“Don’t Miss the Boat” by Paul Taylor

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover Don't Miss the Boat

This book has great information about the reality of the flood account given in the Bible.  The author uses the Bible as the only completely accurate source for the incident.  He makes the point that if the scriptural account of the flood doesn’t fit the scientific explanation, throw out the scientific model, and keep the Biblical description.  Mr. Taylor states that when explaining the flood, the Bible is always the true source. If what we are discovering does not line-up with the Bible, then our hypothesis is wrong, or the data needed is incomplete.

The author gives an in-depth analysis of how the flood occurred, and his conjectures line-up with a literal interpretation of the Biblical flood.  He covers many details.  For the most part, the commentaries are understandable, although a scant amount of the information is complicated.  Surprisingly, the author explains how carbon dating can have a place in a Biblical flood account.  Mr. Taylor was very thorough in addressing objections that have been made against accepting the Biblical testimony.

I am very happy to have an intelligent book about the Biblical flood.  It is refreshing to have the Bible placed as the highest authority on a subject.  Obviously the author cares a great deal about the truth of the Bible, and spent a lot of work on this subject.  However, I was put-off at the end of the book when the author talked about an individual obtaining salvation from God.  Someone who wants to become a follower of Christ should be given the steps to do it.  Verbatim words are not necessary.  A general outline of what to do would not take away any “genuineness” on the part of the person seeking God.   I give this book 4 stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Author information:  http://www.nlpg.com/paul-taylor

Author website:  www.creationtoday.org

This book is published by Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group: http://www.nlpg.com/

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“Chronicles of Dinosauria,” written by Dave Woetzel and illustrated by Richard Dobbs

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover Chronicles of Dinosauria

 

 

 

 

 

 

This book is a very creative presentation about dinosaurs written by Dave Woetzel.  Dave’s life-long interest in the creatures has earned him the name Dino Dave.  This book is unique in that it is made to look like a scrapbook with pictures, journal entries, and entire pages devoted to dinosaur data.  The many illustrations are wonderfully done by artist, Richard Dobbs, who has loved to draw these “terrible lizards” since he was a child.

In this book, the author wanted to cover five main points about dinosaurs:

  • Biblical evidence
  • Historical evidence
  • Artistic evidence
  • Fossil evidence
  • Cryptozoology evidence–the science of hidden animals.

The author has done a remarkable job presenting his case for dinosaurs being on the earth at the same time as man.  From the behemoth of Bible times, to the Ogopogo and the Loch Ness Monster of today, Dave Woetzel provides credible evidence for his stance.

He draws parallels between descriptions of “dragons” through the ages, Biblical occurrences including when the Israelites were wandering in the desert, and what we know of dinosaurs.  He is very convincing that dinosaurs have been with man since the Garden of Eden.  He persuasively theorizes that they are still with us today in the form of cryptids or hidden creatures.  These are animals that have yet to be officially discovered, but evidence is pointing to their existence.

I really liked the layout of the book–making it look like a scrapbook.  That format, along with all the great illustrations and pictures, made difficult terms and passages more readable and easier to understand.  There were also some “hands on” suggestions made to the to heighten the study of dinosaurs.

To be honest, I have never had much interest in these creatures, but this book really made the subject fascinating.  The author met the five objectives he wanted to cover, and I really liked that the book was done from a Biblical viewpoint.  In the end, both the author and illustrator give their testimonies, and their favorite Bible verse.  The book is over-sized, and is a pleasure to read.  This is a five star book that I highly recommend.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Author information:  http://www.nlpg.com/dave-woetzel

Author’s website:  http://www.genesispark.com/

Illustrator information:  http://www.nlpg.com/richard-dobbs

Illustrator website:  http://dobbsart.com/

This book is published by Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group: http://www.nlpg.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uvPSQE6x4UAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uvPSQE6x4UA

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“Peace on Earth” by Mary Engelbreit

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover Peace on Earth Mary Engelbreit

This is a beautifully illustrated Christmas book for children. It is filled with lovely, colorful illustrations by Mary Engelbreit. She brings her warm and bright renditions of Christmas, featuring adorable children, people and animals, to this work. The book contains the Christmas story from Luke, along with many well-known Christmas hymns, such as “The First Noel,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.”

