Well folks, here it is!
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Undaunted Hope | Book Review
After reading about 1/4 of the book, I decided not to finish it. I am not a big romance fan, and from chapter one, Tessa was engrossed with Alex’s rippling muscles and drowning in his cobalt blue eyes. Just mentioning that doesn’t quite bother me, but when it goes on and on, chapter after chapter, her clearly lusting after this man, it just was too much (one quote that is very mild, “He was a beautiful specimen of manhood. She honestly had no desire to take her eyes off of him, even though she knew she was ogling inappropriately in front of the children.”).
I thought about finishing the book and skimming the parts between her and Alex…but then Alex’s brother Michael came onto the scene. And I just don’t like love triangles. So, while I would have enjoyed the school situation, discover what Mr. Updegraff would say when Tessa started an adult school without his knowledge, I just could not in good conscience finish it.
So, while people who enjoy “swoon worthy” material may enjoy it, those who are trying to monitor the amount of romance they read will probably want to avoid this book.
*I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review*
Bookmarks?
Question: if I designed bookmarks for “Journey to Love” would you be interested in me mailing you some so that you can share them with friends?
What’s the vote: who would actually print their own (if I did downloadable PDFs) and who would only use them if I sent them bookmarks?
Marie and Mary | Journey to Love
Get to know some characters in “Journey to Love!” Today, meet Marie and Mary.
Marie Dixon
The main character of “Journey to Love,” Marie is recently orphaned and whisked away from the only life that she has ever known. She has created a shell around her heart and refuses to make Creston her new home. Will this shell ever be broken?
Mary Thornton
When Marie first saw Mary, she was strangely drawn to her, and thought of her as a friend…but her dreams for this friend soon come crashing down when there is a barrier Marie does not want to cross.
Come back on Tuesday to meet Mr. and Mrs. Bowles–the couple who took Marie in.
Word Wednesday #93
Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
Genesis 19:22
Man prevented God from working–not because God is powerless, but because He is merciful.
But still…is my disobedience hindering God from what He wants to do in my life?
~*~*~
Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you’d like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog! Did you post on your blog? I’d love to see — share your link in a comment!
Coming Soon: "Journey to Love"
Yes, if you’ve been following my blog for the last year, you’ve seen me mention “Journey to Love” before (here and here). Well, the exciting time is coming when “Journey to Love” will be available to the public!
It has indeed been a journey! And, as I like “behind-the-scenes,” I’m going to give you some!
~The original idea came in September 2014. I first thought that Marie would be sent to her mother’s French friend in Louisiana. However, in Spring 2015, the Lord gave me the idea of creating an orphan train novella series. With a little adaptation, Marie’s story fit in perfectly.
~The original titles for “Journey to Love” were Echoes of Mercy, Quest for Truth, and Journey to Love (as you can see, “Journey to Love” stuck)
~There was one quote in my original idea that just didn’t fit into the new story. I kinda wish I could have put it somewhere, but hey–I can just share it here!
For a moment, Marie just wanted to throw her arms around Madame – just like she had always wanted to do so to Mama. But she held back. No; she would say nothing. It was an inward battle she had to fight; she could handle it on her own.
~I started writing this version of “Journey to Love” on March 17, 2015. It will be almost exactly a year later that it is released. I sure thought that a novella wouldn’t take a year…but so it has! Continue reading to get a glimpse why.
~”Journey to Love” was written while I was helping my family building our house. Yep, I got many ideas while cutting wood or painting. 😉
~I thought that I had finished “Journey to Love” in July 2015. At that time, I emailed a couple of friends, saying, “I’m thinking that this really ought to be ‘Journey to Truth’ or ‘Journey to Freedom!'” The next day, I visited my sister’s church. Their Sunday school hour was on 1 John. During that lesson, I felt God impress in my heart, “No, Amanda, this novella WILL be ‘Journey to Love.'” I went home and rewrote the ending.
~Again, I had thought that “Journey to Love” was finished by November 2015, but no. After one beta-reader’s feedback and a phone conversation with a friend, I prayed about expanding the story. It went from 15 chapters (and 17,912 words) to 20 chapters (and 25,000+ words). I am so, so, so thankful for the friends who were kind in suggesting some pretty in-depth changes. “Journey to Love” would not be what it is today without their suggestions!
~The cover also went through a pretty drastic change…but, you’re going to have to wait to see the full cover, as I’ve not yet taken pictures of my “Marie.” But, here’s a sneak-peak of what I’m pretty sure won’t be changing:
Stay tuned…because in the next few weeks I’m going to be giving you a lot of glimpses into this novella!
