James Hawthorne, a widowed and recently retired minister, has searched for and found his only child, given up for adoption at birth. Leaving behind his congregation, he purchases a house next to his daughter, Marta, now an adult with a family of her own. James longs to reconnect with Marta, but secrets and tragedy force him to question everything.Tracking down the biological mother, he finds a broken woman who is weary of living. Of all the souls he has ministered to, the mother of his child is the last person he ever expected to help.In his quest for answers, she reveals information that both devastates James and sets him free. Beset by uncertainty and doubt, James must rely on faith, love, and his belief in family. Already very attached to Marta and her child, he knows they need him now more than ever.Will he ever have the family he has secretly wept for all of his adult life?
The early 1900s was a time of change and chaos in Ireland-a time when the suffragist movement was stirring up women to fight for their rights and when the Protestants and Catholics were set against each other.When Fred, a Protestant, falls in love with Niamh, a devout Catholic, he finds himself being exiled to America to make a place for himself as a salesman in New York. But Fred has been forced to leave much behind in Ireland, including a strict father, a weak mother, a suffragist sister, and his true love, Niamh. Determined to find a place where everyone is accepted and Protestants and Catholics can marry, Fred works to save money for Niamh's own passage to America to join him.While Niamh waits for the day she can afford to join her love, she joins the suffragists, learning why women need to fight to be heard and questioning all she has been taught. The one thing that keeps her holding onto hope are the letters she receives from Fred through his sister, Hilda. But Niamh will have to decide to leave behind the family she loves and make a future with someone she's known for only a short time.Based on the true love letters the author found in her family's belongings, this twentieth century Romeo and Juliet will have you rooting for an unlikely marriage and longing to read one more letter. Endorsements"Compelling, evocative, shocking and true, The Last Letter is a wonderful debut from Bethan Marshall. She is a natural writer who brings her historical tale of men and women, politics and prejudice to vivid life."Michael BracewellBritish writer and novelist"The Last Letter is a fascinating historical novel based on family papers passed down to the author Bethan Marshall. Part of its strength is found in Marshall's knowledge of the history, literature, politics, philosophy and theology of the times covered. A delightful read!"Rebecca PippertAuthor and international speaker
Shadow is one of many therapeutic horses at Rising Hope Farms. While there are other horses to choose from, many riders specifically ask to work with Shadow given his easy-going spirit and the excitement surrounding his mysterious spots. His life wasn't always as pleasant as it is on this North Carolina farm, though. Shadow's unique spots mystified his former master and brought with them, fear and confusion. Life back then was tough. Lucky for him, Shadow's master finally sent Shadow to auction. A kind woman felt compelled to buy the downtrodden horse with sad eyes and a gentle nature, and she brought him to Rising Hope Farms. Today, riders young and old flock to Shadow. While much mystery about his spots remain, when revealed; they are a reminder to us all that by God's handiwork, we are each uniquely and beautifully made.
With a mom in forensics and a dad on the police force, it's no wonder that fourteen-year-old Bailey McKenzie has her sights set on working in the field of law enforcement as well. When she and her friends are given the opportunity to be junior forensic interns for the summer with her mother leading them, Bailey jumps at the chance to get a start on her career. But investigating a murder scene takes a personal turn when the team, specifically Bailey, comes under attack and their lives are placed in danger. As the team continues to try to put the pieces together, can they depend on God to help them figure out who the murderer is and catch the criminal before it's too late? Or will Bailey's dreams of fighting for justice never become a reality? Bailey must follow the clues to answer these questions. But through it all, Bailey must learn to decide who she can trust and place her faith in the One Who will never let her down.