In this volume, there are also short stories and poems of the season. Some I was familiar with, and a few I had never heard of, but they were all charming. Each page has a picture. The bright colors and lots of details should capture a child’s interest, even if they can’t read yet. I especially liked the illustrated, “The Friendly Beasts.” It is truly a treat for the eyes and ears–really stunning. Anyone who is a fan of Mary Engelbreit would appreciate this book.

This Christmas collection is hard-backed, over-sized and 40 pages long. I believe some good Christmas memories could be made reading this book to a child in your life–even if that child is you! I really liked the last line of the book, “May God always bless you, love you, and keep you.” I wish that for all of you, and give this book 5 stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Zonderkids/Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Author information:  http://zondervan.com/engelbreitm

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/maryengelbreit

Website:  http://www.maryengelbreit.com/

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“Finding God in the Bible” and Film Review of “Father of Lights” both by Darren Wilson

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover Finding God in the Bible

I am reviewing both “Finding God in the Bible” and the film “Father of Lights” by Darren Wilson.

Darren Wilson is a man who grew up in the Christian church, but didn’t have a relationship with God.  There were many  things about God and the Bible that scared Darren, or didn’t make sense to him.  When he was close to thirty, Darren found himself dissatisfied with his life, and creatively blocked.  He was also angry with anything that had to do with God or church.  Out of desperation,  he gave into his wife’s entreaties, and asked God for help.  From that moment foreword, his life changed completely.

Darren’s plea led him to God, and spiritual worlds opened up to Darren he had never expected.  He saw angels, healings and met a man who heard God literally talk to him every day.   His career went a new direction, that of  a film maker.  Although Darren had never had a desire to be a film maker, and didn’t feel he had the training or equipment to do it, he made three films that were all very popular–all because he followed the urgings from God.  He also wrote books, and went to many places around the world.  But his biggest desire in his life was to become a friend of God.

Both the book, “Finding God in the Bible,” and the film, “Father of Lights,” document Darren’s amazing journey being a friend of God.  He chronicles his about-face opinion of the Christian church, the Bible, and the greatest desire in his life.  He records astonishing people, events and situations.  Many people become Christ followers during his journeys.  Although he does not agree with some of the ways other Christians try to bring people to Christ, he prays for his fellow Christians, even ones with opposite methods than his.

Both the book and the movie really cause one to think.  As a Christian, it caused me to reflect about the best way to have a relationship with God, and to be a Christ follower.  Darren Wilson was very sincere in his writing of this book and this film.  I give them both 4 stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book and film through Chosen Books and  Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Author information:  http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/darren-wilson/4086

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/Wanderdarren

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/wanderdarren

More information:   www.wpfilm.com.

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“Tenacious” by Jeremy and Jennifer Williams

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover Tenacious

This is the story of Jeremy and Jennifer Williams high school sweethearts living in a small southern town. He is the football coach at the local high school, while Jennifer is a stay-at-home mom to their daughter, Josie. They had challenges in their lives, but as Christians, they believed God had brought them through everything. Suddenly their lives start having Old Testament Job-like challenges hurled at them.

While Jennifer is pregnant with their second child, an ultra-sound reveals their new child, who they name Jacob, has spina bifida. The doctors predict a gloomy future, sure Jacob will be mentally and physically handicapped. They ask them if they want to abort their child. Jennifer is devastated that the baby she is carrying will be handicapped, but both Jennifer and Jeremy are determined to keep their baby. Jennifer, after a rough few days, is able to give all the worry about their child’s future to God, and relax.