Are any of you working on a big project?
Has God allowed a certain project to take longer than you anticipated? What lessons did you learn from it?
Behind-the-Scenes
Do you like behind-the-scenes? I love them…so why not some behind-the-scenes for “Journey to Love.” As my street teamers, you may know some of these…but perhaps not all: http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/2016/02/coming-soon-journey-to-love.html
A Bit of Non-Fiction
Writing is not all about fiction. Right now, I’m working on curriculum for the Louisiana CHEF (Christian Home Educator’s Fellowship) conference, children’s program. And I’m thoroughly enjoying it!
Are any of you working on writing something that’s not a fictional work?
Biblically Speaking – These Seven Things: A Heart of Wicked Imagination
Part 14 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.
Recap:
Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God’s Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word “abomination,” but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?
These Seven Things
Proverbs 6:16-19 – These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
If ever there was a clear list given in God’s Word for abominations in His eyes, Proverbs 6:16-19 holds the key. It is distinct and unarguable. Above that, sadly, this list can be found in many believers’ lives.
– A Heart of Wicked Imaginations
“Deviseth – OT:2790 charash (khaw-rash’); a primitive root; to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad sense); hence (from the idea of secrecy) to be silent, to let alone; hence (by implication) to be deaf (as an accompaniment of dumbness):”
“Wicked – OT:205 ‘aven (aw-ven’); from an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant (hence, to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught); strictly nothingness; also trouble. vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol:”
“Imaginations – OT:4284 machashabah (makh-ash-aw-baw’); or machashebeth (makh-ash-eh’-beth); from OT:2803; a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice):”
Psalm 94:11 reminds us, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. God finds abominable not just the man who enactson his wicked thoughts, but the man who thinkswicked thoughts. Many times, it is easy to justify self because “I didn’t do anything about it — just thought it.” However, if the thought can be categorized as “wicked imaginations,” it is abomination in God’s eyes.
Proverbs 15:26 – The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
The believer who is struggling in this area would do well to consider Proverbs 16:3 – Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Susannah, Don’t You Cry | Book Review and Giveaway!
By Zachary McIntire
About the Book
“I’ll never forgive him – never!”
Chuck Kincaid made a vow of hate the day his father walked out, and he still keeps it ten years later. His sister’s bad choices, his mother’s drug addiction – he knows who to blame for all of it.
But when Susanna and Kelly get their lives turned around by Jesus, Chuck doesn’t know what to think. And why is the rich stranger with the scarred face so interested in being his benefactor?
Failure and restoration. Hate and forgiveness. What is broken can be put back together, one small piece at a time.
(This book is recommended for ages 12 and up due to themes such as divorce and drug addiction.)
My Review
“…they had been like three strangers living in the same house, each engrossed in their own bitterness, fears, and heartaches.”
Starting with Ross’ decision to leave his home, “Susanna, Don’t You Cry” follows the life of all four family members affected: dad, mom, brother, and sister.
Most of the plot was predictable once chapter three rolled around, and it was one of those reads that didn’t shower me with uncomfortable situations. Rather, it follows the journey of this family as they are introduced to Christ–and their choices as to whether to accept or reject Him.
It was very fast-paced without a dull moment. I personally enjoyed reading about Ross’ life best, but every time the camera panned to another character, I found myself eager to hear the progression of their life. At the same time, I found the characters a little hard to engage with–their emotions didn’t quite feel real and things sometimes felt stated rather than shown. But I enjoyed the read and appreciate the strong, Christian message (though, now that I’m thinking about it, I can’t recall much Scripture used…pet peeve).
Younger readers probably shouldn’t read this book. Though no immoral scenes are portrayed, some of the characters are involved in drugs and suicidal thoughts. However, I found this to be more “mentioned in passing” rather than diving into the sins they were committing (which I appreciate).
Some favorite quotes:
“The goodness of God.” Ross repeated the phrase flatly. “Is that what you call this rat race?”
“No,” Jacob mused, leaning on his mop handle. “I think that’s called ‘life.’ But God’s goodness is what makes the rat race bearable. Everywhere I look, I see it.”
“Every problem is an opportunity: it’s a chance to trust God through it, and let Him be glorified.”
*I received this book in exchange of my honest review*
*I received this book in exchange of my honest review*
About the Author
Zachary McIntire is a homeschool graduate, entrepreneur, and history lover. He lives in the Missouri Ozarks, where, in between business and ministry activities, he occasionally finds time to write.
Giveaway
Amanda Tero Books 