escape a marriage crafted by her desperate step-father. With her inheritance seized until her birthday, society's Margaret Macy flees to the country disguised as a maid. But never in her wildest imagination did Margaret see herself working at Fairbourne Hall, the estate of recently returned, Nathaniel Upchurch.

Klassen weaves second-chance love in and out of a story accelerated by near misses, past love, and upstairs-downstairs drama—an adventure you won't want to miss. If you love heart-pounding romance charged with suspense, and the hope of everything right, then you are in for the ride of your life.

So buckle up, sit back, and relax—or try to relax, as Margaret and Nathaniel's story propels you from one page to the next. You will be begging, as I did, for Nathaniel to recognize Margaret, and when he does...hold your breath.

"The Maid of Fairbourne Hall" is only one of five Julie Klassen awarding winning novels. You're sure to enjoy her other books, too.

Klassen's artistry shines through in this tale of hope and second-chance love. "The Maid of Fairbourne Hall gets of Five Star rating for it's amazing characters, high stakes, and rich storyline. Read a Klassen novel and you'll find a work of art.
Bio: Kim D. Taylor writes inspirational historical fiction "Finding Hope Around Every Corner" and is represented by Tamela Murray with the Steve Laube Agency. A member of ACFW, she lives in Virginia where her pastor husband is finishing an advanced degree. They have two adorable boys. Kim and her family love beautiful places and especially the Mountains of Montana and Idaho, she enjoys writing historical stories set in the mountains.

Valentine Week Friday Review of JulieKlassen’s

“The Maid of Fairbourne Hall”
(Bethany House, January 2012)

by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Love is in the Air

Whew! I am glad I got to read this wonderful book which ILOVED. Now I can finish my own proposal. My critique partner, Kim D. Taylor, borrowed this book from me becausewe both LOVE Julie Klassen and her writing. She called me and told me that I MUST read the book because of theamazing story and pacing. And we tag-teamedto tell our other CPer, Sarah E. Ladd, that she needed to set aside her currentmanuscript to read this book! It is thatgood both from a reading and a writing perspective. And am I ever glad I read this book, despitemy original Kindle frying out on me. I was hoping to wait for the audioversion, which is how I have “read” all of Julie’s other books. Instead I read it on a heavy backlit KindleFire that is probably more conducive to headaches, but it was worth it. This book has several commonalities with mycurrent manuscript and so I am going to use it as a comparable in my proposalfor those elements (mine is in America, though, during the same timeframe). Okay, on to the real LOVE…

This story breaks out of the gate with strong tension. The pacing, like Kim had told me, is amazingand the plot tight. Julie makes you feelconcerned for our heroine despite her being, shall we say, a wee bituppity. Oh, but that is about toCHANGE!!! And with a poet in the mix andpoetic justice in how the hero is once again reunited with the sweetheart whorejected him, well – make sure you have a couple of days free to read thisstory as you will not want to set it down.

I LOVE (there is that word again this Valentine week!) howshe hooks you into rooting for the hero right from the get-go. And what a mesmerizing man his brother is –the way Julie writes the story you find yourself understanding why women wouldbe that blind to his character faults. One of my favorite scenes is the bathtub scene because of whatunexpectedly happens – I LOVED that!

Don’t even allow yourself to think that the ending will bestraight forward. Admittedly I usuallyprefer the horse riding straight on into the stable (hmm – not as good as traincoming into the station but this was early 1800’s!), but from experience reading Julie’s othernovels, I figured it wouldn’t be. What a satisfying conclusion. And Kim is right about the kiss!!!

Weird little notes: When I heard in the HisWriters group that Julie was setting this storyin Maidstone I got very excited. My great-grandparents Emily Wenham and WilliamFancett lived in Maidstone, England, and were married there. I have no idea if they were in service there (one account said they worked in the hops fields) but after reading Julie’s story I can seewhy they would have jumped at the opportunity to have land of their own inMichigan, a half a world away. And theyoung couple lived with and worked for a farming family (per the Michigan census)while establishing themselves for the land grant and their own farm. Too bad the grandparents of the staff atDownton Abbey hadn’t done the same!

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall is available for purchase on Amazon and on CBD and other books.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Your choice of Julie Klassen’s books, choice of format (ebook or paperback).

Valentine Week Giveaways Continue - Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

2012-02-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

Maid of Fairbourne Hall
by Julie Klassen
(Bethany House, 2012)

~5 stars *****

Reviewed by Diana L. Flowers

Appearances Can Be Deceiving!

In Maid of Fairbourne Hall, Julie Klassen sweeps us away to 19th century London, in a delightful tale reminiscent of the timeless classics of the beloved Jane Austen. It is a tale of the very wealthy, and their loyal servants, beautiful gowns and masquerade balls, deceit and unrequited love. Our heroine, self-centered Margaret Macy, who stands to inherit a fortune on her next birthday, is forced to leave her home by her money hungry stepfather and his conniving nephew. Not knowing exactly where she is going, Margaret finds herself hired as a servant at Fairbourne Hall, owned by none other than two of her past suitors...Nathaniel Upchurch and his brother, Lewis!

Desperate not to be discovered, the beautiful, blonde Margaret, dons a brunette wig from one of her masquerade balls, and becomes a servant in every sense of the word...even lowering herself to emptying the disgusting chamber pots. Infatuated at one time with Lewis Upchurch, Margaret turned down his brother, Nathaniel's marriage proposal...much to her chagrine, for Nathaniel has turned into one swoonworthy male, and she finds Lewis to be very shallow and selfish.

Will Margaret be able to keep up the charade without being discovered, and what valuable lessons does she learn as a housemaid...of sacrifice, forgiveness, and loving those who are beneath her station in life? And who has a vendetta against the Upchurch family and why?...and seriously wounds one of the Upchurch brothers? Will he live?---especially with a traitor in the mansion determined to make that an impossibility? Will Nathaniel forgive Margaret's rejection of him years earlier, should he discover her identity, and will she ever be able return home to her mother and siblings again?

I love Julie Klassen's books, but in my opinion this is the best novel she has ever written! Interlaced with humor, suspense, and romance, this novel will have you laughing one moment and eyes brimming with tears the next. I loved her characters (though somewhat fanciful at times), and how our heroine evolves from being a selfish lady to a real LADY in every sense of the word! Julie's use of imagery is extraordinary, her storyline fascinating, her writing exquisite; what more can I say than you must read this book?!!

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen can be purchased at CBD, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other booksellers.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Your choice of thisauthor’s books, choice of format.

"A Heart Revealed" by Julie Lessman, Reviewed by Kim D. Taylor

2012-02-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

A Heart Revealed

By Julie Lessman

(Revell, 2011)

Reviewed by Kim D. Taylor

Opening a book written by Julie Lessman is like opening a treasure box full of good memories. Lessman's characters will steal your heart and her stories will grow your faith. Recently, I read "A Heart Revealed" and couldn't put the book down.

"A Heart Revealed" is about a young woman disfigured by her past. It is a story overflowing with forgiveness, love, and hope. Emma Malloy and Sean O'Conner deliver a stunning performance, on paper that is—a performance not easily forgotten. If you enjoy stories that reveal the "stuff" of life—of heartache and hope, of trouble and salvation—you will love "A Heart Revealed." You will keep coming back for more with Lessman's well-developed subplots and deeply meaningful sub-characters, each unique and challenging, yet Lessman weaves the stories and entangles the characters with such care.

You'll be cheering for Emma and Sean all the way…until you must quietly stand beside them as they face their failures and discover hope for their future.

This is the second book in Lessman's series entitled, Winds of Change. Read Lessman's first book in the series called, "A Hope Undaunted," but have "A Heart Revealed" close by. The third book in this series will release in September of 2012.

Lessman's artistry shines through in this tale of freedom and forgiveness. "A Heart Revealed" gets a Five Star rating for it's strong characters, high stakes, and thick plot. Read a Lessman novel and you'll find the treasure of a lifetime.

Julie Lessman's books can be purchased at CBD, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores.

Bio: Kim D. Taylor writes inspirational historical fiction "Finding Hope Around Every Corner" and is represented by Tamela Murray with the Steve Laube Agency. A member of ACFW, she lives in Virginia where her pastor husband is finishing an advanced degree. They have two adorable boys. Kim and her family love beautiful places and especially the Mountains of Montana and Idaho, she enjoys writing historical stories set in the mountains.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Julie is giving away a paperback of this book! Thank you, Julie! We are also giving away either an ebook or a pb book of any of Julie's releases to residents of the US (nonresidents - ebook only!).

Three Laura Frantz Valentine's Day Treats

2012-02-14T07:30:00.000-05:00

The Frontiersman's Daughter in Dutch!!!

And we have a review of The Colonel's Lady by Marian Baay!! And we have giveaways!

The Colonel’s Lady

by Laura Frantz

Reviewed by Marian Baay

5 stars *****

I've been impatientlywaiting for the release of The Colonel's Lady. As I became to love Laura'sprevious books I was sure that I would not be disappointed with this book!

Roxanna Rowan is traveling from Virginia to Kentucke to visit her father whoserves as an officer under Colonel McLinn. When she arrives at Fort Endeavorshe learns that her father was recently killed. She can't return and has noother options than to stay in her father's cabin.

Colonel Cassius McLinn was with Roxanna's father when he died and promised himto take care of Roxie.