Betty is sure that Ida Lou does not belong in their church when the woman shows up to the Good Friday service with her small dog in tow. But before she knows what's happening, Betty is pushed into helping the woman as she deals with the sudden hospitalization of her husband. Having lost her own husband just one year ago, Betty is chosen as the perfect person to help walk through this valley with the newcomer-along with the other women of the WUFHs (Women United For Him). Sarah McAdams knows her husband loves her. He just loses his temper sometimes. It comes with the stress of being a highly recognized police officer. But when Sarah makes the decision that this is not the life she wants for her young son, will she be able to get out alive? Where can she go? And who will help her? God works in mysterious ways-and through ordinary people. The town of Prosper is about to experience some drama-and it all starts with a dog who comes to church. EndorsementsWho Brought the Dog to Church? by Tracy L. Smoak is a delightful contemporary Christian novel about community, care, and friendship. There is the difficult topic of domestic violence which is sensitively portrayed by Tracy. Her style of writing enables the reader to easily picture the victim and the abuser as we get inside their heads. There is also the theme of loss as women struggle with grief after losing their husbands. Tracy L. Smoak writes in an easy, personable style. Although there are serious themes, her style is easy-going and peppered with humor. Tracy L. Smoak is a new author to me and certainly one that I want to read more from. Her story tackles serious, relevant issues in an easily relatable way while revealing the heart and love of God for His children. Who Brought the Dog to Church? is a charming tale that I can highly recommend.-Julia WilsonBlogger at www.christianbookaholic.comIn Who Brought the Dog to Church?, Tracy L. Smoak has done something remarkable-she's woven serious topics such as death, immigration, and domestic violence, with the laugh-out-loud antics of a bunch of small town church ladies to produce a funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking tale. The relationships between Betty, Letitia, Ida Lou, and Elizabeth are darling! Fun connections and revelations sprinkled throughout the book make it a page-turner not to be missed, and the whole story wraps up in wonderfully satisfying and sweet conclusion. This book gives readers hope for abundant joy, even in the midst of pain, and, most of all, points us to the unfailing love of the Savior.-Heather Norman SmithAuthor of Songs for a Sunday, Where I Was Planted, New Wine Transportation Company, and other inspirational southern fiction
Many readers of the Bible assume that when Jesus did a miracle it was, fundamentally, to prove that He was God-Jesus was pulling out His "God Card." What is startling is that Jesus never made the case that this was the primary purpose of His miracles.What if Jesus was intending to reveal something different, something more, something beyond merely proving His identity? Seeing as Jesus' miracles were such a significant part of His ministry, if we miss what His miracles do reveal, we may be missing out on great insights into the One who loves us and came to rescue us.Like the restoration of a great Old Master's painting, Brian leads his readers to a fresh vision of what is conveyed in the Gospel accounts of Jesus' miracles. Uncovering what is there, in the text, we see the miracles in a reinvigorated, vibrant way. You will never read about the miracles in the same way . . . and you will catch a renewed and compelling glimpse of Jesus.Endorsements for More Than His God Card:Brian accurately and skillfully helps us to understand and appreciate the meaning of Jesus' miracles. It's profoundly encouraging to apply these truths to our lives. After reading this book, you'll never look at the miracles of Jesus the same.-David K. HodgeSenior Vice President for North American Ministries, Walk Thru the BibleIf joyful, original, logical, and clear enlargement of mind about the miracles of Jesus grabs your interests, this is your book.-Gayle ErwinAuthor of The Jesus StyleInsightful and convicting, this book is a great resource and is most definitely worth the read! Its examination of Jesus' miracles takes you to a deeper understanding of His character as you are drawn into these incredible stories. Expect new insights and a new perspective you may not have seen before.-Matt WilliamsAuthor and Teaching Pastor/Directional Leader, Grace Church, Greenville, South Carolina
A remnant of Jews living in a heathen country . . .A young orphan being raised by her God-fearing cousin . . A self absorbed king in search of a new queen . . .A Jewish woman rising to the throne of Persia . . .A book of the Bible which makes no mention of the name of God . . .Random? Surprising? Chance? Maybe at first glance, but upon closer study of Esther's life, you'll find that nothing is unexpected to the God who knows the beginning from the end. From humble beginnings in a city where she seemingly did not belong, God raised Esther to the highest position imaginable for a woman in her era: Esther became queen of Persia. The series of events which led her to the throne is remarkable; what transpired following her coronation changed history. There is nothing chance or random to be found here: Esther's life was entirely a matter of trust in the providential power of God.Through easily applicable Biblical truths, interwoven with personal and heartfelt stories, Jennifer brings a contemporary relevance to Esther's extraordinary story. Join Esther on her journey to the throne of Persia and beyond. You'll not only discover what powerful deeds God was able to accomplish through the unexpected turns that her life took - you'll discover what He desires to do in the unexpected turns in your life today!
