Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate
Are you a fearful person? Wait, before you answer, think about it. Fear comes in so many different forms that it can sometimes be deceptive. Sometimes it looks like worry or anxiety or "concern." Sometimes it looks control or obsessions or codependency. Sometimes it looks like guilt or loneliness. Yep, those are all forms of fear, and both men and women fall victim to this demon. As caregivers, it's easy to let all of these forms of fear as we juggle more balls than humanly possible and always feel we're falling short.
I know you don't want to spend your precious free time reading anything heavy, so here's a suggestion that's light and fun. With her own brand of off-beat wit and wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women worn down by everyday fears - financial, health, relationships, loss, pain, the unknown, and the what ifs in her latest book, Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate: Wit and Wisdom for Sidestepping Life's Worries.
With fresh spiritual insight, Debora shares hope, true life stories, scriptural lifelines, and a few LOL's along with simple, practical tips for sidestepping fear with faith. And a fistful of chocolate! But don't be deceived. Her playful attitude packs a punch and will cause you to pause. Each chapter includes a page of questions that will help you personalize it and nail down some changed in behavior and attitude.
Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate is a beautiful book. It's printed on high quality pink polka dot paper, making it a great gift book. Actually, I think I'll give a copy to my mom, who has a patent on fear. The book isn't as straightforward as I would like, but I have a feeling its light-hearted approach will be just right for her. It's also a nice size and very light in weight, which will also make it perfect for her.
To sweeten the pot, if you act in the next two days, you can enter to win a Kindle Fire and meet Debra at her Litfuse Facebook party on March 7. Just click on the picture below to enter.
Labels: book review, fear
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers
Are you a caregiver? Or perhaps you know one. If so, Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers is a delightful little book by two caregivers: Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk. Cec has been caring for his wife with chronic illness since their marriage more than 50 years ago. Twila’s husband was diagnosed with a progressive rare muscle disease called “inclusion body myostitis” several years ago. They weave their faith-filled stories through 48 short pages of beautiful prose and photography.
I love the heart of both authors as they share their love for their spouses. As a burned out caregiver, I found hope and courage as I savored their stories. They gave me new ideas and new vocabulary for serving those I care for. Full of gentle wisdom, their personal stories of caregiving will help you face some of the ups and downs of your journey, including:
- Feeling guilty for doing too much, too little, or nothing at all
- Answering other’s well-meaning but insensitive questions
- Watching someone you dearly love suffer or die
This blog tour, sponsored by Kathy Carlton Willis Communications, is offering a prize basket that includes:
- Book—Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers
- Book—Hope and Comfort for Every Season
- Hallmark journal, list pad, and memo pad stack
- Glade “Angel Whispers” candle
- Hershey’s Bliss dark chocolate
To enter the drawing, simply leave a comment here. Good luck!
Labels: book review, caregivers
Friday, August 24, 2012
Aftermath: Growing in Grace Through Grief
One of the givens in being a GenSandwicher is that whatever you’re dealing with now, it probably won’t get better and it probably won’t end well. I think that’s one of the most difficult parts of caring for aging parents and spouses. With our children we put up with diapers, spills and tantrums, knowing that in all likelihood, this too will pass. The child will grow, mature, and become someone we enjoy being with. Not so with eldercare. While we might experience briefs ups and downs, the general trajectory is toward a train wreck. The memory will fade more. The behavior will escalate. The sickness will progress. And then, our loved one will die. I'm not sure that as Americans we are prepared for such events. We often allow institutions to do much of our care giving because of distance, other commitments, or even a lack of willingness. No matter. At some point, we will be faced with the reality of death and disability. We will have decisions to make. And we will grieve.
It’s the grieving that many of us find difficult and confusing. Especially if our loved one lives far away or if our earlier relationship with the person wasn’t all that great. But the grief comes to each of us in our own way and time. Aftermath: Growing in Grace Through Grief by Margaret McSweeney is a book you might want to pick up when the time comes. The book is partially excerpts of an earlier book by her mother, Carolyn Rhea and partially Margaret’s processing of her own grief over the loss of her parents and brother—becoming an adult orphan. It sounds confusing. I wasn’t sure she could pull it off, but she did – and well.