While reading how their lives come together I imagined living in the Fort withthem. I could smell the odors, hear the people talking and shouting, hear thebullets whistling, feel the winter cold and... feel the chemistry between thecolonel and his lady *sigh*. I was really there and witnessed it all. Fewauthors can make me feel like I'm actually in the story.

This was a great read! Very well done, Laura!

Click on the hot links for: Laura Frantz's books on CBD, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Laura Frantz is giving away a box of chocolates to one of our visitors today!!!

And we are giving away one of her books, your choice!

Valentine Authors/Books: A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman

2012-02-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

A Heart Revealed
by Julie Lessman
Winds of Change Series, Book 2
(Revell, 2011)

Review by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars *****

This is the story of Emma Malloy, the best friend of Charity O’Connor Dennehy. The two met while Charity was staying with her grandmother in Ireland. Quiet and beautiful,though scarred from a horrible incident caused by an abusive husband, Emma and Charity become best friends. When Charity leaves Ireland to come home to Boston, she cannot face leaving Emma behind, so she persuades Emma to come with her.

In the ten years Emma has been in America she has made a wonderful but somewhat lonely life for herself. Charity, loving Emma like a sister, wants to see Emma happy with a family of her own. But can Emma ever be truly happy? She has secretly had feelings for Charity’s brother Sean for years now but she knows she cannot act on those feelings, because of the tie that still binds her to the abusive husband she left behind years ago in Ireland. Will the God she serves make a way for her to be with the only man who has shown her respect and true love?

Sean, the stable and hardworking son in the O’Connor family who has his own secrets, has said he will never marry. Will he be able to trust God to touch his heart and take away the hurt of his hidden secret from years ago? Will he be the one to rescue sweet Emma from the prison of hurts she has suffered from an evil deceiving man? Will they ever have the happiness they both deserve?

I have read all of Julie's "Daughters of Boston" and "The Winds of Change" books and every time I read one I think "Julie can't top this one". I was wrong, it seems the more they come the better they get. If you have never had the pleasure of reading one of these books you will not want to miss this one. They all are based on the O’Connor family and even if you have not read any of the books in the series Julie has so expertly intertwined the stories it won’t matter where you start in the series you will be able to pick up the story line and the only problem you will have is wondering how long it will take you to find the others, so you can have the pleasure of reading those too!

Julie Lessman's books can be purchased at CBD, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Your choice of thisauthor’s books, choice of format.

Valentines Week Celebration - Five Special Authors

2012-02-12T00:30:00.000-05:00

We have reviews and giveaways all week long in celebration of Valentine's Day!

Our special valentine's day guest, Laura Frantz, just had her book "The Frontiersman's Daughter" translated into Dutch. Laura is giving away CHOCOLATE on Valentine's Day! She didn't say if it was Dutch chocolate, though!!! Her latest release, The Colonel's Lady is wonderful. Of course we'll be giving away a Laura Frantz book, too!

Julie Lessman will be up in three reviews this week. Moi, my critique partner Kim D. Taylor, and reviewer Teresa Mathews have all given our unique perspectives. I am saving mine for a bibliotherapy analysis next Saturday. We are giving away a copy of ANY Julie Lessman book, but this one, "A Heart Revealed" is super-appropriate for Valentine's Day week! And sweet Julie is giving away TWO copies of AHR, also!!! Thanks, Valentine!

All of us here at Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help, also love Julie Klassen. We have a review of Julie's latest book up this week, too, on Friday. With a giveaway - of course!

You only counted three sweeties? We want to give a great big Valentine Shout out to:

Susan Craft

A copy of Susan's book "The Chamomile", one of my picks for 2011, will be a giveaway. Susan's book is a treasure trove !

Susan Craft's book on Amazon

and
Kelly Long also in my top 2011 picks,

whose work I love, especially her two audiobooks in the Patch of Heaven series!
Buy Kelly Long books on Amazon and on CBD and other book stores.

Giveaway of any of Kelly's releases, including her upcoming first book in her Amish colonial series Arm's of Love!

Kelly will be up on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help for Kelly Long week later this spring!

Giveaways will be done everyday, so come by and celebrate historical romance for our Valentine's Week Celebration!

Overcoming Loneliness for Christians

2012-02-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

By Carrie Fancett Pagels

Doesn't the woman on the cover of The Lady of Bolton Hill look like she is lonely and seeking someone to take her to the next stage of her life? Elizabeth discussed her feelings of loneliness in her interview on Monday. I found a great link to an article about Christian singles overcoming loneliness.

As a single, we might ask. "What if I never marry?" You can be lonely in a marriage, too.

Where you are for the season - sometimes just accepting that you are where God has put you and finding what happiness you can in the situation can make the difference between despair and peace. We only are given so many days for our journey. Sometimes we are alone as far as a mate being alongside us but we are never without God's presence. For the Christian, whether married, single, widowed, divorced, regardless - making God the focus of your life gives the basis for your everyday living. Getting into the Word, spending time in prayer, and participating in the church and reaching out to others, may even be easier to do as a single person.

One of the things that happens with singles in churches, however, is that they are either swept to the side or are pitied. I experienced this sensation after I was married and had a child but was living in Atlanta for a short time without my family. I was never so aware of how we in the church overlook people without a spouse or family present with them in the church body. Some of that is self-centeredness or pew-warming (people there as though church is a social event). However, much may be people simply consumed with managing their own little families and not having much energy left after a long week. And with today's busy families and many women working full-time outside of the home, there are precious little emotional resources left to extend to others.

In a good marriage there is the sensation of being able to sink into the other's strength and draw on that to get through the tough times. As a single, one has to draw on friends and families for that support. And there is no denying that it is different than what an excellent relationship with a spouse gives. On the other hand, rushing into a marriage that God has not sanctioned for you will only worsen your situation. Having not married either of my first two fiances, I am grateful I was spared from the heartache of divorces that surely would have resulted had I married either of them. A bad marriage is worse than singleness. But that is a topic for another day's post!

DRAWING: The winner for this week's book, one of Elizabeth Camden's novels, will be announced this afternoon. The Rose of Winslow Street and Lady of Bolton Hill can be purchased through CBD, Amazon, and other booksellers.

Leave a comment for a chance to win either book. Drawing is today.

Diana Flowers reviews The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden

2012-02-09T00:30:00.000-05:00

The Lady of Bolton Hill
by Elizabeth Camden
(Bethany House, 2010)

~5 stars *****

Reviewed by Diana L. Flowers

Not Your Typical Historical Romance!

In her compelling debut novel, The Lady of Bolton Hill, Elizabeth Camden sweeps us away to Baltimore, Maryland, 1867, into the elite of society, the era of the steel mill industry, corruption, revenge, and romance.

Our heroine, Clara, the daughter of the wealthy newspaper magnate, Lloyd Endicott, has a very unlikely best friend in Daniel Tremain, a young boy who lives in the tenements, and whose own father gets killed in an accident in the steel mills. Their love of Chopin, Beethoven, and the arts draws them together, until at the age of 16, Clara's father decides it best to separate the two, and sends Clara off to England for 12 years. Clara becomes an advocate of the poor, writing newspaper articles about child labor in the mines, and Daniel becomes one of the most power industrialists in America, because of his vast knowledge of technology in the steel and railroad industries.

Upon Clara's return to Baltimore, they meet once again, and though Clara still loves Daniel, she finds a bitter man bent on vengeance towards the person he feels was responsible for his father's death. As their lives intertwine, Clara realizes there can never be anything more between them but friendship, because Daniel cannot forgive and let go of his vendetta, and she is a very devoted Christian. As a malevolent, sinister force causes Clara to fight for her very life, Daniel realizes he would do just about anything for her, but can he let go of the past and forgive? Can he accept Christ, simply because Clara wants him to? And even if he does, will he find Clara before it's too late?...for surely death's clock is quickly ticking away at her door, as a sinister force holds her captive.

I can hardly believe this is Ms. Camden's first published novel! Her writing skills are superb, and she certainly knows how to keep the reader turning those pages with her exciting storyline. She covers some heavy subject matter, such as child labor, opium dealers, etc., and this is certainly no lighthearted romance. Her characters wrapped themselves around my heart; even one of the evil ones--believe it or not!...and I found her research on steel millls, and ensuing riots of that era impeccable. Ms. Camden weaves a very strong spiritual thread throughout, and Clara was the epitome of what every Christian person should be, in my opinion. A wonderful read that left me in tears at a surprise in the conclusion! Very nicely done!

(Purchase through CBD, Amazon, and other books stores.)

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Your choice of thisauthor’s books, choice of format.

Teresa Mathews Reviews The Rose of Winslow Street By Elizabeth Camden

2012-02-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

The Rose of Winslow Street

By Elizabeth Camden

Reviewer: Teresa Mathews

5 Stars~*****

Liberty “Libby”Sawyer is a delightful young woman who sees beauty in things most people wouldmiss and loves to transfer that beauty into paintings that she keeps hiddenaway. Her father, a professor who never seems to appreciate Libby‘s talentexcept to use it for his own good, has never truly realized the treasurer hehas in his daughter. Instead he continues to belittle her artistic talents andmake her life miserable with criticism, because of a problem she would giveanything to change. Will her father ever see the error of his ways? Will heever be the loving father Libby desires?

While Libby andher father are visiting with her brother and his family for the summer, a telegraph has been sent telling themsomeone has moved into their home in Colden, Massachusetts. When Libby and herfather arrive back in Colden, Libby is drafted to accompany the sheriff to herhome to retrieve some of their belongings. Libby is shocked when she meetsMichael, he is a mountain of a man and extremely handsome, not at all what shehad imagined the man who had stolen their house to look like. Now she is evenmore confused, why would he want to take away a house that has been the onlyhome Libby has ever known? Why does she feel like this man and his family aredrawing her to them? Will he be the one to make her feel truly loved for thefirst time in her life?