Jennifer and Jeremy do ask everyone they know to pray for Jacob. They even ask perfect strangers to pray. When Jeremy is born, is has no mental retardation. In fact, when he begins talking, no one is ever a stranger to this charismatic child. They believe it was a miracle from God, along with all the prayers, that Jacob has no mental problems. Jacob does have physical handicaps, but the family has every confidence that God will bring them through any hardships.

No sooner has the Williams family adjusted to life with Jacob and his challenges, then another calamity enters. This time with Jeremy. Although Jeremy has been fit all his life, first as a high school and college athlete, then as a coach, Jeremy starts having some physical problems. He tries to ignore it, but eventually has to see a doctor. The news is devastating. Jeremy has ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Jeremy could have as little as a year, or maybe a handful, of years left. He will gradually loose function of his body, although his mind will never be touched.

Jennifer and Jeremy both admit to struggling with the news. Jeremy sought God and came to peace with the situation in a relatively short time. Jennifer had a longer journey. She had loved Jeremy since she was a teenager. Jacob was a blessing in all their lives, but realistically, lots of work was involved taking care of him. Now Jennifer found her husband was dying and would become devastatingly handicapped during his last days on earth. She was sad and upset with God. Despite that, Jennifer eventually came to peace with the situation, and claims God gave her that peace.

This story was a book that had some very sad events in it. But because of the strong faith of both Jennifer and Jeremy, the story has more positive accounts than negative ones. The Williams want every experience they go through to reflect God. Because of that, a very positive story emerges despite distressing circumstances. The love of family and God shines through in this story.

Amazing events happened to this family in the midst of tragedy. Their family was featured on the television show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. As a result, they received a brand new home, completely accessible for both Jeremy and Jacob. The community steps forward and donates time and money to give them even more tangible blessings. Their small hometown, school and local churches all rally behind this family.

I will be honest and say I thought this would be a sad story to read, so was reluctant to start it. But this tale is the opposite of that. Despite living with daily difficulties, the Williams want to point everyone to Jesus. They are concerned that people need to understand the only way to get through life, especially one as challenging as theirs, is to be a follower of Christ. I am glad I read this story. It is amazingly uplifting. Sound impossible? Read this story and find out. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SpecialFundForJeremyWilliams

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“For Every Season” by Cindy Woodsmall

Posted on September 23, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover For Every Season

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Dangerous Season

For Every Season is book three in the Amish Vine and Orchards series.  Before reading this book, I read book one and got the following background:  This story is mainly about a beautiful Amish girl, Rhoda Byler.  Rhoda loves to grow things.  She had a wonderful garden at her parent’s home that was also a good income source, but it was destroyed by another Amish man bent on causing her grief.

A chance meeting with Leah King introduces her brothers Samuel and Jacob to Rhoda.  The brothers push hard for Rhoda to join them in business by canning and selling the apples from their orchard.  No sooner does this new business start than a tornado strikes destroying the canning business and most of that year’s crop.

Book three starts with a small group of Amish made up of Rhoda, her brother and family, the King siblings Leah, Samuel and Jacob and Rhoda’s Englisch helper, Landon.  They are attempting to start a new Amish community in an apple orchard in Maine.   Rhoda and Jacob have become an item, but serious trouble Jacob had gotten into before knowing Rhoda causes him to leave for long lengths of time.  While gone, situations Rhoda needs Jacob’s help with are filled in by Samuel.  Samuel falls in love with Rhoda, and kisses her right as Jacob returns from one of his trips.

Because of the kiss, tensions between Rhoda, Samuel and Jacob bring almost everything at the orchard to a crashing halt.  Since the small Amish community there depends on the success of the orchard for all their livelihoods, this is a serious problem.  Despite Rhoda and Samuel’s assurance that nothing will happen between them again, much of this book is spent on Jacob’s paranoia about Samuel and Rhoda.  Jacob wants to marry Rhoda, and turn everything in her life upside down.  He believes he must do this to feel confident about their love surviving.

