Tracie Peterson's "A Treasure Concealed" - Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Blurb: Emily Carver wants a home where she can put down roots instead of following her gold-hungry father from one mining camp to another. She also longs for tenderness and love, both of which are missing in her life. Yet when she realizes she's losing her heart to the intriguing new man in camp, she fiercely fights her feelings, afraid that love will only result in disappointment and heartache.

Caeden Thibault, a young geologist, comes to Montana to catalog minerals indigenous to the state. He's a serious and guarded young man trying to escape the pain of his past. He has avoided all romantic entanglements, fearing he might become like his abusive father. But something about Emily Carver has caught his attention, something he never expected. . . .

Will these two broken souls allow God to bring healing and hope to their hurting hearts?

Carrie Fancett Pagels' Audiobook Review

Five Stars *****

A Gem of a Story!

First of all, since I didn't read the blurb closely on the audiobook listing, I didn't know the characters' names. So I found myself wondering at the name Caden Tebow (sounded like football player Tim Tebow's name) and I thought that was a little odd. Now that I see in the blurb that the name is Thibault, that makes sense to me. We have lots of Thibaults where I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but after not hearing that name in decades, but having heard so much about Tim Tebow, I thought that was interesting that Tracie was borrowing his last name -- which she wasn't!!!

This is the first book in a new 1890's series set in Montana, where Tracie lives. Emily is a sweet and very sympathetic heroine. She's known so much hardship in her life and she's losing her mother to a prolonged illness. Caeden hasn't known what family is. While Emily longs for a home (really she longs for a house that is a real house and not a tent or a rickety cabin) Caeden seeks to avoid making the mistakes his parents made and to find a home based on love and respect. Both have a tough spiritual journey and need to get straight with God about their hardened hearts. Tracie masterfully weaves the redemption thread into the story.

With lots of action and bad guys you want to string up yourself, this also has a strong romance. Great narrator, who is perfect for the story.

What are those rocks that Mr. Carver keeps finding? They aren't gold, but are they sapphires?  There are two more books coming in this series -- looking forward to hearing more!

Bibliotherapy elements: Poverty, loss, death of a parent, injuries, and the need to find faith. 

Giveaway: This week on OWG blog we're giving away a copy of A Treasure Concealed, winner's choice of format. Winner's choice of format (OPEN to international readers also, A Treasure Concealed is available through Book Depository!) 

Bibliotherapy at Christmas! A Review

Another Christmas Story by Susan Page Davis
Novella in The Westward Christmas Brides Collection by Barbour (2014)
Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

SPOILER ALERTS: I have a couple of spoilers in my review so if you don't read reviews with spoilers stop right now and just leave a comment to enter for the giveaway!


Bibliotherapy Galore!
For a short novella, Susan Page Davis's story packs a punch! The story starts right out with a bang as the heroine, Beryl, and her young brother, Sam. learn that their father has been seriously injured on their wagon train ride west. They are forced to take refuge in a nearby town and with the unlikely assistance of the store owners and their handsome son, James. Although Beryl has heard that Clara, the proprietor's wife, drives a hard bargain, the family is extremely generous to them, putting the little family of three (other family members died before the trip) up in a cabin they own. So far then, in the story, we had previous loss of family (grieving), relocating elsewhere, now severe life-threatening injury, and plans derailed.

Which makes one pause and ask--is this really a Christmas story? I think Susan Page Davis tagged it appropriately, almost tongue-in-cheek by calling it Another Christmas Story. This is a story about all the awful stuff that can still happen near the holidays. (The story does not terminate at Christmas, like most seasonal stories but continues on, again, a surprise in a novella of this length.)

Beryl's and James' romance is sweet and unfolds slowly. When her father dies and a difficult winter strikes, Beryl and Sam move in with James and Clara. This has a great boon for her brother because Sam benefits from instruction he receives with the Lassen family. Meanwhile, Mr. Lassen heads off to resupply their store.

There is a creepy episode that takes place at the store, with unwanted intruders. Again, not Christmas-like. And another tragedy in store. Again, not what one expects in a Christmas novella. BUT, Christmas doesn't come and go without there being many difficulties for many people. I think readers who are going through a hard time at Christmas might be able to relate to this story very well and draw comfort from the fact that it is so different.

This is NOT just Another Christmas Story. It is a story full of bibliotherapy elements. It's one of those stories where a friend might point out that particular novella to a friend who is suffering losses. And lest you fret--there is a happy ever after for the young couple.


Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of either ebook or paperback copy of The Westward Christmas Brides collection this week.
Question: Have you ever had an awful Christmas season? Did you read anything during that time that helped?

Interview with Lorna Seilstad by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Author Lorna Seilstad

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? 

Like most people, I’ve had a few periods of my life that I’d call difficult. I was blessed to be raised in a Christian home, so I’ve always sought God’s comfort and direction when those times have occurred.

Three weeks ago, my father went to his heavenly home. I’m sure he and my mom are having a wonderful reunion, but this time in my life has been especially difficult.

My mother died of colon cancer in 1996. I was 31, a young wife and mother, and the loss left a huge hole in my life. I remember very little of the six months following her death. I went through the actions, but it’s sort of a blur. A lot of prayers and a lot of tears. I’d cry in the bathtub, so if my five-year-old asked what was wrong, I could say I got soap in my eyes.

Although my father had been an insulin dependent diabetic for nearly 45 years, he died of chronic heart failure. He needed a new aortic valve, but wasn’t strong enough for open-heart surgery, and they don’t make a valve big enough for him to have TAVR (a new valve replacement procedure where they go in through your groin).

Since January, he’d been in the hospital four times, and my husband had been in once. Hospitals are not the most conducive places for writing, I can assure you, so with a book due June 1, I felt a lot of pressure.  I’ve clung to the verse, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on until it is completed.” (Phil. 1:6)

The doctor had given my dad two to six months, but he died only two weeks after hospice had been set up. Watching a loved one struggle to breathe is heart breaking, but I can’t even put into words how precious those moments were for me to say “I love you” one more time. It was also the last thing he said to me. I think the hardest part of both of their deaths was telling them it was time to go when everything inside of me wanted to scream Don’t leave me.

My grief is fresh right now. There’s a special ache knowing both of your parents are gone. I know from my mother’s death that eventually the painful moments will come at great intervals like when you drop a pebble into the water, and the rings get farther and farther apart.

As I press on toward my writing goal, I continue to cling to that verse.  My stories come from God, they’ve always been His, and He will carry them on to completion. When your heart is hurting and your mind spinning, that’s great news with a looming deadline.

While Love Stirs

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 

My e-books are audio capable. I wish I had them available in large print and in audio format, but I don’t yet. I get a lot of requests for large print, though, and I always suggest using a Kindle or Nook where you can make the print larger.

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

I’d like to think so. Anyone with control issues would relate to Charlotte and Joel’s struggles. Their healing comes through faith and trust in God. Charlotte also lost her parents when she was only 17. This is key to the choices she makes today.

The hero, Joel, has mild OCD. I don’t know if reading about him would be therapeutic or not.  I modeled him after a friend who I’ve always admired for the way he laughs at himself. We used to go in his office and turn his ships around. He’d fix them within minutes of entering the room and just laugh.

Joel grew up with a father who had a debilitating injury which caused chronic pain. His father self-medicated. This all happened during a time period where people didn’t understand those kinds of injuries. Joel heard their hurtful comments and it affected him greatly.

Giveaway: Choice of any of Lorna's books, choice of format, to one commenter.

Overcoming in the Desert Seasons by Tamera Alexander

Author Tamera Alexander

Overcoming in the Desert Seasons

by Tamera Alexander

Do you like deserts? Not desserts, mind you, those are much easier to love. But deserts. Specifically, the desert times of life. Those seasons in our earthly journey when our hearts feel dry and empty, purposeless. When our spirit can grow weary due, perhaps in part, to a prolonged illness or injury, to trials or troubled relationships, or maybe disappointment in a career. Those times when there seems to be no end in sight to the "soul drought."

I’ve experienced those seasons in my life. I think we all have. There’s a verse I came across years ago during one of these times, and since then, God has engraved it on my heart:

"When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness..."

                                                                                                            (Exodus 13:17-18a)

Did the same phrase jump out at you that jumped out at me that day? "God did not lead them along the main road…even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land."

Why on earth would God purposefully make the Israelites go the longer, harder route? Why would he keep his chosen people wandering in the desert? When we travel, don’t we typically opt for the shortest route? Why wouldn’t God do that too?

Because He knows something we don’t. About us. And about the journey.