Mikhail “Michael” Dobrescu and his family havetraveled many miles from Romania to get to the house in Colden, Massachusettsthat was promised to him in his uncle’s will. When they arrive they are armedto do battle if necessary, but when they find the house closed up for thesummer, Michael sees this as a sign from God. He knows they will have a longbattle to take back what was meant for him and his family, but at least for nowthey have a place to stay. When MissLiberty Sawyer shows up to collect some of her father’s strange drawings andinventions, he is shocked at the boldness of this beautiful young lady. Notonly does she “dress” like a man, she insists on doing “manly” things. What isit about this unconventional woman? One minute she is driving him to madnesswith her lovely scent and the next he wants to throw her out on her ear fordisobeying his demands. Will Libby be the one friend his family will have inthis town despite the fact he is planning to take her house away? Will Libby bethe one to make the towns people see him for something other than the “thievinggypsy” they think he is?

This is the first book I have had the pleasure to readfrom Elizabeth Camden, it was an exciting adventure from start to finish. Thereare many twists and turns that will keep you madly flipping pages, there aresome that will make you cringe in horror as you read them. Especially the storyof one of Michael’s relatives, be prepared, it will be very disturbing, but Ilove the way it was handled. Elizabeth did a superb job, showing how even inhorrible circumstances, God is able to help us overcome. This was an amazingread and I am looking forward to the next book from Mrs. Camden.

Purchase Elizabeth Camden's books through CBD, Amazon, and other book stores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Your choice of thisauthor’s books, choice of format.

Carrie Fancett Pagels Interviews Elizabeth Camden

2012-02-05T13:30:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth Camden is the author of The Rose of Winslow Street and The Lady of Bolton Hill both published by Bethany House. I met Elizabeth through Facebook, the placewhich seems to be spreading out to fill half of cyberspace!

Elizabeth,welcome to Overcoming Through Time. Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you havehad to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstanceone of your character’s has had to get past?

Thanks for asking me aboard! Overall, I have been incredibly blessed, butsomething I’ve wrestled with for a good deal of my adulthood was simpleloneliness. I was a single woman until35. For a number of reasons, my careerkept me moving every few years. As anatural introvert, it gets hard to put down roots as I kept moving from onecity to another. I found that as you getolder, if you don’t have children or a spouse, it can be hard to find in-roadsinto a new neighborhood community. Thiscan be true even in a church! So I spentmore holidays than I care to remember curled up at home. Thiswasn’t a huge tragedy, but there is a sort of low-grade pain that comes fromliving year after year, decade after decade alone.

So this is where the Lord comes in. Having faith means that even if you feel likethe odd man out, you are confident that you have a role in this world and animportant part to play. Why hadn’t Ifound the man of my dreams at age 22 and commenced to produce beautifulchildren and become a wife and mother, which is what I had always assumed Ishould be? My life didn’t unfold as Iexpected, but I trusted that God had a plan for me….I just needed to findit!

(CFP: I didn't marry until almost thirty and that after two broken engagements. I feel the same way - God's plan is best!)

Whatis your favorite bible verse and why?

Inthe beginning there was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word wasGod. John 1:1

This may be an odd quote for favorite, but it resonateswith me like a mantra. When I getstressed out over the minutia of daily life, that verse has a timeless qualitythat soothes me. God and Jesus havealways been there, they always will be. Myworries are a tiny blip in that long, unending relationship that is longer, deeper,and more profound than I can get my mind around. The verse helps me keep things inperspective.

Disabilityfriendliness:

Is this latest release available in audio format ordo you have any other works available on audio?

I am thrilledto say that an audio version of The Roseof Winslow Street is on the way! There is not a release date yet, but I expect it to hit the libraryshelves by mid-2012. My first book, The Lady of Bolton Hill, is available inlarge text, and I am hoping The Rose ofWinslow Street will be as well.

Purchase Elizabeth Camden's books through Amazon.
Buy Elizabeth Camden's books on CBD.

Whathas been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from yourbooks and why?

My knee-jerk reaction is tosay that I want my readers to have a wonderful, exhilarating time as they watcha great, heroic man fall desperately in love, uncover a long-buried mystery,and undertake an adventure that will open doors for his entire family. I hopemy novels are hard to put down and sweep the reader away to another time andplace. They always feature a love storythat is front and center, which is my favorite thing to write.

However….you asked what “themost important” thing is. I have foundgreat comfort in reading novels. Theygive me examples of persevering through tragedy, overcoming the odds, learningto trust your instincts, and to never give up. The Rose of Winslow Street hasseveral characters who struggle to overcome lifetime challenges. They do so through faith, perseverance, andcommon sense. I believe these qualitiescan help inspire people as they wrestle with their own problems.

Asyou researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touchedyour heart?

The hero and his family come from Romania, so Ineeded to learn about Romanian culture and customs. I wanted them to be as starkly different fromthe American heroine as possible, so I had them come from a rural village, butwith aristocratic roots….then I transplanted them into small town America of1879. It was huge fun to learn about thecustoms of a different country and then set them into play here inAmerica.

The hero and his family are starkly different fromthe New England villagers…..different dress, comportment, and manner of doingbusiness, but at heart they are the same. When the hero’s children are bullied because of their strange clothesand rural ways, it is a pain shared by the entire family. So even though I had fun with all thedifferences between the Romanian family and the American heroine, at heart, weare all part of the same human family. Howwe treat people who are different from us is a theme that arises over and overin the book.

Inthis latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, ortherapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?

One of the characters, Lady Mirela, is wrestlingwith a debilitating series of setbacks which completely derails her life. As the novel opens, she is suffering from profound depression tothe point that she cannot function in daily life. Through the course of the book she undergoesa remarkable transformation by coming to accept that the catastrophes thatrobbed her of the life she hoped lead could be turned toward something positive. She learns that God never abandoned her, andthat the tragedies actually set her on a life course far more profound and interestingthan anything she could have ever envisioned. I hope that others may be able to learn fromthat attitude of adapting to life’s curve-balls. Lady Mirela is a secondary character, but bythe end of the novel she emerges as one of the strongest, most courageouscharacters I’ve ever written. I lovethat woman!

Thank you Elizabeth, for agreeing to answer thesequestions. Have a blessed day and keepon writing!!

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be enteredin this week’s contest. Drawing will belate Saturday. Your choice of thisauthor’s books, choice of format.

Overcoming for Christians - Aging, Illness, and Alzheimer's

2012-02-04T07:30:00.000-05:00

Rita Gerlach week has come to an end. We greatly enjoyed having this colonial Christian author with us. Rita shared about her father having Alzheimer's Disease at the end of his life. Her mother is in frail health now and in decline which has resulted in many decisions and changes for Rita and her extended family. From my own perspective - it is just so hard going through all that, such a heavy emotional (and sometimes physical) toll.

Rita is going through what many of us have either faced with our own parents, are going through now, or may in the future. Some of our readers would love to have this as a concern - they lost their parents at a young age. My mother became more confused and forgetful in her last year of life but she had Type II diabetes and then had pancreatic cancer. It wasn't clear if those conditions were causing some of the memory issues, but probably so. My dear aunt is in a nursing home because of her AD, after her husband kept her at home for years (she was in good health then). I have been blessed to get to visit with her twice in the past few years when we drove through Ohio. And I used to see my wonderful Great-Aunt Alkie, who was really more a grandmother (both of mine died long before I was born, when my parents were young). She was in nursing home care for a long time with Alzheimer's. She always maintained her essential sweet spirit and she loved seeing my daughter, who she might have thought was me. The hardest visit for me was the last one when she had no connection with me at all. The last thread was about to be broken. She left this earth shortly after that.

The medications for managing Alzheimer's Disease have improved in the last decade in that they seem to slow the progress early on. It is so frustrating to see loved ones slipping further and further away from you, like a slow death. And every day seems precious. But that in and of itself is stressful because then there is no sense of normalcy in everyday activity, if you are always "on" because of your parent with AD.

One comfort for the Christian is the knowledge that her/his parent will be perfectly healed in heaven. As we all will be. We thank you Lord for that!

Here is Rita's link to Memory Bridge, which she recommends as an excellent site with videos about handling communication with those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

Giveaway winner will be announced here on Sunday after 1:00 pm EST. LINDA!!! You are the winner!!!

Carrie Fancett Pagels Reviews Before the Scarlet Dawn by Rita Gerlach

2012-02-02T00:30:00.000-05:00

Before the Scarlet Dawn
By RitaGerlach
(Abingdon Press, 2012)

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

This novel is a subgenre buster if ever I sawone. Overall Rita’s new release is ahistorical. However, it could also be described as women’s fiction, literary,and colonial as well as European setting, and American Revolution. So perhaps it is a literary colonial women’sfiction with romantic elements. Buthistorical romance readers should be advised this is not a historicalromance.

I read this as a PDF file Advance Reader copy that Isent to my Kindle. I was not required togive a positive review

I have read two other books by Rita and havereviewed one here on OTT-WGH previously – Surrender the Dawn. Rita is a master at scene setting. Her descriptions bring the reader into thestory as though they are there with the characters. She does not disappoint in this book, aswell, in capturing the feel of countryside England and of colonial Maryland.