I am glad I was able to read book one before I got this story, or I would have been really lost with all the characters and background stories.  As it was, since I wasn’t able to read book two, there are great gaps in the tale.  The story holds interest–although the relationship difficulty with Rhoda, Samuel and Jacob was stretched out too far.  I have a problem with Rhoda’s “gift,” which seems to be clairvoyance.  Additionally, Rhoda often “sees”–and sometimes hears–her dead sister.

I felt giving this ability to Rhoda put her on very shaky ground as a Christian, and the rationalization the story tried to use for her having this “gift” never rang true.  First Thessalonians 5:22 warns us to “stay away from every kind of evil.”  And it is written in Deuteronomy 18:9-12a:

“When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination [detestable] to the LORD…”

The Bible tells us that some things are dangerous.  The Lord does this to help us, not to be a kill joy.  When I made a decision to be a follower of Christ, I also accepted the Bible as instructions to be followed.  I cannot be happy with a Christian book that attempts to justify a Christian character with these attributes.  The occult is a treacherous area to dabble in, it is real and not to be underestimated.  Because of my strong feelings on this issue, I cannot give this book more than one star.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner.

Author’s website:  http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authorcindywoodsmall

Author’s Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/cindywoodsmall/

Author on Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/117290.Cindy_Woodsmall

More Info:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=208964

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“I am Ruth” Beautiful! Photography by Kenneth Berg, Text by Brenda Duff

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover I Am Ruth 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorgeous!

This is a beautiful picture book containing the Biblical story of Ruth.  All the pictures are taken in Israel, are in full color, and provide the reader with lovely images of the Holy Land’s country side.  Traditional clothes from Ruth’s time period are worn in the pictures, and the people are shown portraying different events in Ruth’s story.

This volume contains the complete Book of Ruth in the New King James Version, as well as, the story of Ruth in narrative form. Having the combination of the Biblical version, the narrative form, and all the awesome pictures makes Ruth’s story have even greater depth.  Reading the Book of Ruth in the Bible has always been inspiring, however, with this book, the story really comes alive before the reader’s eyes.

As Naomi makes the decision to return to Israel after the devastating deaths of her husband and two sons, the pictures bring home what a difficult journey she had to make to get back to Bethlehem.  The reader can visualize Ruth as she says these famous words to Naomi:

“Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.

Where you die, I will die,
And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me.”

(Ruth 1:16-17 New King James Version)

The pictures also emphasize how very poor Naomi and Ruth were when they came back to Israel, and what hard work it would have been to get the little bit of grain leftover in the fields. With the photographs, it is very easy to imagine the joy Naomi shared with Ruth and Boaz when they married, and later when their son, Obed, is born.

“I am Ruth,” is well written, and a visual treat to the eyes.   The beautiful story of Naomi and Ruth being redeemed by Boaz, their kinsman redeemer, unfolds in this volume.  In the end, all of their needs have been met, plus more.  Ruth becomes part of the lineage of Jesus, and the great-grandmother of King David.  Ruth’s story parallels that of Jesus who will become our own kinsman redeemer if we allow him.  By doing so, we will gain all the blessings of a Christ follower including eternal life.

This is a “coffee table book.”   It is a hardcover volume made with high quality paper, and is over-sized.  But this is definitely a book to pick up and read; please don’t leave it sitting unread as a coffee table decoration.  I have always loved the book of Ruth, and so really enjoyed the story in this format.  I can’t emphasize enough what a lovely book this is, and how well done it is.  “I am Ruth” gets five stars and my recommendation.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Photographer Information:  http://www.amazon.com/Photographer-Kenneth-Berg/e/B00D7LQUCQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1378307118&sr=1-1

Photographer’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KennethBergCollection

Photographer’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ImKennethBerg

Photographer’s Website:  http://www.bergproductions.com/

Author Information:  http://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Carol-Duff/e/B00DEO8JKW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_2

