"SOMEWHERE TO BELONG" by Judith Miller - Book Review

Somewhere To Belong is the newest release by award-winning author, Judith Miller.  This historical fiction is set in 1877 in the Amana Colonies in Iowa.

The author's love for history is reflected in the many details of daily life in the villages of Amana.  In this setting, devout Christians believe in co-operative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God.

The story is told in the first person, alternating between the two main characters, Johanna Ilg and Berta Schumacher.  Johanna has lived her entire life in one of the villages, but longs to see the outside world.  Berta, on the other hand, has come from Chicago with her parents, who want to show her a simpler life.

Berta has a naturally rebellious spirit, and resists the idea of remaining in  the village.  It falls upon Johanna to train Berta in village ways.

As the story progresses, it is discovered that both families are harbouring secrets.  Where will these girls find somewhere to belong?

I enjoyed reading this book, and learned much from the description of village life in the Amana colonies.  The author has included so many details, that I could feel I was there, walking on the streets with the girls.  Yes, it is another 'bonnet book', but with a twist.  Those who are familiar with Judith Miller's previous books will not be disappointed, and it is a good introduction for first-time readers as well.

*** Judith Miller has done extensive research into life in the Amana Colonies.  If you would like to ask her questions regarding the colonies, you may contact her at http://www.judithmccoymiller.com/

"A copy of this book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  It is available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

HERE BURNS MY CANDLE by Liz Curtis Higgs - BOOK REVIEW

Set  in 18th century Edinburgh, Here Burns My Candle will grip you from beginning to end.  The year is 1745.  The Dowager Lady Marjory Kerr, together with her sons, Lord Donald and Andrew and their wives, Lady Elisabeth and Janet, have taken up residence in Edinburgh.  The Kerrs have come from Selkirk, but Elisabeth and Janet are from the Highlands.  By all appearances, things are going well for the Kerrs, that is, until the arrival of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his rebel army. But things are not as they seem.  Inside their hearts, they carry secrets...

This story is so rich in detail and description, I felt like I was walking the High Street of Edinburgh, with all its wynds and closes, experiencing all that was a part of daily life. Servants, society ladies, merchants, soldiers and others add color to the story.  In addition to engaging all my senses, I was also caught up in the emotional struggles of the characters, agonizing with them over every painful decision, and asking myself what I would do, how would I respond, given those circumstances. I often reached for a tissue to wipe away the tears, in order to bring the next page into focus!

Although this story takes place in another time and place, the human heart remains the same, and can only be softened by the love and mercy of God.  Among other things, this is a story of a growing faith and trust in our Almighty God, the One Who is truly faithful.

This is a story with intense drama, a real 'page-turner'.  It is so well-written.  Liz is a master story teller, and she has done her research, checking each detail for accuracy.  18th century Scotland certainly comes alive through this amazing story.

Here Burns My Candle has its roots in the biblical account of Ruth and Naomi.  I look forward to "the rest of the story" in Liz's next book, Mine Is The Night, scheduled to be released in Spring 2011.

From the back cover copy: "A timeless story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of eighteeth-century Scotland, Here Burns My Candle illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home."

Here Burns My Candle may be ordered through Amazon.com
, http://www.christianbooks.com/ and through you local bookstore.

For more information about the author, go to her website, http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/.  While there, check out other books by Liz, read her biography and sign up for her email newsletters.  Join Liz on her facebook fan page and on Twitter.

Here Burns My Candle is published by WaterBrook Press.

HERE BURNS MY CANDLE by Liz Curtis Higgs - AUDIOBOOK

Och, lass!  Are you in for a treat!  Here Burns My Candle, the latest Scottish historical novel by Liz Curtis Higgs, is available on Audiobook!  Furthermore, it is unabridged (yes, the WHOLE story!), and is read by Liz herself!

So, grab your plaid, a cup of tea and a thick slice of Mrs. Edgar's seedcake, and join Liz as she recounts this gripping story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption in 18th century Edinburgh.

The Audiobook is produced by Random House Audio (http://www.randomhouseaudio.com/  and is available through http://www.amazon.com/.  The audiobook consists of 13 CDs.  Total listening time: 16 1/2 hours.