Those who enjoy a literary story will find thiscurrent book the most so of all of Rita’s stories thus far. I see some similarities between this book andone written by Dina Sleiman in that both are attempting to bust myths aboutromantic love. So there seems to be this literary agenda there although Rita’sheroine, Eliza, is subjected to so much misery it made it hard for me tocontinue reading. This book is tragic onmany levels and I normally seek out a feel good kind of story. Having workedas a psychologist for 25 years Iencountered all too many Haywards, the “hero” or perhaps antihero might beappropriate.

This book is part of a series.

Before the Scarlet Dawn is available on Amazon in multiple formats. BtSD also available on Christian Book Distributors.

Bibliotherapy: SPOILER ALERT Caution: Readers whohave lost a child may be quite disturbed by this book. For wives in subjectionto an unloving husband, this book may give encouragement that they are notalone. The gentleman who ultimately brings healing to Eliza’s life is arepresentation of Jesus’s unconditional love for us.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win one of Rita's books, your choice of format.

Diana's Review of Before the Scarlet Dawn Colonial Quills

2012-01-31T07:30:00.000-05:00

Cover for Before the Scarlet Dawn

Click here to go to Diana Flowers' review on Colonial Quills.

Before the Scarlet Dawn is available for purchase through CBD, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other venues.

Comments left on the CQ review will count in this week's drawing!

Interview with Rita Gerlach

2012-01-29T15:30:00.000-05:00

Author Rita Gerlach

RitaGerlach is the author of new release "Before the Scarlet Dawn" published by Abingdon Press.

I metRita Gerlach through ACFW and when I was searching for colonial era booksseveral years ago. She was kind enoughto send me copies of her works during a time when I was very ill and I was sotouched by her generosity. We are alsoboth members of HisWriters, those who have either published or planned workswith European characters. Rita is also a member of Colonial American ChristianWriters and a contributor to the Colonial Quills group blog.

Rita,welcome to Overcoming Through Time – With God’s Help.

Wouldyou share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had toovercome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one ofyour characters has had to get past?

I don’twant to give away critical moments in my newest release, Before the ScarletDawn, but Eliza is perhaps the one character that has faced the most tragicmoments of any of my characters in the series (Daughters of the Potomac.) That is not to say that Darcyand Sarah face horrific events, but Eliza is the springboard to the series. Lifewas good for her after she married Hayward, but from the time he is called awayto fight in the Revolution tragedy plagues her life. Like a snowball rollingdownhill each builds on the other. Soon she faces the fact that the only sourceof getting through them is God. In order to ‘overcome’ them, she has to trustthat He will take care of her and those she loves, no matter how dire thesituation.

Whatis your favorite bible verse and why?

Revelation 21:4

AndGod shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no moredeath, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: forthe former things are passed away.

Why? AsI watched my dear father suffer over a year’s period from Alzheimer’s, hisdecline and passing caused me to press into my Savior for comfort and reflecton the briefly of life. This verse sums it all up. What we will be given in theend, when He finally establishes His Kingdom, is everlasting peace and joy. Theloss of our loved ones is but a temporary separation. What happiness we willhave when the last enemy to be destroyed is death, and that there will be nomore sorrow or crying or pain. He will make all things new.

DisabilityFriendliness:

Isthis latest release available in audio format or do you have any other worksavailable on audio?

Sadly itis not. I look forward to the day when audio books will become a normal part ofthe publishing process. For now it is expensive for publishers to put books inaudio, and they have to be extremely selective. (CFP: I believe the Kindle version will have audio capability because the PDF converted document has this function.)

Surrender the Wind cover

Whathas been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from yourbooks and why?

That when everything is said and done, in the end it all turns outall right. Love is the cohesive bond that helps us face adversity. For example,the message in my novel Surrender the Wind is wrapped up in fidelity andforgiveness, and the surrendering to our Creator those winds that shove andbatter us. In the Daughters of the Potomac Series my hope is readerswill see circumstances that relate to their own lives.

As author Marylu Tyndall put it in her review of Before the Scarlet Dawn:

It isabout a woman who so desperately wants her husband to love her that she goes togreat lengths to please him. Perhaps many women out there can relate. The storybrings many questions to one's mind about marriage and commitment. . .

Asyou researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touchedyour heart?

Thisquestion brings me back to the new series. Most of my research I do as I amwriting the novels. But before I began I read a book called ‘White Cargo:The Forgotten History of Britain’s White Slaves in America’ by Don Jordanand Michael Walsh, that touched me deeply about the horrific white slave tradethat took place in the 18^th century, where men, women, and childrenwere kidnapped in England and sold into indentured servitude in the Colonies.

Inthis latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, ortherapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?

This isan interesting question. I’ve always believed good storytelling can have ahealing effect. I see this mainly in Christian and inspirational fiction. Thegoal of my writing is to give readers a respite from the hectic world we livein. Sometimes immersing in a good book helps us escape the troubles we arefacing and easy our anxiety.

Thankyou Rita for agreeing to answer these questions. Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Thankyou, Carrie, for the privilege of this interview!

GIVEAWAY: A copy of one of Rita's books - your choice!

Christians Recovering from Trauma

2012-01-28T12:30:00.000-05:00

We have wrapped up our Susan May Warren week. In her interview, Susan shared how she and her family survived assault and robbery while serving the Lord in Russia. Why does this traumatic stuff happen? I don't know. We can only trust God and let Him work it out for us. But what can we do to cooperate with that process? As Christians we need to turn to God, pray, search His word, and follow His directions. One of my favorite resources is Blackaby's book - Experiencing God. Christian Book Distributors list of Henry Blackaby resources also includes other great titles.

Recovering from trauma is much like dealing with death. There are many stages you have to go through to get to a healing point or even a "living with it" point. I highly recommend that people find a Christian psychologist to help them talk about their experiences. Be sure whatever therapist you see has a background treating survivors. While God can certainly use anybody to deliver a message, we do well to to seek out a fellow believer for counseling.

A newer and promising treatment, particularly with our wounded warrior veterans, is the use of neurobiofeedback or neurotherapy. EEGInfo is a great online resource that explains about neurobiofeedback and also has links to providers.

Psychiatrists can also prescribe medications to help deal with the initial severe emotional reactions such as depression and anxiety. The need for medications for reaction to trauma typically is short term. There are antidepressants, for instance, that are more suited to briefer periods of use (such as bereavement).

Mindfulness - being aware of what situations triggers PTSD reactions is important. God can heal the broken-hearted and He can make these hurtful memories and images lessen. For some it is almost instantaneous but for most it takes time. Hypervigilance is another issue that resolves with God's help, in time.

Bibliotherapy - Look for Christian books that have a hero or heroine who are addressing their recovery from trauma. This is one reason I include this element in my reviews.

We will be discussing PTSD again in future posts.

Our winner this week will be announced later this evening.

What about you? Have you survived trauma and how has God pulled you through?

Carrie Fancett Pagels' Reviews "The Great Christmas Bowl" by Susan May Warren

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren

The Great Christmas Bowl

By Susan May Warren

(Tyndale House, 2009)

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

This is the review I posted on CBD:

I wouldstrongly suggest that you pick up a copy of this book and hide somewhere andread it without interruption. A great read! This will get you into theChristmas spirit and help you focus on the real reason for the season. Ms.Warren has a great author's voice and a wonderful style. A good example of whyshe is an award-winning author. I was trying to stay away from the CBD boxwhere this book was waiting but I grabbed it and stayed up late and read thisbook all the way through. Order it now!

I loved this book and would re-read it. The setting is great because it is in what Icall the “frozen tundra” of northern Minnesota. A place where football is almost a religion. No, that would be hockey,sorry! Susan May Warren is an unabashedfootball freak with an almost empty nest. This wonderful and funny book makes me wonder if it is somewhat autobiographical.

I loved loved loved the trout costume thatthe heroine, a mother whose family seems to have left her hanging in the wind,ends up wearing when the gentleman who is the mascot is unable to continue hisduties. Susie totally captures the fanaticismfor sports and the “feel” of living up north. I felt like I had gone home for Christmas when I read this (instead ofbeing in bed very ill unable to go to the grocery store much less travelanywhere.) And if you are dealing with “churchladies” who overstep their bounds and the staff who interprets your “maybe” as “YES!!!!I WILL DO IT ALL!!!” then you will recognize some of the characters in this book. I ended up mailing this to a bunch of people I enjoyed it so much.

The Great Christmas Bowl is available throughAmazon, CBD, and other vendors.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment for a chance to win any one of Susan's books this week.

Guest Review of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Susan May Warren

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Baby, It's Cold Outside cover, Summerside Press

"Baby, It's Cold Outside"

By: Susan May Warren
Summerside Press, 2011

Reviewed by: Julie Lippo

I had never read a book by Susan May Warren before. I read it on Nook color. Before I received the book I had attended a chat party hosted by Author Susan May Warren and was intrigued by the storyline.

Susan May Warren's book "Baby It's Cold Outside", is a book that I really can relate to. I grew up in Northern Minnesota where blizzards are very common. In the book it talks about having a storm shelter, which I had never heard of. We did have something similar in the 1970's - we would put a "helping hand" poster/picture on our window letting children know that this was a safe house if they needed help just the same as having a Storm Shelter. Children walking to and from school could find shelter if there was a blizzard or other people if the temperatures were extremely cold and needed to come in out of the dangerous weather.