Aftermath is a comforting excursion through her grief process, organized around the Kubler-Ross five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. She adds shock in the beginning. In each chapter, she shares excerpts of her mother’s journals as she dealt with the death of her husband. McSweeney weaves in her own experiences of the same loss. Then she offers comfort from the Scriptures and counsel from experts. Each chapter has room for journaling, making it ideal for a grief group or for your own personal processing.
Following these chapters, she offers other helpful suggestions for processing loss. Aftermath is a gentle book, one that will be an excellent companion as you face the inevitable in your care giving.
Labels: book review, grief
Thursday, August 09, 2012
God Knows Your Name: In a World of Rejection, He Accepts You
Do you ever feel anonymous in the midst of your care giving?
Between aging parents, children, grandchildren, work, and all the other
responsibilities we carry, it’s easy to feel like an automaton. It’s easy to
wonder if anyone knows your name, let along God! If this describes you, then
let me recommend a book I just completed: God
Knows Your Name: In a World of Rejection, He Accepts You by
Catherine Campbell.
Campbell is a nurse, writer, and inspirational speaker from
Northern Ireland. In addition, she had two children with genetic disabilities,
so she knows a bit about being overwhelmed and undervalued. She writes about people
who feel nameless, hopeless, worthless, helpless, powerless, and loveless. You’ll
enjoy the way she weaves together stories from both the Old and New Testaments
with stories of contemporary women from around the world. I especially loved
the way she researched the sociological, political, and religious context of
the biblical stories, and used this information to craft richly layered stories
that will capture your heart and your imagination. Even though I was familiar with
all of the Bible stories, Campbell brought them to life better than any other
author I've read, stressing the poignancy of the sad situations. And she did
the same with the contemporary stories.
So if you’re feeling a bit anonymous, or know someone who
is, you’ll appreciate God Knows Your Name.
Labels: book review
Friday, October 14, 2011
Fiction Friday: Along Wooded Paths
In April, I reviewed Tricia’ Goyer’s Beside Still Waters. After reading the cliff-hanger ending, I urged Tricia on Facebook to hurry up with book #2, so she did (yeah, I have that kind of influence…). Along Wooded Paths picks up where the first book ended. Her characters are real and the tension is maintained through the book. I've enjoyed a setting other than Lancaster County for these books.
All she wanted was a simple Amish life . . . But now Marianna Sommer finds herself depending on Englisch neighbors. Although proud of living apart from the world, she and her newly relocated Amish family have discovered that life in the remote mountains of Montana requires working together.
As Marianna begins helping those different from herself—and receiving their help—her heart contemplates two directions. She’s torn between the Amish man from Indiana whom she has long planned on marrying and the friendly Englischer who models a closer walk with God than she’s ever seen before.
Who should have young Marianna’s heart? What is God asking her to sacrifice? Her traditions? Her community? The answer is found along the wooded paths and makes a perfect segue to book #3, which Tricia has already finished.
Tricia always celebrates a new book with a bang, and this one is no exception. Tricia is celebrating the release of Along Wooded Paths with a Fabulous Facebook party on October 18th. She'll be giving away prizes and a sneak peak at the next book in the Big Sky series. Then during the second half of the party she'll be hosting a LIVE AUTHOR CHAT on her website and announcing something BIG! CLICK the button (below) to RSVP for the party - then go here to sign up for the Live Author Chat.
Labels: Amish, book review, fiction
Friday, June 10, 2011
Fiction Friday: Patchwork Dreams
I confess. I enjoy Amish fiction, which has become one of the most popular genres of Christian fiction. So I was delighted to be invited to review Patchwork Dreams by Laura V. Hilton.
Patchwork Dreams is a simple story, with a twist I haven't seen in Amish fiction – a heroine who returns from her rumschpringe pregnant and unwed. Although Becky has confessed her sin and joined the church, she remains an outcast in the community. She has reconciled herself to live as a maidal in her parents’ home or be married to an older widower.