We all go through seasons of waiting, times when God just seems to have closed His ears to us and turned His back. During those seasons, it's easy for us to give up hope and lose heart. But what if we hold on to the hope that God is working behind the scenes, even if we can't see Him? What can we learn from those times of waiting? Shannon Brink has experienced those seasons herself¿after she hurt her knee and was forced to stay in bed for weeks on end, while she was facing possible infertility but longed to be a mother, as door after door closed on her dreams of living in a far-away land, and now as she waits for sleep to come while battling chronic insomnia. As a former nighttime nurse, Shannon knows that the hardest time of the waiting season is at night, when our thoughts take over and worry invades. Drawing from her own experiences and from the examples of God's people in the Bible who also experienced seasons of waiting, Shannon encourages the reader to hold on to the One Who created us and has only our good in mind. While waiting in the dark, cling to the Light.
Alana Candler is on someone's hit list. But why? A stalker is breathing down her neck at every turn, hiding in the shadows, waiting for her to make a mistake- to freeze long enough for him to make his hit. When the stalker kidnaps her from a hotel and leaves her to die, Jaydn Holbrook, CEO and owner of the largest company in Tennessee, saves her life and promises to protect her. But is he enough? Jaydn's high school friendship with Brad, Alana's brother and the City's Police Chief, gives him incentive to protect Alana and shelter her from the growing danger. Alana's trust in God's protection intrigues him and compels him to explore her faith further, but when she mentions her aversion to rich, executive-type bosses, Jaydn keeps his position at his company secret-trying not to destroy their fragile bond. As tensions build, Jaydn and Alana are caught up in a dangerous web of hiding from the pursuer trying to kill them and fighting the attraction they feel for each other.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20 Thirteen-year-old Melanie Cooper can't wait to spend the week at Camp Redwoods. When she arrives, it's even more wonderful than she imagined. She's experiencing amazing adventures with her friends and beginning to understand more about God. But Bethany, Melanie's frenemy, seems determined to ruin camp for her. As Melanie seeks to know God, questions and distractions arise. But God persistently knocks on the door of her heart and shows her what it means to be a child of God. Will Melanie answer and make the ultimate decision which will change her life forever? Discover with Melanie a loving, heavenly Father Who pursues a relationship with His children.
On Monday 23rd February 2009, following a weekend of Bible teaching in County Londonderry, Derick Bingham was admitted to the hospital and was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. He was given two days to live. An enormous response of prayer arose for him across the world and following incredible care at the Belfast City Hospital, he was privileged to come into remission (although he likes to call it 'permission'). As he lay in an isolation ward for weeks, he began to wonder if people would like to know what his Christian faith meant to him in such a situation. His church set up a website for those who were concerned about his condition, and he decided to write some letters on the website from his isolation ward. The response was phenomenal, including sympathetic interest from the press and, as it turned out, the BBC who then carried his letters.At the request of Derick's publisher and a retired senior medical figure in Northern Ireland who pled that his letters should not be lost, feeling they would be of help to people who were ill, this book has surfaced.Proceeds from this book will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.
"It was said Treemoonia had a memory that helped to keep important things important . . . " In the trees of Treemoonia, the people are content, work hard, and help each other. If they follow the Parabole, the book that tells of how they began, then their land is blessed. But not everyone believes in the Parabole or the Winds of Treemoonia, and they must deal with the consequences of their unbelief deep beneath the sheltering trees of their homeland. Tommy is just another Treemoonian child, enjoying a siesta day with his friends, with his sister underfoot. Annoyed that she insists on following him, Tommy does his best to lose her-that is, until he actually loses her for real. As Tommy frantically tries to find his sister, he stumbles across a stepping vine leading beneath Treemoonia. Knowing his sister may have followed the same vine, Tommy soon finds himself going deep down into a dark world, where creatures are not what they appear and where his questions are met with hatred and fear. Will Tommy be able to find his way back home with his sister safely in-hand? Or will the creatures beneath Treemoonia swallow him up for good and keep him captive in his disbelief? The answers can be found only in the Parabole-if only Tommy will believe what he already knows.