In this story Dottie's home becomes the Shelter from The Storm where four others have managed to come in out of the blizzard. Will Dottie believe in Christmas again, will she learn to let go of the past? Will Violet learn the true meaning of why Jake is really there to see her? Will Gordon who is Dottie's neighbor finally tell her the truth? And Arnie, the little boy who comes in from the storm, learns something as well. Will all of them learn to believe in miracles, love, and to learn to let go of the past? Will these broken hearted strangers learn to trust and love again and to believe in the spirt of Christmas? Find out in Baby It's Cold Outside!!

Susan has written a story that is so vivid I felt like I was in Dottie's home with all of them and feeling God's love all around me from His loving arms and with Jake, Gordon, Violet, Arnie as well as Dottie herself. Susan truly has a gift from God to bring us such a heartwarming story!! This is an author that you will not want to miss reading. I am so glad that I found her.

Thanks for the guest post, Julie! This book is available as a paperback or Kindle through Amazon and paperback through Christian Book Distributors as well as other vendors.

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of one of Susan's books this week. Leave a comment to enter in the drawing.

Teresa Mathews Reviews The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

2012-01-25T20:00:00.000-05:00

The Shadow of Your Smile, by Susan May Warren

The Shadow of Your Smile

By Susan May Warren
(Tyndale House, 2011)

Review by Teresa Mathews

4Stars~ ****

This book introduces us to Noelle and Eli Hueston,married couple of 25 years, parents to three children. It seems that Noelle andEli have grown apart because of a tragic event that forever changed theirlives. I would go into detail but since it is the reason behind all of the paineach character has endured I won’t.

Noelle, a 46 year old wife and mother that has finallycome to the end of her rope with life, has decided to make a life changing decision but beforeshe can act on it another tragedy or maybe not a tragedy at all, strikes. On aroad trip she stops at a coffee shop and while in the restroom a robbery takesplace. Hoping she can get out of the store without getting hurt she makes a runfor it and takes a nasty fall and as a result she loses her memory. Noelle notonly forgets her name, she forgets everything from the last 25 years. She wakesup from a coma and thinks she is still a young beautiful college co-ed. She isSHOCKED to find she has the body of a 46 year old. I have to say this part hadme laughing out loud. Noelle is even more shocked to find out she is“supposedly” married to a totally “grumpy old man” who is trying to convinceher that she is also a mother. The two young men in her room seem very nice andthey are handsome but she cannot remember anything about them. Will Noelle gether memory back? Will she ever remember the good times she had with Eli beforeher world fell apart?

Eli, the former sheriff of Deep Haven, a beautifulsnow covered town in Minnesota, has pretty much given up on his marriage. After“the event” happened, he has lived in guilt for what he thinks was his fault,after all he was the sheriff and it was his job to protect. Eli has tried tofind solace in a lot of different things to ease the pain but nothing exceptthe friendship he has with another woman has seemed to work. He knows this isnot what he should be doing but again out of guilt of what happened he hastaken their friendship further than he should. When Eli gets the call thatNoelle was in a town several hours away from home and has had an accident, herushes to the hospital to be with her. To say he is shocked when Noelle doesn’tremember him would be putting it mildly, but for her not to remember her childrenwas almost more than he could take. Will Eli finally realize the solace hisheart has been looking has been right here with his wife the whole time?

There are several secondary characters that Susan doesa good job telling their story and how their lives play out. Especially Noelleand Eli’s children, in fact I would love for there to be a sequel based ontheir oldest son’s story. (Hint Hint)

This is a story that will make you think about “whatif”. I’m sure we have all had those moments, especially if something tragic hashappened to us, a loved one or a friend. “What if” we could turn back the clockto another time? Would our lives really be better? Shouldn’t we just begrateful for what the Lord has given us? Yes! “In everything give thanks: forthis is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Susan May Warren did an excellent job of making youthink while reading this book. Thank you Susan for making me stop to rememberhow thankful I am for my wonderful husband of almost 25 years (April 11) and myfamily. I can’t wait to read your next book!

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment for a drawing later in the week!

Heiress by Susan Mary Warren

2012-01-24T03:30:00.000-05:00

Heiress (Daughters ofFortune)

By Susan May Warren

(Summerside Press, 2011)

41/2 stars~

Available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.

Review by Diana L.Flowers

Powerfully Moving Story!

Susan May Warren pens apowerfully moving story that takes place during the Gilded Age of America, atime of the elite set; of riches and glamorous cotillions, motorcars andyachts, and forbidden passions and discontentment. It is the story of twosisters, Esme and Jinx Price, daughters of the wealthy newpapaper magnate,August Price, who are as different as night and day. Esme wishes only to followin her father's footsteps, to become a famous female journalist, whereasher younger sister, Jinx, wants only to be a member of the elite society,possessing great riches and status, to the point of wanting her ownsister's fiance, the wealthy Foster Worth.

Broken-hearted Esme'sjourney takes her to Montana, a far cry from what she was use to inNew York; a mining town with vigilantes, gamblers, and asaloon-turned-headquarters for her newspaper. She has no desire to evermarry, but meets the handsome Daughtry Hoyt, wealthy son of the owner ofSilverthread Mines. Will she find love again and what terrible tragedydraws her back to her opulent home in New YorkCity? Does she learn to commit her ways to the Lord andfinally find peace?

Jinx seems to haveeverything her heart could ever desire; a wealthy husband, jewels, thebest parties, but her life is just a facade. One foolish nightthreatens to ruin her life forever, and her best laid plans for her futurecome crumbling in on her. Is there something deeper that money can't buy, anddoes Jinx find it? Will love's elusive dream ever find her again?

This is the secondseries I have read by Susan May Warren, and all I can say is NOW Isee why she wins so many awards for her writing. I was a little nervousstarting into this book, because Ms. Warren does not sugarcoat her charactersor her storyline at all. Her characters are human and sinful, and notknowing God they do some pretty awful things, but you find yourself lovingthem anyway. The storyline drew me in, and I found myself not being able to putthis book down after I got into it, except out of necessity. This novel washeartbreakingly realistic....edgy to be sure, but oh, what a satisfying conclusion!

Susan May Warren, you are one master storyteller!

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of one of Susan's books this week - your choice of book and format (ebook, paperback)! This book is also available for purchase through other outlets such as Christian Book Distributors (See all Susan May Warren's books on CBD).

Interview with Susan May Warren

2012-01-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

Susan May Warren is the author of "The Shadow of your Smile" and of best-selling, award-winning novels like "Sons of Thunder", "The GreatChristmas Bowl" and "Finding Stephanie". Amazon has a complete selection of Susan May Warren's books. Christian Book Distributors also carries Susan May Warren's novels.

I met Susan May Warren through ACFW several years ago andgot to hear her speak at the Philly conference that Marlene Bagnall runs everyyear (Write His Answer Philadelphia Conference). Rachel Hauck, her sidekick, encouraged me to join the My Book Therapy ningsite right when that first got started up. I have been a Voice’s MyBookTherapyEzine columnist for the past two years. I have enjoyed getting to know Susie better at the ACFWconferences. She is a generous andbubbly person.

Susan, welcome to Overcoming Through Time – With God’s Help. Would you share either the most difficultthing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the mosttragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past?

In this story, my heroine, Noelle, has to overcome the griefof losing her only daughter. Besieged bygrief, she has withdrawn into herself and her marriage has crumbled. As the story opens, she’s trying to find herway back when she falls and her memory of the last twenty years is erased. As she starts her journey of recovery, herloved ones are besieged by the question: do they help her remember the past, ifit plunges her back into darkness? Or isremembering the happy times worth the grief it will bring?

I wrote this story during the year my daughter left forcollege. Although a struggle for me, itwasn’t the grief that this story portrays. So I had to tap into other memories I wanted to erase to get into the mind of my character. Namely, the home invasion we lived throughwhile serving as missionaries in Russia. A terrifying day where three masked men broke into our home, beat us,and robbed us. Only a divineintervention (and we believe angels) saved our lives.

Ten years later, the event, the memory can still find me,wake me in the middle of the night, creep up on me in a quiet house, or evenwhile I’m sitting in the car. I’ve longwished to erase it. Or not. Because asdistance has allowed me perspective, I’m ever aware of my gratefulness for thelessons it taught me. Faith. Hope in aGod who protects, and heals.

One interesting phenomena when a person goes through anattack such as this is that your brain actually blots out the most traumaticthings until you are ready to see them. I think this is God’s way of protecting us yet again.

Do I want to forget that attack? I wouldn’t mind neverhaving to wake from a nightmare again, in a cold sweat. But I want the reminder that God is alwaysthere. This is the lesson that Noelletakes away – that God hasn’t left her in her grief, or amnesia, but Hisconstant presence had held her together…and will heal her back to love.

What is your favoritebible verse and why?

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as youtrust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the HolySpirit.

I love the simplicity of this verse. God is Hope. He fills us with Joy and Peace…and all wehave to do is trust in Him. And when wedo…our hope overflows.

Disability friendliness:

Is this latest release available in audio format or do youhave any other works available on audio? Yes, quite a few of my books are inlarge print, as well as on audio.

What has been themost important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

My life theme is grace – God gives me grace, I try tooverflow that to others. But I hope thatreaders see God in a new way, touching their lives with His grace as they readmy stories.

As you researchedyour books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

I am always amazed that, at some point in every story, I’min over my head and have to hit my knees and ask God for divine help. He always shows up with answers. For me, that’s the joy of the journey – thefaith building experience of writing a novel.