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/brenda.duff1

Author’s Blog:  http://biblereporter.com/about/

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/BrenDuff

Book Information:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxdDvchNSyw

This book is published by Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group:  http://www.nlpg.com/

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“Forever Friday” by Timothy Lewis

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover Forever Friday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t Send This Postcard

This book is about Adam Colby, an estate seller.  When at a sale, he finds a stash of picture postcards with romantic poems Gabe Alexander sent his wife, Huck, every Friday for decades.  This intrigues Adam since his marriage ended in divorce a few years earlier.  By reading all the postcards, Adam hopes to unravel the mystery of having a long, happy marriage.

Much of the book is spent telling Gabe and Huck’s love story.  Adam shows up a little in the tale when it flashes forward to the current time period.  He spends a long time trying to get Yevette, a close friend of the Alexanders, to help him fill in some of the blanks in the story.  Adam eventually thinks he has found the secret to long, wedded bliss.

The premise for the story had lots of promise.  The characters of Gabe and Huck were interesting.  Adam was overly morose.  I had a hard time believing that he was so clueless about the feelings Yevette had for him–or too sullen to act on them.  It was also quite a stretch that Yevette would have developed an attraction for Adam, let alone pursued him.  The character of Mister Jack was just odd.

All of the main characters in the book indulged in lots of drinking.  It was disappointing that Mr. Lewis felt his characters couldn’t socialize without alcohol.  It was even more amazing that part of this story took place during prohibition, but all types of alcohol seemed easily available everywhere.  After experiencing death on both sides of my family that was the direct result of alcoholism, I view alcohol as a poison–and a poor example of “socializing” in a Christian book.

There seemed to be a little bit of everything in this book.  The alcohol use I already mentioned, plus a little Bible and God talk, along with some behavior by the Alexanders that would have been scandalous during the time period portrayed.  There were references to the Alexander’s intimate life that were unnecessary.  Parts of the book seemed to be just a hair’s-breadth this side of edgy.

The book was also anti-children.  According to this story, one of the big secrets to a long, happy marriage included not having any children.  Luckily, Mr. Lewis, made Huck unable to have children, so following the thoughts of this tale, Huck had a jump on having  wedded bliss.  This is not the type of story I would reach for when wanting Christian fiction, so give this book two stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner.

Author’s website:  http://timothylewisbooks.com/

Author Information:  http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=227694

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TimothyLewisBooks

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“Appointments with Heaven” by Dr. Reggie Anderson

Posted on August 23, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover Appointments with Heave 3Dr. Anderson is a medical doctor in rural Tennessee. He had an encounter with God while in medical school that changed his entire life. He was raised in a Christian home and made the commitment to be a Christian at a young age. As a teenager, a horrible family tragedy occurred that caused him to turn his back on God. When he went to college, he claimed to be an atheist and lived a party lifestyle.

One night when camping alone, he read the entire book, “Mere Christianity” by C. S. Lewis. The author addressed many of the same questions Reggie had been struggling with. Next, he opened a Bible for the first time in years, and read the entire book of John. Afterwards he fell into a deep sleep where he awoke in the most beautiful meadow he had ever seen.

He saw his family members whose death had caused him to lose his faith. They told him not to blame God for their deaths. He meets Jesus who asks him to stop running from Him. Jesus tells Reggie He had a plan for him if he would quit running and trust Him. Jesus also reveals to Reggie who he will marry, how many children he will have and where he will practice medicine. Throughout it all, the scent of lilac and citrus was present.

Suddenly Reggie was back beside his tent and opening his eyes, but he had been completely changed. He was now a follower of Christ. By putting all his trust in Christ, everything Jesus told Reggie would happen came about-including something extra.

Reggie found that when he was with a person at the time of their death, he could actually feel a warmth come into a room, smell the faint scent of lilac and citrus, and see a glow above and to the right of the dying person. Just as suddenly as these things occurred, they would be gone. Dr. Anderson said this happened at the time of death of believers in Christ, and the doctor is certain this is a soul being escorted to Heaven.