After King Elyon's son, Prince Logon Xychirion, constructed a bridge over the Flaming Sword River, countless Carnalians have successfully escaped the doomed empire and found safety in the kingdom of Ecclessa. But the bridge is also rumored to be the entrance that King Elyon's troops need to free Carnalia and regain his rightful ownership of the kingdom and its surrounding lands. Not to be overthrown, the evil emperor of Carnalia has set his sights on the narrow bridge and has plans to destroy those loyal to King Elyon once and for all. As the Carnalian military make their plans for war, Artka and his brigade are ready to continue with Prince Logon's plan, with Jeda and Bonu setting their sights on Logon's Bridge and beyond. But things are not going as the brave troop hopes. As they near the ultimate battle between Ecclessa and Carnalia, they will be asked to risk their lives for a greater cause.
This is a heartfelt book which not only makes you fall in love with Ireland but also captures the true essence of modern Irish cuisine.MARGARET JEFFARESFounder and Managing Director, Good Food IrelandFlavors of Ireland invites readers, cooks, and armchair travelers alike on a culinary tour of one of Europe's fastest growing food destinations. Long praised for its lush landscapes, friendly people, and unique heritage, Ireland has a distinctive food culture thanks to the geography, climate, and history of the people who settled here centuries ago. Part recipe collection, part travel guide, and part history, Flavors of Ireland offers an insightful look into the ingredients that shape the country's cooking: a rich array of vegetables and fruits; succulent beef, lamb, and dairy produce; smoked, cured, and spiced fish and meat; and fields of nourishing barley, wheat, and rye. With evocative photos that transport you to the Irish countryside, Flavors of Ireland will awaken your senses to the grand places and glorious food of this warm and welcoming land.Additional Endorsements:Margaret Johnson has done a tremendous job of bringing both traditional and new Irish cuisine to the palettes of food lovers everywhere. Her cookbook captures the essence of Irish cuisine while also revealing a genuine enthusiasm for the culture and heritage of Ireland itself.MICHAEL P. QUINLINPresident, Boston Irish Tourism AssociationYou'll find plenty of golden oldies in Margaret M. Johnson's beautifully illustrated book of Irish recipes, but it's the reflection of Ireland's vibrant, contemporary food culture that really shines. Like a foodie magpie, she's picked precious jewels of culinary modernity from across this fertile island and framed them in a book of real style.ROSS GOLDEN-BANNONEditor, FOOD & WINE Magazine; Restaurant Critic, The Sunday Business PostMargaret M. Johnson is a master storyteller and delights in all things Irish. She has brought together many of Ireland's top chefs (and their fabulous cuisine) with historical and delicious Irish favorites from her vast research. You will be transported direct to Ireland and will be cooking from Irish kitchens by the time you finish reading this wonderful book.ROSEANN TULLYCEO and Founder, Intermezzo MagazineMargaret Johnson's Flavors of Ireland will take you on a mouth-watering culinary tour of Ireland, as the Irish know it. The author has a deep acquaintance with Ireland and is entirely on the mark in her analysis: 'No matter how much you've heard about Ireland, no matter how great your expectations, the Ireland you experience will far surpass the Ireland you imagine'. The book takes readers on a delectable journey around the best tables in Ireland today. The recipes, whether homely and traditional Irish, or 'new' Irish fine dining, are presented elegantly and simply, so all can recreate the flavors of Ireland at their own tables. The photography, of both the food and the landscape, is simply stunning.EMMA COWANPublisher, Flavour Magazine
Bailey Lynn had her life perfectly planned. She thought she was on the path that God had preordained for her. But when her life took an unexpected turn, Bailey was left to question God's ability to dictate her life. With shattered dreams surrounding her, Bailey found herself looking for answers to where she should go from here. In Unforeseen: Learning to Trust in God's Plan When Life Takes Unexpected Turns, Bailey shares how she learned to trust God with a future she had never planned. As she battled whether God's plans for her were truly as good as He had promised in His Word, Bailey began to see that His ways were definitely not like hers-they were better. Bailey shares some of her darkest moments and how, in spite of it all, her life has been more fulfilled when she