In this latest work,do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influencethrough reading about a disorder or situation?

My heroine spends a lot of time watercolor painting as a wayto recover from her grief. I think reaching inside in a creative way allows usto express ourselves that we might not be able to otherwise. And I think Godshows up in these moments, too.

Thank you Susan May for agreeing to answer thesequestions and for sharing what God has helped you get through. Our theme this week will address PTSD and overcoming the trauma of assault, with God's help. Your testimony is an inspiration to all of us!

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of one of Susan's books this week in your choice of format.

Ovecoming Abandonment and Alcoholism with God's Help

2012-01-21T03:30:00.000-05:00

MaryLu Tyndall posts at Colonial Quills group blog and on MaryLu's website.
This past week we have interviewed ML and had reviews of her pirate trilogy which recently re-released!

MaryLu shared about abandonment as an issue for herself and as faced by her heroine, Charlisse, in these books.

Here is a really deep post on abandonment: link

My thoughts -
God will never abandon nor leave you. He will never forsake you. Once a Christian gets that in their head a lot of those issues of feeling alone vanish. And I don't trust "Feelings" nor should you as Joyce Meyer reminds us. When you rely upon the Word you can say to the feeling - "I KNOW what God's Word says, and I am never abandoned by my Father for His Word proclaims that truth."

But we live on earth. We want examples of a godly father. For a married person that, truthfully, often translates into who your husband becomes as a father. Therefor a woman needs to choose her Christian husband carefully, as God directs her path, so she can see in her own life, in her own home, what a good father looks like. That isn't to say that her choice will be perfect. We all have free will and who knows what that Christian husband might choose to do. A spouse with abandonment issues needs to be careful not to react when their husband or wife needs extra emotional space, though. Be mindful of your own history so you can deal with it and not dump it on your partner.

There is a void left in your heart, as a child or teen, when a parent leaves, whether through death, abandonment, or for some other reason such as long-term illness or military. The Enemy will tell you that something is needed to fill that void. Yes, that would be God. But Satan will offer up many other alternatives that are meant to destroy not build you up as your Father would. Alcoholism, as addressed in MaryLu's books, is a common example. There are many recovery groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, all over the country, willing to help people turn from a bottle of alcohol as their god to the their higher power, or God for we Christians.

What about you today? Who can you guide toward God and away from the earthly thing they have been using to salve their wounds?

Teresa Mathews Reviews MaryLu Tyndall's The Restitution

2012-01-19T07:30:00.000-05:00

The Restitution

Legacy of the Kings Pirates Book 3

By MaryLu Tyndall

Review by Teresa Mathews

Five Stars~ *****

The story of Lady Isabel Ashton and Captain KentCarlton continues in this third and last book of Legacy of the King’s Pirates.In ‘The Reliance” book two in the series we were introduced to LadyAshton who was taken captive and ravished by Captain Carlton as a younginnocent girl during one of his drunken moments. Captain Carlton kept her formonths on his ship and this is where she meets Lady Charlisse, wife of CaptainMerrick. Lady Ashton did not want her terrible secret known but Lady Charlissehas guessed she is with child. After being rescued by Captain Merrick and leftwith a loving minister, Rev. Thomas in the town of Port Royal, Jamaica, LadyAshton has her son, Frederick.

As the story unfolds we find Lady Ashton is still inPort Royal, she wants badly to go home to be with her parents, but she has beentold under no circumstances would her son be welcomed. Terribly distressed bythis news, she longs to be home restored to her place as a true lady but sheknows she could never live without her son. Isabel is having a hard timeadjusting to the chores that the minister has asked her to do; she sees thesethings as beneath her station. Little does she know that the things that arecoming will be much worse than she has ever imagined and soon she will not beworrying about trivial chores.

Lady Ashton has been having nightmares about somethinghappening to Frederick; Rev. Thomas tries to sooth her fears with prayer andscripture. Will these dreams come true? Is there really an enemy ready topounce on her and steal her son away and forever change the course of her life?Will she ever be able to forgive Captain Carlton for what he did to her andtrust him to help her find their son?

Captain Kent Carlton is a miserable man, as the monthsgo by he feels as though his life will never be the same, he doesn’t know if hecan go on without Lady Ashton. He spent weeks searching for her after she wastaken from him. He knows what he did to Isabel was wrong and he would giveanything to go back and change things. When a man Kent cannot bear to be nearshows up and tells him about Lady Ashton having his son and that Frederick hasbeen taken captive by a feared pirate, he is shocked. Kent then hopes that ifhe finds the babe and brings him back to Isabel this will be a way to make upfor his past sins. Is he walking into a trap laid by people who want to see himdestroyed? Or will he be able to make Restitution to Isabel for what he did toher. Will she find it in her heart to forgive him? Will he come to know the Godthat Captain Merrick told him about and Isabel serves?

I had read the previous two books in this series so Iknew that this one was going to be amazing. This was a wonderfully excitingstory and all the way through I couldn’t wait to find out what would happennext. It’s spellbinding and it’s action-packed until the end and you will notwant to put it down. There are twists and turns that you won’t expect, and youwill love every one of them. You will finish it with a smile on your face and thelove for a Pirate in your heart! Well done MaryLu.

Christian Book Distributors link for this book.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment for a chance to win one of ML's books this week!

Review by Teresa Mathews of The Reliance by MaryLu Tyndall

2012-01-18T13:30:00.000-05:00

The Reliance

Legacy of the Kings Pirates, Book 2

By MaryLu Tyndall

Review by Teresa Mathews

Five Stars~ *****

The story of Captain Edmond Merrick and his beautiful wife, Lady Charlisse Hyde continues in this second book in the Legacy of the King’s Pirates. They have had their share of problems and separations but as the story opens they are enjoying some beautiful and peaceful time together and are looking forward to the birth of their first child. They are visiting friends in the Caribbean, when the town is attacked by a band of pirates being led by an evil monster from their past. He is set on destroying their lives.

While trying to get Charlisse back to his ship and away from the horrors of the attack, Capt. Merrick leaves her in the safety of a church, only seconds later to witness an explosion that wipes out the church and all of his hopes for a future with his wife.

After witnessing what he thinks is the death of his lovely wife, Merrick turns his back on the God that could have stopped this from happening, and returns to the life of the evil pirate he once was. When Charlisse is taken captive by the man she fears most, her faith in God wavers also, especially when she thinks she has been abandoned by her husband, and the life of her unborn child is threatened. During this ordeal she comes to realize she must rely on God to be her strength and protection.

Aboard ship Charlisse meets a young woman, Lady Isabel Ashton, that has also been taken captive, and because of her, Charlisse has some protection from the lustful captain who has kidnapped her. When they finally come into port, Charlisse sees Merrick’s ship and hope rises that he will rescue her. With help from an unlikely source, Charlisse and Isabel escape from their captor, only to find out that Merrick is not with his ship but has taken up with another pirate in search of whom he thinks is the main cause of Charlisse’s death.

Will Merrick see the error of his ways…will he listen to that still small voice that he hears speaking to him, or will he keep drowning his sorrows in rum and forget God? How long will it take for Charlisse to find Merrick and when she does, will her love for him be able to survive what her eyes see and her heart cannot believe? Will they realize their only hope for survival is their full reliance on God to see them through?

WOW! What a wonderfully written book. If you like excitement, romance, and a dashing pirate thrown in, then this series is for you. MaryLu Tyndall is a talented writer, from the first page to the very last word printed, she had my full attention. She beautifully weaves a story that will pull you in so that you can almost feel the wind blowing on your face and smell the sea air. But what I really loved was the way she balanced the vileness of the pirates with the marvelous wonder of an awesome, powerful God. This is definite must read, I promise you won’t be disappointed matey!

Purchase The Reliance at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christian Book.com

Carrie Fancett Pagels Reviews The Redemption by MaryLu Tyndall

2012-01-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

The Redemption

The Legacy of the King's Pirates (Book 1)

By MaryLu Tyndall

(This originally released in 2006 by Barbour,re-released in 2011by Mission Books)

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

This was a Christy award nominee!

One of the reasons that I bought my Kindle (click here to purchase Kindle copy!) was sothat I could read MaryLu Tyndall's books! This was her debut novel, as I understand it, and the freelance editorwho was helping me with my manuscript, Susan Lohrer, had worked with MaryLu onthis book. So I was anxious to read it, knowing that history on it.

This was a tension-filled book right from the get goand didn't let up until the end. Lots oflayers of plots and subplots and excellent characterization. The heroine had to go through a lot (and morethan I like to put mine through!) but even the icky stuff seemed central to theplot line.

Charlisse is a feisty heroine who doesn’t give up. Her father, a dissipated wreck of a man is a nasty pirate but Charlisse does not know that when she sets out to find him, leaving the abusive care of her uncle in England. One of her father’s crew is just as conniving as he is and has designs upon Charlisse (actually most of the men in the book are lecherous but this one is the worst!) MaryLu upped the nasty factor on this one (SPOILER ALERT) by the attractive but lecherous man being her own cousin (which served as no deterrent to him!) The hero, Edmund Merrick is a Christian and a privateer. He is put in danger and risks all to save Charlisse.

Set in the 17^th century Caribbean, there are enough pirates, ships, danger, and romance to entertain many types of readers!

Bibliotherapy elements: Abuse, abandonment, betrayal, perseverance, grace, and redemption.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing this week.