In the past, when I’ve been in those desert seasons, I’ve asked God why I'm there. Rarely have I gotten an immediate response, mind you, if I get one at all. So I push on, just like you do, through the responsibilities and obligations of life, seeking God’s face, listening for his voice.

One such desert time for me was watching my mom suffer from metastatic gallbladder cancer. Her journey from diagnosis to stepping into Jesus’s arms was brief. Only six months. And traveling that road with her was one of the most agonizing––yet most precious and beautiful––times in my life. Odd how often the most beautiful experiences also involve moments of excruciating pain.

In writing A Beauty So Rare I drew upon many of my own desert seasons, specifically when writing about Eleanor Braddock and her relationship with her father. God showed me yet again (with the benefit of distance and perspective), how faithful He is. How intentional his love is. And how he always has our best at heart, even when our hearts are breaking.

I’ve learned we ought not let our circumstances teach us theology. God is faithful. He’s sovereign. Always. And if we’re in the desert, we’re there because he’s either allowed it, or designed it. It’s not pleasant, the desert. It’s prickly, irritatingly sandy, and it burns. But God has proven over and over to me that I’ll be better for the experience in the end. My own heart grows more pliant in those times, and I become more like clay in the Potter’s hands, which I so long to be on a daily basis.

So when you’re empty inside and feel your loneliest, remember you’re never alone. God sees you. He loves you. These desert seasons are training grounds. They’re heavenly-orchestrated detours intended for our eternal good. And even though it may not feel like it, God is still guiding each and every step, because we’re on our way to the Promised Land!

A Beauty So Rare trailer

The Inspiration Behind A Beauty So Rare

Continued Blessings!  Tamera

www.TameraAlexander.com

Thank you Tamera for sharing with us on OWG!  Readers we have lots of giveaways this week. We were all waiting so patiently for Tamera's new release and "A Beauty So Rare" was worth it! This lovely Christian historical romance will be on my best of 2014 reads.   

Giveaway: (This week, we have a paperback and ebook copy of A Beauty So Rare, a Starbucks $10 card, a pink surprise giveaway and Tamera is offering a signed copy, too!) Answer the Q--What has helped you during a season of soul drought? For extra entry entry "Like" Tamera's FB page and put FB on your comment. Leave your email address so we can contact you.

Elaine Marie Cooper Interview by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Elaine Marie Cooper

Elaine Marie Cooper is the author of her new release, Fields of the Fatherless, as well as the Deer Run Saga: The Road to Deer Run, The Promise of Deer Run and The Legacy of Deer Run.

Elaine, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? 

This has been a very difficult time with the passing of my Mom last month. Although she was elderly, it happened fairly quickly and I’m still trying to recover as I distribute family memorabilia to the relatives.

As difficult as this is, however, nothing can compare to my only daughter being diagnosed with a brain tumor in January of 2002. Our lives (Bethany, my husband, our two sons) were turned upside down with the realization that this was terminal. My daughter might not see her 25^th Birthday. (She was 23 at the time) Who ever thinks their child will die? I’m sure it’s a fear that lays hidden deep in every parent’s soul but I had never allowed that possibility to ever take form in my conscious thoughts.

Yet now we faced the unthinkable: A cancerous brain tumor. Along with the many months of treatments and hospitalizations—and eventually hospice—I shared nearly every moment that I could with Bethany. Looking back, the time was a blend of exhaustion, grief, terror and anger. My Christian friends were the best support to me and I gleaned spiritual sustenance from Praise and Worship music. Those songs were a constant on our CD player.

Prior to Bethany’s diagnosis, I had already made morning devotions a priority in my life. Although I was “too busy” to keep up with this habit, I MADE time to spend with the Lord each day, reading His Word, pouring out my wrenching prayer requests. If I didn’t stop to hold His hand each morning in prayer, how would I have the strength to endure?

Bethany was with us for one year and nine months after her diagnosis. She did not reach her 25^th Birthday.

Life never returns to “normal.” As the grief counselor told me, your life takes on “The New Normal.” So I returned to work as a school nurse, and held back my tears all day. But after I got in my car to drive home each day, the floodgates would open and I would cry for most of the drive home. One day I was especially angry and brutally honest with God. “This is TOO HARD!” I shouted out loud to Him.

I felt his gentle presence and heard a very quiet, inaudible voice in my spirit: “My Grace is sufficient for you.”