He also relates the story of the death of a man, Eddie, who had been mean and violent to those around him. Although the doctor attempted to talk to him about his soul, Eddie didn’t want to hear it. At the time of Eddie’s death, instead of warmth, a bone-chilling cold entered the room. There was a smell of sulfur mixed with diesel, and the room became darker and shadowy. In the past deathbed instances, the doctor had observed the patients being calm and slipping into death easily. But in this case, Eddie fought for every last breath and died fighting death. The doctor hurried through the procedures done after a death so he could wash his hands and arms in the hottest water possible attempting to warm up from the bone chilling cold he had encountered there.

The doctor has continued to have these extraordinary incidents. Reggie still has questions about why terrible things happen to people, especially those who are serving God. However, he is certain believers in Christ will have nothing to fear from death. The many experiences he has had at the deathbed of his patients has convinced him of that.

This was a very unique story. It is unlike anything I have ever heard before. The doctor offers compelling evidence for his experiences and beliefs. Reading about his family tragedy was hard and disturbing. The rest of the book was very interesting because it covered Reggie’s life away from God, his coming back to God and the amazing incidents he has had at his patient’s bedsides. This is a compelling story, so I give it five stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Tyndale Blog Network (Tyndale House Publishers) for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Information:   http://www.tyndale.com/10_Authors/author_bio.php?authorID=1545

Website:   http://appointmentswithheaven.com/#

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/reggie.anderson.3576

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“Harriet Beamer Strikes Gold” by Joyce Magnin

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover Harriet Beamer Strikes GoldThis is a fictional story about senior citizen Harriet Beamer.  She has recently given up her independence by selling her home on the east coast.  She and her dog, Humphrey, have moved in with her son, Henry, and daughter-in-law, Prudence, in California.  The move has left Harriet feeling anxious and alone.

One of her passions has been collecting salt and pepper shakers.  Unfortunately, there isn’t room for them in her new abode, and they all remain packed in boxes in the garage.  She doesn’t feel at home with her children, instead she feels like a guest–that she must ask permission to do anything in the house.  Harriet hasn’t met any new friends, and she misses her best friend, Martha, from her old hometown.  She doesn’t feel at home at her kid’s church, either.  There is no one her age there, and whenever she goes, they always give her “the bum’s rush” to do nursery duty.

Henry has been encouraging Harriet to get out of the house and try to meet people.  During one of those attempts, Harriet meets teenager, Lily, and her father, Win–a gold miner.  Win attempts to convince Harriet to invest in a venture that he promises will pay well.

Harriet’s life goes from dull to over-the-top.  Prudence has become pregnant, an exciting but stressful event because she has miscarried her previous pregnancies.  Prudence and Henry surprise Harriet with plans to build a home addition for an in-law suite.  Her good friend Martha comes for a visit which brings comfort, but also some unexpected news.  Both Martha and Harriet find themselves really connecting with Lily and are very concerned for her.

Will Prudence be able to carry this baby to term?  Will Harriet get fleeced by a con artist?  Will Harriet ever feel comfortable living under her children’s roof, or will she start over someplace else?  And lastly, is Lily a nice girl, or a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

This is a fun, light-reading book with humor spread throughout.  However, it does cover some real issues such as con men preying on the elderly, and the problems of trying to blend two families together under one roof.  Also addressed is the plight of some churches concentrating so much on younger crowds that the seniors are forgotten or “shoved” into nursery duty, or some other area where they will be out of the way.

The title definitely fits this tale.  This is entertaining fiction that is easy to read.  Although this is the second book in a series,  I felt this book could stand alone.   I do want to read the first book, however, because I liked the characters, and would relish a new adventure with them.  I enjoyed this book, it is a good, clean story.  It receives my recommendation and five stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

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