follows God's plan. Come along with Bailey to explore how God can direct your future to be more amazing than you could have ever dreamed.EndorsementsIn her book, Unforeseen, Bailey Lynn is very vulnerable and shares stories to display how God has showed up in her life. I love her writing style and the reflection questions at the end of each chapter. If you need some encouragement and prompting to draw closer to God, this book is for you!Leslie SpeasAuthor of From Hot Mess to MESSage: 90 Days of Messages for the Hot Mess in You and blogger at www.lesliespeas.com Unforeseen is an authentically written book that deepens our walk with God as we learn from Bailey's keen ability to draw spiritual insight from unusual places. Bailey helps us see Jesus through her life's journey-whether breaking in a horse, being in a mirror maze, or dealing with a dog with pink eye. Readers will love reading and learning from the stories in this book as they find hope in the midst of their own unforeseen circumstances. Heather HollemanAuthor of Seated with Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of ComparisonReal, honest, and vulnerable, Bailey Lynn offers insight into the valleys of life and what to do when you find yourself in one. Through her soulful writing, Bailey affirms the realities of doubt, confusion, and unanswered questions when life hits hard and situations blindside you. Through Bailey's stories in Unforeseen: Learning to Trust in God's Plan When Life Takes Unexpected Turns, you can once again discover purpose and tools to restructure your perspective based on a scriptural foundation. You will be challenged with questions that only you can answer for yourself. This book is practical, inspiring, and deeply spiritual.DeAnna Lynn SandersAuthor of Unseen People: Sharing Light and Life with your Neighbors and the Nations
What happens when fearfully and wonderfully made and fearfully and woefully broken meet?Jeremy Dykman had been serving faithfully as a pastor for many years until 2017 when he could no longer find his joy. When he began to contemplate ending his life, Jeremy knew that he was in trouble. He and his wife checked him into a hospital, where Room 13B became a place of healing for the weary pastor. As he worked through what had led him to that point, Jeremy realized that pastors and others who care for others needed hope, too.In Room 13B: A Pastor's Journey With Depression, Jeremy opens up about his own struggles with depression and trying to meet others' expectations while battling his own demons. If you're a pastor or spiritual leader, this book will bring hope and encouragement to know that you aren't alone in your struggle. And if you're someone who is a part of a ministry, this book will give you insight on how to better minister and support those who lead.What Others Are Saying about Room 13B:Pastor Jeremy Dykman has written a beautiful, honest, and sensitive account of his own personal experience of life with depression. In this brave journey of seeking God's wisdom while in the pit of despair, he breaks the silence and stigma of depression, particularly as it manifests within the Christian community. Just as his namesake, the prophet Jeremiah, learned about God's character and faithfulness through suffering, Jeremy's account inspires hope in the One Who will never leave us nor forsake us.Dr. Ingrid ArtusPsychologist, DLitt et Phil. (Psych)Mental illness is a major problem facing society today. I read recently that in Canada one in two people have suffered in one way or another from a mental problem before they are forty years of age. Pastor Jeremy Dykman has written this book on the subject of depression out of the depth of his own experience. It comes with honesty and compassion as he shares his struggles and yet he shows the spiritual steps in negotiating the problem. I heartily recommend it to any who are on this path and also to those who are seeking to help others on this rocky road.Harold PeasleyPastor to Pastors with the North American Mission Board in Canada