Then Jacob Miller comes to the family farm to help with chores for the summer. Unbeknownst to him, his father sent Jacob there to distance him from Susie, his sweetheart in Pennsylvania.
It’s little surprise that boy meets girl, kindling romantic sparks that neither seems capable of dealing with. The entire story chronicles the terrible communication between these two and the misunderstandings that ensue. Neither seems capable of clear, open, honest communication, resulting in a painfully predictable, formulaic plot. Lacking a subplot, the story soon became tedious. I found the characters annoying, wanting them to just say what they’re thinking! It’s a very simple love story. Quite readable. At times enjoyable. But not exceptional.
Labels: Amish, book review, fiction
Friday, April 08, 2011
Fiction Friday: Beside Still Waters
Do you love Amish fiction? It's one of the most popular genres these days, and having spent time in Lancaster Country, I must confess I'm fascinated with this culture. If you also like Amish stories, I think you'll enjoy Tricia Goyer's Beside Still Waters.
Marianna Sommer believes she knows where her life is headed. Nineteen years old and Amish, her plan is to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and live in the only community she's ever known.
When Marianna's family moves from Indiana to Montana she discovers life and faith will never be the same. As she builds an easy friendship with local guy, Ben Stone, Ben not only draws her heart, he also gets her thinking about what loving God and living in community is all about.
As Marianna struggles to find "home", she also encounters God in intimate ways. It's a gentle book, but one that takes enough twists and turns to be interesting. As a country girl, I loved the descriptions of Montana. I'm delighted this is the beginning of a series, because while it wraps up nicely, it also leaves some unanswered questions. And an open door for sequel.
I love all of Tricia's fiction. She's an amazing writer and the author of twenty-six books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. To celebrate the release of the first book in the Big Sky Amish series Tricia is giving away 10 copies of Beside Still Waters and a pair of super cute antique Amish salt & pepper shakers. Details at Tricia’s blog, It’s Real Life. BONUS! Each person who enters the giveaway will receive a FABULOUS Montana Amish Calendar. Hurry, it’s only available while supplies last!Visit www.triciagoyer.com for more info.
Labels: Amish, book review
Friday, March 18, 2011
Fiction Friday: When the Devil Whistles
If you like suspense with lots of twists and turns, you’ll love When the Devil Whistles by my friend Rick Acker.
Allie Whitman is a whistle blower. She and attorney Connor Norman love to make devils of the corporate giants pay for their crimes. But this time, they may have gotten in too deep and their lives are at risk. As the plot thickens, Allie must face her own giants and decide what’s important in life. And of course, there’s a hint of romance just to keep things interesting.
Acker has done a masterful job of developing both plot and characters. While he stretches reality in a few places, the story holds together and is a real page-turner.
Acker is a Deputy Attorney General for the State of California’s Department of Justice. His unit prosecutes corporate fraud lawsuits like this one, so he brings a lot of real-life credibility to the story.
Labels: book review, fiction, suspense
Friday, February 25, 2011
The Me Project: 21 Days to Living the Life You've Always Wanted
I’ve spent a lot of time this year planning, considering, and trying to balance my goals and priorities for the year. Seems that the older I get, the harder it is to know where to focus my priorities. I thought my time was not my own when I was raising and home schooling my son, but that was a piece of cake compared to an aging mom, a husband and a sister with multiple health issues, plus my own health problems, grad school, and running a business. Whew! That’s why I enjoyed Kathi Lipp’s The Me Project: 21 Days to Living the Life You’ve Always Wanted. According to Daniel Pink, author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, taking small steps every day will not only help you stay committed to your goal, ¨but will also help you ultimately achieve that goal when obstacles come up. Kathi’s book is helping me do just that. She wants you and your friends to live out those dreams—and have some fun along the way.