It startled me. And it helped to heal my anger. I knew that He was right—His grace truly is sufficient for each day. And while I cannot bear the burden of grief on my own, He is more than willing to help me carry it. If I only ask Him.Four years to the day after Bethany died came another inaudible voice: I was to write a book. Thus began my new writing journey.

It will be ten years ago this October that Bethany went home to be with the Lord. I am currently working on the manuscript for a memoir of my daughter and our journey together during her last days here on earth. It is tentatively entitled, Bethany’s Calendar.

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?

I wish that my books were available in this format but, unfortunately, they are not. Hopefully in the future.

Fields of the Fatherless by Elaine Marie Cooper

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

My books all have running themes of forgiveness and recovering from pain. Some of the steps in my own healing process weave like a thread of healing through each novel.


CFP: Elaine, I have really enjoyed getting to know you better through the Colonial American Christian Writers group and the Colonial Quills blog. I am so sorry you had to go through this loss of your daughter and our condolences on the recent loss of your mother.

Giveaways: This week, Elaine will be giving away one each of the Deer Run Saga to three recipients (from the reviews coming up.) This is limited to within the USA winners and includes The Road to Deer Run, The Promise of Deer Run and The Legacy of Deer Run.  Overcoming With God will also be giving away a copy of winner’s choice of Elaine’s books in ebook format (open to international winners.)

Three Reasons to Listen to The Lesson (audiobook) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Lesson
Stoney Ridge Seasons #3
By Suzanne Woods Fisher

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The audiobook CD by Brilliance Audio only recently released (August 6) for this novel which was published by Revell in January 2013.  I pre-ordered mine. Unfortunately I got mixed up and listened to The Letters before I listened to The Lesson.  I'd advise you to listen to The Lesson first.

Reasons to listen to this audiobook:
1) Characterization and a favorite character finally gets her "man."
I have loved Mary Kate or M.K. Lapp ever since I first "met" her when she was a child in Suzanne's stories. So it is great reading a story where she is now grown up and thrown into the situation of being a teacher. And I LOVED her elderly mentor--what a wonderful character.  I wish Suzanne would give us a few more stories with her in it.

2) Bibliotherapy elements are deep and powerful. (And even affected me!) Have you read a Christian book where a big part of the story line is about the effects of Meth-amphetamine usage? I sure haven't.

Chris Yoder is a wonderful hero--he's a young man carrying the weight of the world.  Chris and Jenny, his younger sister, have a mother in prison who is a meth addict. Mom is really a piece of work and Suzanne portrays her so well I almost wonder if she, like myself, has one of these sad people in her family.  I listened to the audiotape and I had to turn it off during the part where Jenny has been suckered into a situation with her mother where I knew what was going to happen but Jenny did not.  Turned it off.  Thought what a hard core user like this who is so messed up would do. And that night I discovered my own family member was arrested on drug charges and is faces his own possible prison time.  So I got my own bit of bibliotherapy through this audiobook, which was interesting.  I thought--this person (Suzanne) knows what the family is going through. They really get it.  And that is one of the points of bibliotherapy--reading something that speaks to your own issue. And I am very glad Suzanne didn't try to sugar coat or pull a miracle out of her bonnet. I think if she had done that she'd have disappointed a lot of people who know it truly does take a miracle to pull someone out of this addiction. Great job of showing how co-dependency affects the family, too.

Interesting how one of the characters who is so powerful isn't even alive--"Old Deborah" who is still impacting the lives of Chris, Jenny, and others, by the way she gave to others in trouble. Great example of how a humble and simple life can be so meaningful!

3) The audiobook has a lovely narrator and what a great thing to do while you are washing dishes, folding clothes, and doing other "quiet" cleaning. You can read while doing housekeeping!

But back to the overall book--again we have the lovely Suzanne voice, characterization, and taut storyline. Although we start out with a suspected murder we end up discovering another crime that occurred years earlier.  

Giveaway: Gently used CD (not MP3 - can be played on a regular CD player.)  Here's what you have to do to be entered.  Check out the Deeper Shopping website and put "DS" on your comment to count twice.  If you are a Follower of our blog put OWG. We are TWO away from out 300th Follower.  That person will receive a special prize and if that person is you, email me at overcomingwithGod@aol.com!   Leave your email addy if we don't know you well.