Interview with MaryLu Tyndall

2012-01-15T15:30:00.000-05:00

MaryLu Tyndall is the author of The Legacy of the King’s Piratestrilogy. This trilogy has recently rereleased. She is also the author of seven other novels.

I met MaryLu through HisWriters, a group for writers who have either publishedor planned works with European characters. I have gotten to know her better since she joined Colonial American Christian Writers and is now a contributor to Colonial Quills our group blog.

Marylu, welcome to Overcoming Through Time. Would you share either the most difficultthing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the mosttragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past?

I would say the most difficult thingto overcome for me was not having a Dad. Well, I shouldn’t say not having aDad. It was more like having a Dad who wanted nothing to do with me. You see,my Mom divorced him when I was a baby and he moved away. I saw him once on my16th birthday and I suppose I didn’t make an impression on him because he nevercame back. For a young shy girl, this caused a huge gaping hole in my life.Consequently I grew up extremely insecure and searching for that unconditionallove only a father can give. Which, of course, sent my life spiraling down abottomless pit of despair filled with alcohol and broken relationships andheartache. And I would still be there, if not for the Lord reaching down in Hismercy and pulling me out. Not only pulling me out, but cleaning me off, andfilling my heart with the love I’d been searching for my entire life. In myvery first book, The Redemption, Iwrote about this struggle through the eyes of my heroine, Charlisse.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

I have so many. But one that alwaysstands out to me is a familiar one to everyone. Romans 8:28.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose.”

To me, this verse covers every struggle, every problem, heartache, joy,mountain and valley in life. No matter what we are going through, it all worksout in the end. If we truly believe that, we should never worry or fear or besad.

Disability friendliness:

Is this latest release available in audio format or do youhave any other works available on audio?

Yes, I believe all of my books areavailable in various e-book formats, including Kindle, which I know has audiocapacity. Four of my books have been published in large print as well.Unfortunately, I have no control over the various types of publishing. It is alldetermined by my Publisher.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readerswill get from your books and why?

That God is real and He loves them.That He is not found in a church or building or in a ritual, but that He can beapproached at any time by a truly repentant heart. That He is powerful andactive and will never leave them. And that their lives will be adventurous andfulfilling (Not always easy) if they give their all to Him.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything thatparticularly touched your heart?

Now, I know this sounds strange, but Ilearned that not all pirates were evil. Many of them were forced into piracy by a cruel navy who abandoned them atsome port after the war ended, penniless and without any prospects. Someescaped the Royal Navy due to the cruel treatment of its sailors and joinedpirate crews to get revenge. Others were forced into piracy when piratesattacked their ships and gave them a choice between joining the crew or walkingthe plank! Still others were indenturedservants sent to the New World to serve out an often unfair and brutalsentence. Then, of course there were the privateers, who served God and King,and whose acts were no more unjust than any regular naval ship. So, before you go judging any pirate you meet,look beyond the head scarf, colorful clothing, and cutlass to see the woundedman inside. LOL.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful forbibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder orsituation?

In all three books in the series, the following issues areaddressed in the lives of both hero and heroine:

· Abandonment and abuse by parents and the horrific consequencesof that in a person’s life and outlook on life.

· Alcoholism

· Rejection by a loved one

Other issues addressed: Trust, Faith, Forgiveness, and Fear

Thank you MaryLu for agreeing to answer thesequestions. Have a blessed day and keepon writing!!

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win any of MaryLu's books in your choice of format.

Weekly Review: The Conundrum of Shame

2012-01-14T00:30:00.000-05:00

Sarah Sundin's latest release Blue Skies Tomorrow (Revell, 2011) is available in hard cover large print, paperback and kindle through Amazon and through Christian Book Distributors and others such as Barnes and Noble.

Sarah Sundin's interview earlier in the week touched on shame and its consequences. While the spirit may convict us of wrong doing we know from God's Word that once we have confessed our sins He forgives us. It is the enemy who comes after us with taunts and accusations - him and his minions. When someone waves a forgiven offense in front of your face, turn to your Father and He'll help remove the stench. Recollection or memory of wrong doing is not the same as not forgiving ones' self. When we remember we can might be more aware of stepping into that temptation or situation again.

Here is a link to an article about overcoming shame that is written for Christians:
http://www.ruachministries.org/Talks/A_Pilgrim's_Guide_to_Overcoming_Shame.htm

I like the title of Sarah's latest book. God can give us Blue Skis Tomorrow and we don't need to bring our rain and clouds from yesterdays with us. He gives us a clean slate as far as the east is from the west - we are forgiven. The enemy will bring his own darts of lightening to throw at us. Let us NOT add to the problem by raining down shame on ourselves! His grace really is sufficient.

How about you? What have you done to turn your own unforgiveness of yourself over to God?

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment for a chance to win this newest release or another of Sarah's books including her upcoming 2012 publication "With Every Letter" now available for pre-order through CBD!

May God bless and heal the hearts and minds of our visitors today!

Review by Marian Baay of A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

2012-01-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

5 stars *****
(Revell, 2010)

Review by Marian Baay

This is book two in the Wings of Glory series about the Novak brothers who serve as bomber pilots in WWII (available for purchase through CBD and others.) Most of this story takes place in England.

In this second book we meet Major Jack Novak, pilot on a B-17 bomber plane.When Jack gets injured and lands in the hospital, he meets Army Nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. Jack is determined to win Ruth’s heart. But Ruth is not interested in men. Eventually they become friends, but Ruth cannot give more of herself to Jack, because of something awful that happened to her 8 years ago.

Jack also has fears from his past. Both Jack and Ruth let their fears control their actions and it drives them apart.

Can they let go of their fears and give it all in God’s hands? Or will their own need to be in control keep them separated?

Sarah writes so beautifully that I imagined myself in the B-17 together with Jack and his crew. I also went trough the training for Flying Nurse with Ruth. That was tough, I think I never would have made it!

Although the subjects in this book were pretty tough, there was much to learn from Jack and Ruth about love, faith, and forgiveness.

Format: Large print, Kindle and paperback available through Amazon.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Ruth was raped 8 years ago. And when she comes to work with a male collegue she faces some pretty tough situations.

Bibliotherapy: Rape, death of parents, pride, and trust.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of one of any of Sarah's books including her upcoming release. Winner drawn on Saturday afternoon.

Marian Baay reviews Sarah Sundin's A Distant Melody

2012-01-10T14:30:00.000-05:00

A Distant Melody
by Sarah Sundin
(Revell, 2010)

5 stars *****

Reviewed by Marian Baay

A Distant Melody is set during World War II. Allie Miller is the daughter of wealthy parents. They arranged a marriage with a man she doesn’t love. She hopes to get the approval of her mother with this marriage. So far she could never please her mother.When Allie is on her best friend’s wedding, she meets Walter Novak. He is the first person who seems to understand her.

Walter Novak is a pilot in the Army Air Force and flies a bomber plane B17. Shortly he has to leave for England.Walt is hopeless with women. But Allie is the first woman he can talk to and have fun with. Allie stays for a week with her friend and after the marriage she’s going home again. Walt has fallen hard for Allie and when she returns home they share addresses and promise to write each other.

Walt leaves for England and is fighting against the Germans. His crew respects him, but he told a little white lie to earn their respect.

Through their letters Walt and Allie get to know each other and fall in love. But Allie still has her boyfriend and soon is engaged to him. But Allie is unhappy. She’s willing to marry Baxter, but the Lord shows her that she can’t marry an unbeliever. Will she obey the Lord, or will she please her parents?

Allie is praying for Walt and his crew. When they are in trouble the Lord wakes her at night to pray.

Walt is falling more for Allie with every letter he receives from her. He decides he can’t love a woman who is soon to marry another man. It’s best to stop writing and Walt tells another lie in his last letter to Allie. Allie is devastated by Walt’s news. Soon she wakes up again in the middle of the night and must pray for Walt. It’s the last time that the Lord awakens her to pray. What happened that night to Walt? Can Walt tell Allie about his lie before it’s too late?

This book was a nice surprise! Never before have I read a WWII book so very well written. I loved the historical accuracy, the growing love between Walt and Allie, to read about the normal life in the US during the war and the hard life for Walt and his crew in Europe. I learned rich lessons from reading about sacrifice and obedience.

I simply fell in love with this book and I’m looking forward to read the other books in this series: A Memory Between Us and Blue Skies Tomorrow.

CFP: This book is available in hardcover, paperback and Kindle on Amazon.

Interview with Sarah Sundin

2012-01-08T15:30:00.000-05:00

Sarah Sundin is the author of A Distant Melody, A MemoryBetween Us, and Blue Skies Tomorrow.

Sarah welcome to Overcoming Through Time.

Would you shareeither the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, withGod’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of yourcharacter’s has had to get past?

Although it might not have been the most difficult thing inmy life, shame was a tenacious enemy and difficult to overcome.

I now call my college years my “stupid years”—I told myselfI was taking a vacation from God and I was going to have fun! Instead offinding joy, I found heartache, chaos, and misery. After I graduated, I slowlyreturned to God and He forgave my sins. However, ironically, the closer I gotto the Lord, the more my shame increased as I saw new dimensions of my sin—howI’d hurt others, led others astray, and grieved the Lord. I felt unworthy ofGod’s forgiveness, unworthy to be a wife and mother, unworthy to serve God inthe church, and unworthy to write the stories I sensed He’d given me. Afterall, if people really knew who I was, they wouldn’t want to listen to me!

The Lord intervened through His word and His people to showme that my past sins weren’t the problem—my current shame was the true problem.Shame is one of Satan’s favorite weapons, and he uses it well to incapacitateChristians. I was had definitely fallen prey.