It’s easy for women to forget the goals and dreams of our younger years. The busyness of everyday life gets in the way. To-do lists and crises replace goals. The Me Project provides women with fun and creative ways to bring back the sense of purpose and vitality that comes with living out the plans and dreams God has planted in our hearts. Kathi’s warm tone and laugh-out-loud humor motivates women to take daily steps toward intentional goals. The end result? We get back our lives and enjoy living in the confidence of a purposeful life in spite of our chaotic schedules.
This handy guide coaches women to do one simple thing toward achieving our goals each day for three weeks. A woman experiencing the exhilaration of a rediscovered life offers more as a wife, mother, friend, volunteer, career woman and daughter. I have had the privilege of being Kathi's friend and colleague. We were in the same writers' group for several years. This is Kathi's third "project" book. The others are The Husband Project and The Marriage Project. I felt those were a little young for my audience, but The Me Project scratches right where we itch.
To motivate you, Kathi is offering a great drawing. Leave a comment here, with your email address, and Kathi will enter your name in a drawing for an incredible Starbucks basket.
Grand Prize Giveaway:
Deluxe Starbucks Coffee Gift Basket
• Three 2.5-oz. bags of Starbucks coffee
(Sumatra, House Blend, and French Roast)
• Tazo black tea
• Starbucks marshmallow cocoa
• Almond roca
• Almond roca buttercrunch toffee cookies
• White chocolate and raspberry cookies
• 2 Starbucks mugs
• Keepsake black bamboo basket
Labels: book review, goals
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Caregiver Organizer For MY Aging Parent
Do you care for an aging parent? Or do you coordinate caregivers for your parent? If you’re like me, you have binders and folders and notes and computer files and random notes here and there. It’s a challenge to keep up with, for sure. And if you are also responsible for children at home, oh my!
I just received a review copy of a wonderful resource, and since it’s downloadable, you can still order for yourself or another caregiver before Christmas. The 79-page Caregiver Organizer For MY Aging Parent can’t figure everything out for you, it will help you remain organized. It will help you, the adult child, not only keep all the daily details together, but also track and organize your parent’s medical, legal, and financial information. It can also be used as a source of communication between you and any hired caregiver who may be assisting in your parent’s daily care.
The Caregiver Organizer is a downloadable e-book, created in a pdf format that allows you to enter the information on the computer and then print it (my style) or print it and complete the forms by hand. When the info changes, reprint the page(s) you need. You’ll always be up to date. And it’s only $12.95.
There's a lot of information I don't need yet, but that could change tomorrow. One thing I like about this book is that because it’s a download, I can print only the pages I need now, but have the others available when the time comes. I’m going to start using my copy of The Caregiver Organizer for MY Aging Parent right away. It will be a huge help in the coming year. And best of all, author Melissa Bishop has offered my readers two wonderful resources.
1. Win a copy! Leave a comment on this page and on the evening of Wednesday, (December 22) I will draw one lucky winner – just in time for Christmas. Be sure you give me a valid email address so I can notify you.
2. 25% discount through Jan. 2! If you don’t win, use the coupon code HOLIDAY and you’ll receive 25% off. That’s quite a discount!
Be sure to check out their website. They also have The Caregiver Organizer for My Child and The Caregiver Organizer for My Special Needs Child. Need a Christmas gift for a parent you know?
Labels: aging parents, book review, resources
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Christmas Gift
How often do we discount or mistreat others? And how often are we treated badly by others? And how often are the reasons for those conflicts a mystery, even to us?
The Christmas Gift by R. William Bennett is a charming story of a newcomer, a bully, and the benefits of doing the right thing. The lessons young Scott learns are good reminders to all of us who are tempted to react in kind rather than responding kindly.
As I’m preparing to spend time with family over the holidays, this book reminds me to look beneath the surface behaviors, to accept more than my part in disagreements, and to do the right thing. Sometimes I need that. We all have unhealed places in our lives and we all need a Christmas gift – throughout the year.