"Anne's words are a timely reminder that regardless of our baggage or the darkness of our situation, The Holy Spirit calls us to confidently step into the plan He has for us. What sets Anne's book apart is how she deftly weaves the narrative of her life in Paris around Scriptural truths. There were times in reading the book when I was lost in the winding Parisian backstreets and times when I paused reading to give thanks to Jesus for His truth. Pack Your Baggage, Honey, We're Moving To Paris! is an invaluable read for anyone looking to truly live out adventurous faith.Malcolm McLoughlinAuthor of The Second LapEveryone has baggage!We all have something that keeps us from living fully for the Lord, but Christ wants us to give our baggage to Him so we can follow Him freely. In Pack Your Baggage, Honey, We're Moving to Paris! Anne Farnum explores the different kinds of baggage we carry. She also focuses on the baggage that King Saul hid behind and compares it to that which David left behind to run toward the giant.Using her own personal journey during an adventurous move to Paris, Anne shares healing truths of Scripture and methods she found to help others find freedom from their baggage.You will be inspired and refreshed as you realize you no longer have to carry your baggage either.What Others are Saying:Anne has an engaging writing style as she weaves Scripture, biblical examples, and personal experience together in her book Pack Your Baggage, Honey, We're Moving to Paris! In the process of this weaving, the reader will find themselves checking on their own baggage with a willingness to hand it over to the Master Baggage Handler, Jesus Christ, Who knows exactly what to do with all of it.Pastors Randy and Diane McGheeFlorence International ChurchFlorence, ItalyPack Your Baggage, Honey: We're Moving to Paris! is a needed voice in the church today. Too many people are carrying their baggage from one place to another without knowing what is weighing them down. Anne uses the imagery of baggage to explore and confront past hurts, pain, and experiences in a way that helps the reader release their baggage to God.Tony RoosEnvision France Site Coordinatorweareenvision.com/parisAnne has a beautiful way of taking less familiar Scriptures to point out deep spiritual truth. She draws from them obvious and important truth we've not seen before, a truth that can change the way we think and act. She understands the deep fears and anxieties that hamper a woman's spiritual growth. You will be charmed as Anne shows you how sweetly God helped her discover her own hidden baggage, to bring it into the light of God's Word, and understand its destructiveness. Her every premise is built on the honest, healing truth of Scripture.Elizabeth HandfordAuthorPack Your Baggage, Honey, We're Moving to Paris! is loaded with essentials for Bible studies, book clubs, and personal journeys. It's a well packed book that showed me the emotional baggage to leave behind and freedom to do it. This high-priority read is a treasure chest of meaningful questions, Scriptures, and stories. Here is a worthy re-read. . . .Carolyn K. KnefelyCo-founder of Christian CommunicatorsFounder of TeaCup Living ministries
Can a person inherit the wickedness of an evil parent? Are we forever shackled to our father's sins? No one should know the answer to this better than nineteen-year-old Katherine Paddington. She finally sees an end to her own misery when her Uncle Ben is jailed for the murder of his brother. But, lurking in the coal mine shadows is none other than Ben Paddington's very own son, Benny Bauguess. After searching unsuccessfully for her son's daddy for twenty years, Trudy sees the mugshot of her old boyfriend on a news broadcast. Only, Ben is in the state penitentiary in Wheeling, West Virginia, and Trudy has not seen him since Benny's conception. Benny and Trudy begin the six-hundred-mile journey from Folly Beach to Wheeling to confront the scoundrel who left Trudy to raise her son on her own. But what does Benny really want? His father's love . . . or revenge on him and his wealthy family? In this sequel to In the Coal Mine Shadows, Katherine knows she must start a new life after her Grandmother Mame and Grandfather Clint pass away, but will the coal mine shadows of her past control her future away from the hills of West Virginia? Will Katherine succeed in making a new life for herself in North Carolina, away from the lies and deceit of her forefathers? Or, will the sins of yesteryear haunt her and her cousin Benny forever?
David was the "man after God's own heart," yet his life was characterized by hardship. During his lifetime, he was fired, became homeless, grieved the loss of three children, built a nation, lost almost everything after his affair with Bathsheba, and then saw a work that was dear to him given to another. Rejected, dejected, and worn down, David took out his pen and wrote half of the Psalms as prayers to the Lord. As he did, he experienced an awe of God that he has left for us to meditate on when we struggle through our own heartache. Praying with David: Honest Prayers for Hard Seasons will encourage you to keep crying out to God in the hard seasons. You will experience strength, hope, guidance, comfort, and peace-just as David did.
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