Suzanne Wood's Fisher's "The Letters" - new Audiobook

The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher possesses something no one else has--her voice. That certain Suzanne voice that defies description and when I've tried I've mangled it.  And the narrator of this book does a superb job of capturing the Suzanneness that I love. I purchased mine on audible.com and I've also got a CD MP3 audiobook as a giveaway for one lucky reader!

In "The Letters" you're introduced to a household of characters and some from nearby and some from out of the area.  But even with all the cast of characters each one has his or her own voice and  unique traits.  

Even if the listener doesn't agree with the choice the doctor's wife makes (or choices) by the end of the story you'll find yourself accepting them and seeing how it could work.  This secondary plot line was extremely well done.

Rose Schrock is a special heroine and Galen King a subdued but persuasive hero for the story. Loved how Suzanne had this one twist with the step-daughters "boyfriend." And the plot line with the underlying medical condition. 

Bibliotherapy Aspects:

Spoiler alert

One of the characters undergoes brain surgery.  The manifested symptoms of the disease prior to the proper diagnosis would be important to someone dealing with a brain tumor or someone who wonders if a family member may have dementia or another cognitive disorder.

A crime was committed during the story--theft. And crime had been committed before the start of the story.  The aftermath of dealing with crime committed by a love one is covered well in this book.

Death of a spouse, possible suicide. Death of a parent are aspects of this novel.  Both are woven tightly through the plot.

My recommendation:

Listen and ENJOY!!!

Giveaway:  A CD/MP3 audiobook of "The Letters."  You must have capability to play the CD which will not play on a normal CD player.  Although a computer can play it I do not recommend that.  Many new car sound systems will have CD/MP3.  I purchased a CD/MP3 player after I bought one of these by accident and had to listen on my computer (the problem for me was starting and stopping it, which didn't work out well on my old PC which was only a year old at the time.) This is a brand new, unopened CD/MP3. Answer the following question: Have you used Deeper Shopping yet to order any of your Christian books or materials?  If so, why or why not?  Leave your email address, too, unless you are well known by us.

Interview with Author Tamara Fickas: Lewy Body Dementia and Loss of Parent

Tamara Fickas

Tamara Fickas is a contributor to the new nonfiction release “God’s Provision in Tough Times.”  She is the administrator of the Rocky Mountain Writer website. She writes historical and contemporary fiction and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Tamara, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? (transparency appreciated!)

Thank you for having me here on Overcoming with God. One of the most difficult things I’ve gone through is walking with my mother through Lewy Body Dementia (LBD.) Lewy is the second leading form of dementia after Alzheimer’s. It causes cognitive dysfunction, hallucinations, and Parkinson’s type symptoms.

Dad was committed to doing as much as possible for Mom, and we kids jumped in to help as much as we could. During the last ten months of Mom’s life, I was unemployed and through God’s strength, I was able to be there for Mom and Dad. 

I look back on that time with awe that in one of the hardest times of my life I could see God walking every step of the way with me. It was this time that I wrote about for my contribution to the book God’s Provision in Tough Times.

(CFP: Tammy, one of my best friends lost her father to this disorder several years ago.  I understand that is is very difficult to deal with.  What a blessing you were to your mother.)

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

Jeremiah 29:11 has always been a favorite of mine. It is comforting to know that even when life seems convoluted and messed up God knows the plan for me. I am not just wandering around lost. I can’t see what is up ahead, but God can.

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

I started my Rocky Mountain Writer blog years ago when Mom was still alive. It began as a way to get the word out about LBD as well as polish my writing skills. Over the years, the blog has evolved to be more of an opportunity to share the wonder I find in everyday life.

My personal blog has been inactive for a while now as I consider what direction God wants me to take with it. Even though I’m not sure of the direction the blog is going, it is always my hope that people who read my work see how God is at work around us and are encouraged by that fact.

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

I am still in the process of researching my historical fiction novel, but as I read I am amazed at how hard life was for those people who came over to the new world. They could have stayed in comfort in what they knew, but they chose to come to America and tough it out to build this new nation. Makes me thankful for how easy life can be for me.

(CFP: Tammy has written an American Revolutionary War manuscript--a time of history near and dear to my own heart!)

In your work, do you share about LBD?  

My latest work doesn’t really have topics, but some of the early posts on my blog dealt with LBD and how our family coped with this disease that affects not only the person who is suffering from it, but all those around them.

Thank you Tamara for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Giveaway:  A paperback or Kindle copy (outside of USA ebook only) of God's Provision in Tough Times.  Leave a comment and your email address.