Labels: book review, family
Friday, November 12, 2010
Fiction Friday: Blind Sight
Blind Sight by James H. Pence is a fast-moving thriller with an unusual twist. Peter Bishop is frantic to protect his ten-year-old twins from a powerful cult and find their mother, who is in hiding. In desperation, he sends them to Thomas Kent, a college friend he hasn’t seen in years. Kent, already deep in his own grief, tries to avoid the favor, but soon is enmeshed in the life and death adventure.
The book races through several unlikely but thrilling plot twists in Texas and the bayous of Louisiana as Kent tries to protect the children, one of whom is blind, and find their mother with the cult hot on their trail. A cult that will stop at nothing to avoid exposure.
This book was a thoroughly enjoyable read. A little far-fetched, but hey, it’s fiction. And we’re looking for escape. Thanks to Kathy Carlton Willis for sending it.
Labels: book review
Friday, November 05, 2010
Fiction Friday: Farraday Road
Farraday Road by Ace Collins is an unusual book. I received it from Zondervan about a year ago, but have been backlogged with blog tours and since this one was unsolicited, I didn’t read it until I was sick this week.
The book starts with a murder, a disappearance, and the subsequent investigation. Reads like a typical cop-murder mystery. Fast paced and earthy. All-business female cop, wealthy victim. The requisite twists and turns. The mystery moves from the victims to Swope’s Ridge, a splendid piece of property in the Ozarks. Then a little more than halfway through it takes a sharp turn to the unlikely. It moves from believable to fanciful to fantastical. Coincidences become increasingly less believable in a National Treasure or Indiana Jones sort of way. A charming new character is introduced, but in a contrived way. More twists and turns, and then it becomes clear. There aren’t enough pages for the various mysteries to resolve. And sure enough, just as another plot element is introduced, to be continued…
I enjoyed the read, but was terribly disappointed with the sales gimmick designed to assure the sale of book two.I don't mind series. I don't mind leaving some elements unresolved. but this was a little too much.
Labels: book review, fiction
Friday, October 01, 2010
Fiction Friday: Her Daughter’s Dream
On April 23, 2010 I posted a review of Her Mother’s Hope, the first book in Francine Rivers’ two-book saga that explores the depths of grace and forgiveness in one of life’s fiercest bonds—the love between mother and daughter. In the dramatic conclusion to the series, Rivers delivers a rich and deeply moving story about the silent sorrows that can tear a family apart and the grace and forgiveness that can heal even the deepest wounds.
Her Daughter’s Dream picks up where Her Mother’s Hope left off, with Carolyn Arundel’s mother, Hildemara, quarantined to her room with tuberculosis. Carolyn bonds with her oma Marta, who moves in to care for the household. As tensions between Hildie and Marta escalate, Carolyn believes she is to blame. When Hildie returns to work and Marta leaves, Carolyn and her brother grow up as latchkey kids in a world gripped by the fear of the Cold War.
The book follows Carolyn to college, and then to the heady counterculture of San Francisco. When she reemerges two years later, more lost than ever, she reluctantly turns to her family to help rebuild a life for her and her own daughter, May Flower Dawn. Like Carolyn, Dawn develops a closer bond with her grandmother, Hildie, than with her mother, causing yet another rift between generations. But as Dawn struggles to avoid the mistakes of those who went before her, she vows that somehow she will be a bridge between the women in her family rather than the wall that separates them forever.
Spanning from the 1950s to present day, Her Daughter’s Dream is the emotional final chapter of an unforgettable family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter—and the very nature of unconditional love. Rivers says that this book is largely autobiographical, allowing her to explore the relationships in her family and to come to a better understanding, not only of her mother and grandmother, but also herself. She answered questions in an interview provided to blog tour writers:
How has exploring the relationship between your mother and grandmother helped you understand yourself?
Writing about Marta made me decide to let go, forgive and move on. For whatever reason, Grandma couldn’t and missed out on so much joy in her last years. Sometimes people deeply hurt as children take offense where none was intended…. As I examine my own life, I see how much I’ve been forgiven. How can I not extend God’s grace to others?
Where may we connect with you further or to purchase a copy of Her Daughter's Dream?