FOUND ART by Leeana Tankersley - BOOK REVIEW

."

"Found Art: Discovering Beauty in Foreign Places" is a memoir of the year author Leeana Tankersley lived in the Middle East with her navy SEAL husband during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  As the story unfolds, Leeana finds her life and her soul have been changed forever.

With an artist's eye, Tankersley uses each chapter to piece together moments and memories from her journey to create a work of unexpected beauty; a handwritten note from Kuwait, a braid of fringe from a Persian rug, an original poem, a bit of basting thread, a swatch of black silk from a borrowed abaya, a mesquite leaf, a navy SEAL trident, a receipt from the Russian-Georgian restaurant on Louisiana Street.

Found Art emerges, a literary collage created from salvaged stories of loss, hope and belief ."- taken from back cover copy.

Found Art is an amazing book by a debut author.  Leeana's writing puts into words what many of us feel, but often cannot express.  Leeana takes us along with her to a part of world which most of us will never experience, and yet she enables us to engage all our senses as we journey with her.  We feel with her as she learns what it means to be in a foreign place, and she helps us see that all of us have 'foreign places' in our own life experience.  The truths about which she writes go straight to the heart and soul in a redemptive process which only God could orchestrate.  Leeana's journey resulted in transformation.  She says "We can resist the beauty the beauty that is waiting for us (in foreign places), but if we will enter the frightening place - if we will engage ourselves in the context of this new culture - we will see that there is no shortcut to transformation."  I was deeply moved by Leeana's writing, which caused me to look for 'found art' in the collage of my own life's experiences.

Leeana's book is published by Zondervan, and is available through http://www.amazon.com/ and wherever fine books are sold.

Thanks to Zondervan for providing a copy for review through the http://www.blogspottours.com/ program.

For more information, see Leeana's blog at http://www.gypsyink.com/.

HERE BURNS MY CANDLE

The latest Scottish fiction by Liz Curtis Higgs released today!  Here Burns My Candle, set in 1745 Edinburgh, is based on the biblical account of Ruth and Naomi.  I am anxiously anticipating the arrival of my copy, and when I have read it, will review it on this blogsite.

The book can be purchased through http://www.amazon.com/ , http://www.christianbooks.com/, other online bookstores, as well as through your local Christian bookstore.


Click on the following link to read an excellent interview with Liz.  Blessings to all, and happy reading!

interviewsandreviews.blogspot.com

Be Still

Be still?  Today?  But there are so many distractions all around me, clambouring for my attention.  Demands on my time and energy tug at me.  The tyranny of the urgent, some have called it.  As if that weren't enough, my own thoughts are so scattered, lacking focus.

But in the midst of it all, God calls out to me. "Be still, my child. Come to me and find rest.  Listen to my 'still, small voice' leading you in paths of righteousness, bidding you lie down in the green pasture, so cool and refreshing."

So often, I come to the Lord with heart and mind full of requests, and yes, with suggestions on how He could answer them!  Nevertheless, He graciously extends an invitation. He, the King of kings, requests the honour of my presence! He loves when I come to Him with an open mind and heart, ready to actively listen, not saying a word.  I don't have to.  After all, He already knows.  In these times, my Father is longing to share HIS heart with me, for me to be satified and at rest in His love.  What a privilege, what comfort!

I cannot fully comprehend such a gracious invitation, but have tasted in a small way what it must be like.  When our daughters were small, they so often came to me with their requests.  "Mummy, could you please get me a drink?"  "Mummy, please read me a story."  And on it went, day after day.  Then one day, our oldest daughter came to me, dressed in her cozy pj's.  "Mummy."  She began.  Before she could finish her sentence, I jumped in, asking what she wanted.  Her reply warmed my heart.  "Mummy, I don't WANT anything.  I just want to curl up on your lap and cuddle.  I love you so much."  Does my Father's heart warm to such a response from His child?  I have every reason to believe it does!

I have posted a link to the wonderful song, "Be Still, For The Presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is Here."  May you be blessed as I was as you listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jblX88cA81A