I was so intrigued by the concept of four well-known, talented, and unique authors writing a series of short stories together.  In the introduction, the authors explain that the stories were written independently yet joined together with an overarching storyline in a manner similar to a tv series.  I have read novels by all four of the authors and their writing styles are quite distinct.  I had no idea that they were friends… fun.  With the combined creativity of these authors, it is no surprise to me that they came up with such an ingenious concept.   

So, while I found myself intrigued I was also dubious.  Could the series be cohesive with the distinct writing styles of four different authors?  Would it be confusing? 

I have taken FOREVER to write this review.  I read The Shattered Vigil months ago and have returned multiple times to write this review.  There have been many iterations and at one time my review was almost 2000 words long.  I thought that might be a wee bit excessive ;).  I can't imagine that you want to read a comprehensive treatise rather than a book review.  If you do, I would really love to meet you,

To Love Anew begins with our heroine, Hannah, losing her precious mother to the sweating sickness.  Hannah’s mother provided her with a strong foundation of faith in God, a sweet and loving spirit, and skilled hands that aren’t idle.  As can only be, Hannah grieves for her mother and life is never the same again.  

Hannah’s situation is one that most of us will never experience.  Without her mother’s skills as a seamstress, Hannah very rapidly becomes homeless, alone and defenseless in a harsh and cruel world.  The reality of young women without means in 19th century London.

The adventure continues as Jelena and her crew fail completely in their attempt to “just” deliver cargo.  Jelena has a huge debt to pay off and so she really needs lucrative cargo runs.  Government bills for repairing blown-up space stations are expensive!!  Trouble seems magnetically drawn to Jelena and her crew though so there is no “just” for them.  This is to our benefit… the world that they live in is never boring… so you will never be bored ;).

Hitler’s Cross is fascinating, enlightening, and downright terrifying.  It is a book that I was meant to read.  Erwin W. Lutzer covers an extremely dark subject matter in a clear, concise, and compassionate manner.  I believe that the state of humanity is such that burying or hiding from our history is dangerous.  Instead, truthful evaluation and personal introspection are imperative in order to avoid repetition of humankind’s greatest atrocities.  We must not forget the atrocities committed nor can we forget the unfortunate fear, lack of faith, and lack of response that was exhibited by the Christian church during WWII.  Hitler’s Cross is an excellent resource for the church to use in understanding this period in our history.

God Loves Daddy & Me and it’s companion book God Loves Mommy & Me just bring a smile to my face.  God Loves Daddy & Me points out positive attributes of a God honoring father loving his child as THE Father loves them both.  Laura Watkins’ illustrations bring such light and adorableness to the story.  The raccoon daddy and child are so cute!  You’ll love that the child is not stated as being male or female so daddy and son or daddy and daughter work equally well. 

I unabashedly love Lindsay Buroker’s writing.  Her stories make me laugh, are fast paced, and are just plain fun.  The Rogue Prince doesn't disappoint.  I do recommend that you read the Fallen Empire series first.  I didn't.  Fortunately, I had no problem enjoying The Rogue Prince as Buroker provides enough backstory for the newbies like me (and reminders for those who read the Fallen Empire series awhile ago) to keep the story moving without leaving us in the dust.  I'm off to pick up the Fallen Empire books and get to reading.

What a priceless children's book!  I'm so in love with the absolutely adorable animals, the rhymes, and the affirmation of God's purposeful and perfect creation.  With no holds barred, I recommend that you find a copy at the library or from your favorite book vendor and enjoy this colorful, creative, Christian story with your favorite little one (or a brood of them).  This would make a wonderful addition to your churches toddler's ministry.

Mommy loves me so much! She cheers me up when I’m sad, she kisses my boo-boos, she sings me lullabies at bedtime, and she prays for me. I love Mommy, and God does too!
 

The Emperor's Edge is a blast.  From start to finish it is adventure after adventure after adventure.  Set back after set back after set back (each of which is conquered in mystifying ways).

The International Justice Mission (IJM) produced a groundbreaking short film, SuperMaarko, about how one boy survived cybersex trafficking. SuperMaarko has been nominated for a Webby Award, called “the Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times. Maarko’s story has been recognized in the Best Video (Public Service+Activism) category.  With your help, there is a strong possibility that SuperMaarko can win!

Today is the 44th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Roe v Wade. In these past 44 years, many believers have gathered together each January to emphasize the value and the dignity of human life.  As such, I have posted two reviews to date and have a couple more coming before the month is over.  Please please start by reading the Bible, as it is the truth upon which all other ideas must be held up to.  Then I pray that you will take a look through these offerings and use them as a springboard to help inform your understanding of the cultural and political issues surrounding abortion.  The news is often bad but the hand of God is evident working throughout the tragedy.

I named my blog Blessed and Bewildered as the name, in essence, mirrors my emotional state.  I know that I am incredibly blessed yet I am often bewildered at my reactions to life in general and adversity in particular.

I told my husband that for the first time I am fascinated by the book of Numbers and Deuteronomy.  He quipped back "well there's hope for you yet".  Ha!

I have read Numbers more than once over my lifetime and I feel as if I am trudging through it each time.  My wise husband always reminds me that the book of Numbers was placed in the Bible for a reason.  It was placed there by God's divine will.  That means that there is something there for me to learn.

Life is bewildering!

Sometimes it feels overwhelming.

Life is a beautiful blessing!

I stand in absolute awe of God's creation, His holiness, His glory, His omniscience, His righteousness, His authority, His gift, His faithfulness, His forgiveness.