To shove shame out of my life, I had to immerse myself inGod’s truth:

1) Christ fully redeems our sins. Once for all.When I asked Him to forgive me over and over for the same sin, I was saying Ididn’t truly trust Him to forgive as He’d promised. I actually believed my sinswere too great for His blood to cleanse. I had to embrace the fullness andtotality of God’s forgiveness.

2) Christ covers our sins. When He forgives oursins, He exchanges our filthy, heavy cloak of shame for His glorious robe ofrighteousness. When the Father looks at us, He sees His Son’s righteousness.Our sins are truly wiped away.

3) Christ restores us. After I trusted Hisforgiveness, a new lie took hold. I might be forgiven, but I was damaged anduseless to God. But look closely at the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.The son is completely restored to his position as son, with all the rights,privileges, and authority of a son. That’s what the Lord does for us. He treatsus as His precious children and gives us His authority to do His work.

4) Christ restores us for a purpose. While doingthe hard work of shoving off shame does give personal peace, that is not theprimary purpose. Rather, the Lord restores us to do His work—to teach, to offercomfort, to serve Him, and to show God to others. Isn’t that exciting?

Shoving off shame was hard work,requiring prayer, learning God’s Word, and disciplining myself to refuse todwell on the past and to recognize Satan’s lies and push them out of my headbefore I entered shame’s downward spiral. However, I’ve seen the fruit of thatlabor. Once I’d shoved off the shame, God was able to use me. He’s given me theblessing of teaching in Sunday school, women’s Bible studies, and workshops.And He’s allowed me to write stories that I pray will glorify Him.

What is your favoritebible verse and why?

For dealing with shame, my favorite verse is Isaiah 54:4:"'Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; youwill not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember nomore the reproach of your widowhood.'"

Is this latestrelease available in audio format or do you have any other works available onaudio? All three of my novels are available in large print and as e-bookswith text-to-speech enabled. They are not yet available as traditional audiobooks.

What has been themost important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

I don’t usually write a story with a message in mind, butfind it rises from the characters and their situations. I do hope my readerslearn from the characters’ mistakes and grow in their relationship with theLord. Perhaps what I pray most for my readers is to see themselves as God seesthem, deal with whatever entangles them (Shame? Sin? Fear? Pride?), find God’s purposein their lives, and go do it in His strength.

As you researchedyour books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

It’s impossible to do research about World War II and not doso. Even the most benign research question may turn up a poignant, funny,cruel, or heartbreaking story. I’ve gained a deep respect for those who livedthrough the war. They weren’t saintly heroes, but they had strength, dignity,and honor.

In this latest work,do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influencethrough reading about a disorder or situation?

Bibliotherapy—my, that’s a loaded word with a lot ofresponsibility. In each of my novels, the characters had to deal with sins andissues. In A Distant Melody, bothhero and heroine learn about honesty and obedience. In A Memory Between Us, the heroine deals with shame over her past,and the hero learns to trust in God rather than his own abilities. In Blue Skies Tomorrow, the heroine dealswith spousal abuse in her past, and both hero and heroine learn about fear andcourage.

Thank you Sarah Sundin for agreeing to answer thesequestions. Have a blessed day and keepon writing!!

GIVEAWAY: A copy of one of Sarah's books this week - your choice. Winner announced on Saturday.

Happy Birthday to Sarah Ladd!

2012-01-07T05:30:00.000-05:00

Cupcakes with Dutch picks in them!

Sarah Ladd is having a birthday today. Sarah is my critique partner. She had the honor of appearing on Seekervillethis past week, giving advice on marketing. Here is a link to that post.

Sarah writes Regency and has won many writing contests including the ACFW Genesis for Historical Fiction. She has a proposal out on submission for one of her works.

They look prettier in person and smell great!!!

Here is a link to Sarah’s blog.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a birthday blessing and your email address for achance to take home a goodie bag today. Books by one or more of the authors who havecommented on the birthdays this week will be in the bag!

Friend on Friday Lynn Squire - Epiphany

2012-01-06T07:30:00.000-05:00

God’s Great Provision by Lynn Squire

More than 2000 years ago, God met our greatest need: a needto be saved from the captivity of sin, the wages of which is death.

Through a young virgin, Mary, God would come as a babe andoffer Himself as a sacrifice, a ransom to free us from our sin.

Mary knew she needed a savior. “And my spirit hath rejoicedin God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:47) I doubt Mary fully grasped the trials she wouldendure in order to see Jesus become the Saviour of the world. Yet, by faith,she said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it unto me according to thyword.” (Luke 1:38)

For many, Christmas brings joy and wonder. For others, itbrings sorrow and pain. Even though Mary endured much sorrow and pain becauseof her part in bringing the Saviour into the world, her willing heart made itpossible for us over 2000 years later to experience the hope of eternal lifethrough Jesus Christ.

This hope is what can empower us to endure the trials ourshort, earthly life inflicts on us. If our sights are set on Christ’s eternalkingdom then we will find peace and the ability to endure, even as Mary’s hopedid. She hoped in the everlasting kingdom of the Son of God she would bear. Itenabled her to submit to God and subject herself to those unknown trials that wouldinevitably come.

Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season, and through thehope He brings, we can find joy and peace even when this time on earth offersus none.

CFP: As we wrap up our Christmas season and celebrate Epiphany, let us not forget who the wise men were seeking - the King of Kings! Thank you, Lynn, for this post!

It is My Birthday!!! Party!

2012-01-05T03:30:00.000-05:00

January 5th is my birthday. I am happy to celebrate another year of life granted by God and I thank Him for His blessings! This past year has been filled with so many blessings, and this blog has been one of them. I am so grateful for Diana Flowers, Senior Reviewer, and contributor who is amazing! We have had a number of friends post with us on Fridays, some very regularly sending us reviews, such as Marian Baay whose birthday we celebrated yesterday! And I am glad to welcome Teresa Mathews as a contributor, too!

We are all very happy to be able to read the wonderful books that Christian authors have had published this past year! They are like are like gifts in between birthdays!!!

GIVEAWAYS: Party bags will be going home with some of our commenters.

Happy Birthday Marian!!!

2012-01-04T03:30:00.000-05:00

Cake designed and prepared by Christy Zumbrun, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Our friend Marian Baay, from the Netherlands, has her birthday today. We are celebrating and wishing her many blessings in the year ahead!

Monday winners: Sally Shupe, who won a copy of Melanie Dickerson's ebook of The Merchant's Daughter. Congrats, Sally!
And the winner of Julie Klassen's The Girl in the Gatehouse is....Miss Kallie is our winner of A Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen. Congrats! You will love this book!

GIVEAWAY: A surprise book goody bag for one of our commenters!

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels of The Chamomile by Susan Craft

2012-01-03T12:30:00.000-05:00

The Chamomile by Susan Craft

(Ingalls Publishing Group, 2011)

Five Stars *****

“A Treasure Trove of Colonial History”

I am going to gush. I just finished reading Susan Craft'sbook. It is not a CBA book, but this isan amazing inspirational book. It is ahistorical with strong romantic elements, not a historical romance. Susan has a command of South Carolina historythat is remarkable and it shows on every page.

This book is like a treasure trove of American Revolution and colonialhistory relevant to South Carolina and unlike anything I have ever read. The closest thing might be The Frontiersman’sDaughter, Laura Frantz's labor of love which is set in Kentucke. Laura spent years researching TheFrontiersman’s Daughter as did Susan in her research for The Chamomile. You simply must read it and if you have notread The Frontiersman’s Daughter you need to read that, too.

I was thinking that Susan might be the Liz Curtis Higgs ofSouth Carolina historical (American Revolution) fiction – she gives that much attention todetail. Just a treasure trove ofinformation along with a tight story and excellent charactertization. Loved it and did not want to finish thisbook.

Bravo Susan!!!

Giveaway: Copy of The Chamomile to one commenter - will do the giveaway on my birthday, January 5th. This book was like a gift to me.

The Chamomile by Susan Craft

2012-01-03T00:30:00.000-05:00

The Chamomile by Susan Craft

Adventure in the Colonies!
Review by Diana L. Flowers

Susan sweeps us away on a colonial journey to British-occupied Charlestown, SC. in the year 1780, a time of danger and mixed loyalities. Even though the British require Lilyan Cameron and her brother Andrew to sign a document of loyalty to the British Crown, they are true-blue patriots...willing to give their lives if necessary, for freedom from oppressive British rule. Andrew ends up a prisoner on a notorious British ship, and Lilyan must somehow find a way to rescue him...with the help of one handsome, charming Nicholas Xanthakos, a scout with Francis Marian.

Lilyan becomes a spy, putting her life and those around her in much danger, including her life-long Cherokee friend, Elizabeth, who is almost raped by a British officer. Will she be able to rescue Andrew from the ship where starvation and deprivation rule?...and what huge role does the "chamomile" play in helping the Patriot spies to communicate one with another? As Lilyan escapes to the wilderness to avoid bounty hunters, will she be reunited with the one she loves?

I was truly impressed with Susan's knowledge of colonial-era history, and I feel like this book would appeal to Heartsong historical fiction lovers everywhere! I admit to being disappointed in the fact that Lilyan and Nicholas had barely had a conversation, and he was already addressing her in terms of endearment. The romance happened too quickly and appeared a bit rushed, but there is indeed such a thing as love at first sight! Nice job, Susan Craft!