I would love for you to visit my web site at www.FrancinceRivers.com, browse through the various events and other resources available, as well as sign up for my mailing list. You may also join me on my Facebook page, please click here.
You have a couple of opportunities to win a copy of Her Daughter’s Dream. The Virtual Book Tour Facebook page is giving away THREE copies of the book and the Christian Speaker Services blog will give away ONE copy. Be sure you enter today as the tour ends Monday.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by the Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.
Labels: book review, generations
Friday, July 30, 2010
Fiction Friday: Shades of Morning
My friend Marlo Schalesky has written yet another provocative novel I think you’ll enjoy. Much like a GenSandwicher suddenly faced with family responsibilities, Marnie Wittier’s quiet, peaceful life is unexpectedly turned upside down when her long-estranged sister dies and makes Marnie guardian for her 15-year old son – a boy Marnie never knew existed. And when Emmit arrives, she discovers he has Down syndrome—and that she’s woefully unprepared to care for him. What’s worse, she has to deal with her sister’s attorney, Taylor Cole, a man Marnie once loved—and abandoned. As Emmit and Taylor work their way into her heart, Marnie begins to heal. But when pieces of her dismal past surface again, she must at last face the scripts of paper in her box, all the regrets and sorrows. Can she do it? Or will she run again? And are things really as they appear?
Labels: book review
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Life’s Too Short to Miss the Big Picture
Do you ever feel like life is getting the best of you? Do you routinely question if this is really all there is? Do you wish you had more time and energy to focus on family, friends and other important, worthwhile ventures? If you’re a GenSandwicher, you could probably answer yes to all those questions. Don’t miss the big picture—life ahead looks good!
Day-to-day life responsibilities, coupled with the ordinary consequences for each decision, create stress upon stress if we let it pile up. The world is crying for relief—for something more. Life coach and author Steve Diggs’ latest release, Life’s Too Short to Miss the Big Picture, challenges readers to focus on making each day count for something important.
With seventy short Life Note chapters Diggs shares small dragon-slaying habits each reader can develop to see big long-term results. With chapter titles like “Eat Your Problems for Breakfast” and “Stop Petting Piranhas,” the author delivers single takeaway points with humor and honesty. Reading a Steve Diggs book is like having your own personal cheerleader. Each chapter is an energy bite filled with enough insight and nourishment to last the entire day.
Labels: book review, inspiration
Friday, June 11, 2010
Fiction Friday: Life in Defiance
Mary DeMuth concludes the Defiance Texas Trilogy with this, the 3rd book. In the first book, Daisy Chain, young Daisy Chance disappears. Her friend, Jed Pepper, feels guilty for abandoning her and Daisy’s mother, Emory Chance, blames him. In A Slow Burn, Emory tries to find Daisy’s murderer as questions regarding Daisy’s death continue to mount. And Hixon, the gentle handyman, continues to love Emory. The final book, Life in Defiance, is told from Ouisie Pepper’s point of view. We see more clearly the domestic abuse she endures from her husband, the pastor of a local church. In her desire to become the wife and mother Hap demands, Ouisie studies a book on being a good Christian wife and even meets the author. But it doesn’t help her desire to escape through drinking nor does it quell her fears. Meanwhile, she believes she knows who killed Daisy, but she lacks the courage to tell anyone. Life in Defiance is a satisfying end to this trilogy. It’s deep, poignant, and redemptive. Another great read.
Labels: book review
Friday, April 30, 2010
Fiction Friday: A Slow Burn
Mary DeMuth continues the Defiance Texas Trilogy with this, the 2nd book. In the first book, Daisy Chain, young Daisy Chance disappears. Her friend, Jed Pepper, feels guilty for abandoning her and her mother, Emory Chance, blames him. In this book, Emory tries to find Daisy’s murderer as questions regarding Daisy’s death continue to mount. And Hixon, the gentle handyman, continues to love Emory. Told from Emory’s point of view, this story is about courageous love, the burden of regret, and bonds that never break. Most of all, it is about the power of forgiveness and what remains when shame no longer holds us captive. It is indeed captivating and poignant. Troubling and redemptive. Passionate and gentle. It’s a great read.The 3rd book, Life in Defiance, will release in May.
