Friday, August 22, 2014

The real thing...

I like Richard Armitage as an actor. I enjoyed him as John Thornton in the BBC version of North and South and I've enjoyed him as Thoren Oakenshield in the Hobbit movies. The next step? To "like" what I thought was his Facebook page. I discovered that his Page is actually a fan page, and not the real thing. 

It's kind of the same way with Dr. Pepper. I like Dr. Pepper. Occasionally, I buy the cheap version: Dr. (Fill in the blank with imitation of your choice). This is one time I know I have the imitation, and I don't enjoy it as much as the real thing, but I suffer through it, usually because I buy the cheaper drink. 

I think it can be the same way with God. Sometimes what we think may be God turns out to be an imitation. The Bible says satan poses as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14-15) and we know his primary goal is to afflict us and keep us from doing God's work through whatever he thinks will stop us. He may use things we think are from God to stop us.  We may not realize that it is not God at first, but it shouldn't take long to figure out.  We might have to do some praying and searching to make sure what we are hearing is from God. 

I think it can also work like the Dr. Pepper.  We know we have the imitation and not the real thing, but we are not willing to do the work to get the real thing. We are content to sit by, and miss out on he bigger blessings that God has for us.  God is SO much more than Dr. Pepper though. Maybe it's time to give Him a taste and see what the real thing tastes like. He promises that when we search for Him with all our heart we will find him (Jeremiah 29:13).

Taste and see that The Lord is good, blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden - a review

Elizabeth Camden is an author that has really grown on me.  Each book I have read by her has been better than the last.  This book was no exception.  I started it late one evening, and could not put it down until I had finished it.  I will be recommending this book to every one I know. 

Kate Norton Livingston is a working woman in a time when most women stayed at home to take care of family and children.  She longs to do more with herself as a career.  She has always strived to do her best, throughout school and in her career.  She finds the opportunity to move up the career ladder with the help of a man she never expected to see again.  Trevor McDonough was Kate's strongest competition in school, and she never expected that he would be the one to offer her the chance to move ahead in a working world dominated by men.  Kate agrees to go to work for Trevor as he tries to find a cure for tuberculosis.  As they try to guard themselves from whoever is trying to stop their work and from the secrets from the past that cannot remain hidden, Kate finds herself drawn to Trevor in a way she never expected.

I loved absolutely every minute of this story.  Elizabeth Camden creates a depth within her characters that draws the reader into the story, almost as if the reader is there in the same room.  I found it virtually impossible not to fall in love with the characters, and to feel their sadness and triumphs.  The historical aspect of the story shows the time and research that went into writing the story.  I loved this book and will be waiting with anticipation for Ms. Camden's next story.

*I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.

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The wait is over - A Match of Wits review

A Match of Wits by Jen Turano tells the story of Zayne Beckett and Agatha Watson.  Readers were introduced to Zayne and Agatha in the first book, and if they were like me, were ready and waiting to read this story.  Zayne and Agatha have had a chemistry from the first, and it is still very strong in this story.  Agatha is working as a journalist for the New York Tribune and is traveling the country in search of stories.  It is during one of her journeys, that she runs into Zayne after a separation of two years.  What ensues is a fascinating tale of wits and mutual attraction between these two characters, with peeps from former characters in between. 

Ms. Turano weaves this tale with a quirky blend of humor, romance, and adventure.  She may have me close to tears when relating to a character in one point, and then rolling in laughter a couple of pages over.  Her way of writing keeps the reader interested and makes the book move quickly.  It is apparent to everyone but Zayne and Agatha that they would be a good match.  Zayne is trying to find someone for Agatha to marry and protect her from the enemies she has made in her quest for stories.  Agatha is trying to protect Zayne from past hurts and bring him back to his family. 

Anytime Agatha and Zayne are involved, an adventure is waiting to unfold.  This book was no different.  While I did not enjoy this book as much as I had enjoyed her prior novels, I was happy with the way the story turned out.  Agatha and Zayne were great characters and it was great to see them fall in love (or renew a love that they had in the past but never acknowledged).  Their antics through out the book make for a great read.  This book would be a good read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with romance, humor, and adventure thrown in. 

*I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. 
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