Keeping Fears In Check

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy1:7

This verse has been playing through my mind the past couple days, as I remind myself to not give into the fears that can so easily ensnare us and pull us down. Satan is quick to plant those ideas and concerns into our thoughts when we least expect it. Jesus often admonished his disciples and those who listened to his words, to not fear, but instead trust Him.

He knows what we are going through, and desires for us to grow in our trust of Him. He desires what is best for us, even if we don't always understand the struggles we face. Do you need to step out in faith today, trusting God will catch you and provide a way?

Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond

Spring for Susannah, Catherine Richmond's debut book is an insightful glimpse into the heart of God in His unconditional love and pursuit for us. I found it to be a delightful reminder of the confidence we find only through Jesus Christ.

Susannah Underhill arrives in Dakota territory, a mail-order bride married by proxy to Jesse Mason. She is shy and fearful that Jesse will send her back to Detroit if she isn't a dutiful wife. Susannah struggles with unworthiness of her husband's love, and God's and can't understand her husband's love and patience.

Despite the trials and troubles they face with life on a land wrought with struggles, will Jesse's love and God's shine through and break through the barriers Susannah has built around her heart?


For more information about the blog tour, kindle giveaway and Facebook party, follow this link:
http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13347248

This book was provided free for review by Thomas Nelson.

Cabin on Pinto Creek by A.J. Hawke

Cabin on Pinto Creek by A.J. Hawke tells the story of twenty-five year old cowboy Elisha Evans who's always dreamed of owning a ranch of his own. Down on his luck, and forced to beg for food makes his goal seem unreachable in the near future. When he agreed to be a line rider with the J Bar C Ranch, he didn't realize what opportunities lay ahead of him.

Susana Jamison is traveling with her grandfather when they run into problems with their wagon. Her future looks uncertain until a certain cowboy comes to their aid. Can Susana follow her grandfather's instructions and marry a complete stranger?

I found this book to be a fun story and recommend it.


This book was provided for review by Mountain Quest Publishing.

A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley

I recently finished reading Margaret Brownley's newest book entitled A Vision of Lucy. This third and final book in the Rocky Creek series was a fun read. It tells the story of Lucy Fairbanks dream of becoming a photographer for the local newspaper, but trouble seems to find her as she looks for the perfect shot with her camera.

I love the way Margaret uses wit and wisdom with each chapter, from The Trials and Travails of a Woman Photographer by Miss Gertrude Hasslebrink, 1878. It's a delight to see what each chapter will bring in this saga of a young woman bent on making a mark with her photographs, and trying to win the approval of her father.

The book also explored topics dealing with the acceptance of being equal in God's eyes as David Wolf is introduced to the readers. This rustic man who lives outside of town is an enigma to Lucy, especially after he saves her from a hold-up and run-away stagecoach. She's determined to learn more about him. Will she open her eyes and camera lens to see what God has for her?


This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson.

Choosing to Trust

It's been a challenge to keep up with my writing/blogging as of late due to health issues. It's been almost two months since I had surgery on my left shoulder. I feel I can safely say things are starting to progress with its recovery. My range of motion seems to increase bit by bit each week. The pain has subsided to more of a dull ache instead of sharp. Strength still remains an issue, but it will come with time and exercise.

My biggest concern as of late has been plaguing issues with my sciatic nerve. It's an issue I've had for the past 13-17 years, but usually can be avoided by not lying on the affected side. Unfortunately with having shoulder surgery, the only way for me to sleep at night is to be on the leg with sciatic history.

Then in the midst of all my health issues, my husband has been dealing with some of his own. Yesterday he found a deer tick on his leg, so we are praying it won't develop into Lyme disease. At times, the struggles we face can seem so overwhelming. But I have to remind myself not to focus on the circumstances, but choose to look to my Heavenly Father and trust Him. Some days I do pretty well with this...other days not so. I pray I will continue to grow in the area of trusting God and drawing closer to Him.

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

I recently read To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer and was gripped with the story she wove about a blacksmith and librarian. The book focused on the forgiveness and redemption we find through Christ. Despite the hurts and trials of our past, God is still able to reach beyond this, and provide healing.

Levi Grant comes to Spencer, Texas to fill the position as blacksmith. He is hesitant to reveal his recent release from time served in prison for an unintentional crime. Levi is a big man with a gentle heart. God has forgiven his past, but will the townspeople when they learn of his history?

Eden Spencer has shared her own sets of pain and disappointments from her earlier life. She buries herself in running the town lending library. Eden has no intention of being attracted to any man. Will she be able to let go of the hurts and learn to trust again?

I enjoyed this tale of an unlikely duo. I was often moved to tears throughout the book as the author portrayed God's redemption and healing. I highly recommend this new saga from Karen Witemeyer.

This book was provided free for review by Bethany House Publishers.