Labels: book review
Friday, April 23, 2010
Fiction Friday: Her Mother’s Hope
Best-selling author Francine Rivers has penned a sweeping and lyrical two-book saga that explores the depths of grace and forgiveness in one of life’s fiercest bonds—the love between mother and daughter.
Near the turn of the twentieth century, fiery Marta Schneider is torn between her father’s declaration that she’ll never be more than a servant and her mother’s encouragement to chase her dreams. Determined to fulfill her mother’s hope, Marta leaves home for a better life. Young and alone, she earns her way with a series of housekeeping and cooking jobs that bring her ever closer to her dream of owning an inn.
Heartbreaking news from home strengthens Marta’s resolve as she moves to England and eventually to Canada. There, she meets handsome Niclas Waltert, a man just as committed as she to forging a better life in a new place. But nothing has prepared her for the sacrifices she must make for marriage and motherhood as she travels first to the Canadian wilderness and finally to the dusty Central Valley of California to raise her family.
Marta’s hope is to give her children a better life, but experience has taught her that only the strong survive. Her tough love is often misunderstood, especially by her oldest daughter, Hildemara Rose, who craves her mother’s acceptance. Amid the drama of World War II, Hildie falls in love and begins a family of her own. But unexpected and tragic events force mother and daughter to face their own shortcomings and the ever-widening chasm that threatens to separate them forever.I loved this book, as I do all of Francine’s books, although it seemed more narrative than her other books. Sadly, I saw many similarities to my relationship with my own mother. It reawakened my awareness of her childhood wounding and reminded me of her inability to show me love. Our family was similar to the Waltert family, with some children treated roughly (guess who) and others being favored. I’m looking forward the sequel, Her Daughter’s Dream, to see if the conflicts are resolved. It’s a perfect GenSandwich book.
As part of this blog tour, I’m required to post interview questions.
Where do you get your ideas for your plots?
Almost every story I have written since becoming a Christian has come from a question that regards a struggle in my own faith walk. The plot centers around the different ways that question can be answered by “the world” – but the quest is to find God’s answer.
Her Mother’s Hope / Her Daughter’s Dream explores what caused the rift between my grandmother and mother. When my grandmother had a stroke, my mother raced from Oregon to the Central Valley of California to be with her. Grandma died before she arrived. My mother was heart-broken and said, “I think she willed herself to die just so we wouldn’t have to talk things out.” I have wondered since: What causes people (even Christians) to hold grudges? What might have brought resolution and restoration to these two women? Could my grandmother have loved my mother without my mother understanding it? The two books have many personal, family details woven in and I will be sharing this information in my blog.
Tell us about your current work.
I have just completed the second in a set of two books about mother-daughter relationship over four generations. This was intended to be one long novel dealing with the different ways generations have lived out their faith – but became so long it needed to be divided. Her Mother’s Hope was released March 16, 2010. Her Daughter’s Dream will follow in September. There are numerous family and personal details woven into both books and I plan to share those things on my blog. You may find out more about my new book and more by visiting my web site.
PLEASE NOTE: A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.
Labels: book review, family
Friday, March 26, 2010
Fiction Friday: Songbird Under a German Moon
The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler's Germany. The first nights performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they're housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty's new roommate, Kat, turns up missing. Betty soon realizes Frank’s photographs could be the key to finding her. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and wonder if they will find the answers...in each other. But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.
Interested in other reviews on the blog tour? You’ll find the schedule here. Want to win a copy of songbird? Leave a comment on Tricia’s blog or send an email through her website CONNECT page and answer this question: What era in history do you wish you'd lived in and why? Earn extra entries by signing up for Tricia's newsletter here, becoming a Fan on Facebook or Tweeting about the contest on Twitter (use hashtag #songbird)!
Labels: book review