Big Clifty, Star Route
The book "Big Clifty, Star Route" explores a year in the life of "Bud," a ten-year-old boy in the small rural community of Limp, Kentucky. The story begins with several adventures brought on by a massive January snowstorm and builds to a climax of an unexpected Christmas experience. Bud struggles to understand his father "Pap," who is significantly older, and who adheres to a different faith. Dewey Hodge, who owns the local country store, becomes a father figure for Bud. Bud collects pop bottles to buy his dream pocketknife and meets a new friend, Claire Marie. They develop a childhood romance with unexpected consequences as Bud discovers his own identity. Along the way, Bud learns valuable life lessons including hard work, honesty, consequences, and his place in God's creation.
Blessings Unexpected
In my first book, "A Mother's Influence", I helped you find hope and perservance to bend but not break and start a new life. My hope is that you will find inner peace. The upcoming birth of Anolese's daughter, Jennifer, was the only thing that kept her going and renewed her faith in God. Anolese truly believes that God has plans for her life and everything she endured was preparing her. Anolese experienced multiple blessings. Anolese could feel the presence of God and knew that he was moving her along the path of what he had in store for her and she was excited. Anolese has lived through death, sorrow, loss and has persevered with courage to embrace new life, new blessings, joy, peace and new beginnings. In this sequel, my hope is that you will be enlightened and uplifted in reading about Anolese's journey. Willie Mae Gearing has acquired a passion for writing which she hopes will encourage and inspire others to never give up on themselves or their desires. Willie Mae has spent decades helping people, as a Human Resource professional, to navigate highs and lows, while living through her own professional and personal challenges. Willie Mae was born and raised in Canton, Georgia attended Reinhardt College and later received her BA degree from Empire State College in Upstate New York where she resides today. She has a love for decorating and creating unique home d矇cor, especially for holidays. Her rich life experiences help her to write stories about success, failure, faith, hope and love. Her debut book "A Mother's Influence" received fervent praise.
Big Clifty, Star Route
The book "Big Clifty, Star Route" explores a year in the life of "Bud," a ten-year-old boy in the small rural community of Limp, Kentucky. The story begins with several adventures brought on by a massive January snowstorm and builds to a climax of an unexpected Christmas experience. Bud struggles to understand his father "Pap," who is significantly older, and who adheres to a different faith. Dewey Hodge, who owns the local country store, becomes a father figure for Bud. Bud collects pop bottles to buy his dream pocketknife and meets a new friend, Claire Marie. They develop a childhood romance with unexpected consequences as Bud discovers his own identity. Along the way, Bud learns valuable life lessons including hard work, honesty, consequences, and his place in God's creation.
A Beam of Hope
The trauma of their young daughter's cancer surgery leads Layton and Amy Brooks to reexamine the assumptions that drove them to divorce. To restore intimacy, they must reframe former events-with honesty, grace, and forgiveness. When cancer strikes the young girl again, the family's fledgling faith encounters new challenges. Will Layton and Amy have the strength to rear a disabled child? How will Brianne cope? As Brianne navigates her unexpected path, her strength teaches others what it means to be truly whole. A Beam of Hope is a story of coming to terms with grief and loss-and embracing renewed hope and unexpected grace. "These characters are flawed, yet loveable. I found myself rooting for them in their struggles and trials." -Lori Hatcher, author of Hungry for God ... Starving for Time
When Shadows Screech
This is a romantic story between a Man, Woman and GOD. This suspence mystery thriller takes you from the 1800's in a Pa. historic town, where miners and Druids from Ireland conflit and the rusults reach into the 21 century. A single female pastor having a desire to raise a family must first find a mate. While efforts from her congregation have failed, she ask GOD to supply her needs. When an unexpected transfer of ministers occurs, an eligible bachelor ministr is placed in her path. The roots of his past have thrust him into a role that only GOD can work out. These two wrestle with earthly desires and their service to the ministry of GOD and his people.
When Shadows Screech
This is a romantic story between a Man, Woman and GOD. This suspence mystery thriller takes you from the 1800's in a Pa. historic town, where miners and Druids from Ireland conflit and the rusults reach into the 21 century. A single female pastor having a desire to raise a family must first find a mate. While efforts from her congregation have failed, she ask GOD to supply her needs. When an unexpected transfer of ministers occurs, an eligible bachelor ministr is placed in her path. The roots of his past have thrust him into a role that only GOD can work out. These two wrestle with earthly desires and their service to the ministry of GOD and his people.
A Beam of Hope
The trauma of their young daughter's cancer surgery leads Layton and Amy Brooks to reexamine the assumptions that drove them to divorce. To restore intimacy, they must reframe former events-with honesty, grace, and forgiveness. When cancer strikes the young girl again, the family's fledgling faith encounters new challenges. Will Layton and Amy have the strength to rear a disabled child? How will Brianne cope? As Brianne navigates her unexpected path, her strength teaches others what it means to be truly whole. A Beam of Hope is a story of coming to terms with grief and loss-and embracing renewed hope and unexpected grace. "These characters are flawed, yet loveable. I found myself rooting for them in their struggles and trials." -Lori Hatcher, author of Hungry for God ... Starving for Time
Gamblers
This book tells the story of a young baby boy who was left on the doorstep of a church in a basket with a note written to the pastor of that church. The pastor and his family soon adopted the baby boy, and raised him with love despite his tyrannical developing personality and allowed him to keep the name Jackson as was requested in the note by whoever abandoned the child. But once the child's biological father comes forward to claim him after being released from prison, the saga begins. The pastor and his family can only depend on a greater and higher power in seeking solutions and answers. This book is loaded with inspirations it's action packed. Opening this book is like licking or sucking on a lollypop no stopping until you reach the end and start chewing on the stick without even realizing. First I would like to give the highest praise to my inspiration, The Holy spirit Who always gives me great ideas and strength to go on writing. Thanks to my family and friends my partner Mr. Robert Steve Burton also my Xulon press publishing team. I am a published author of the children's book titled a boy named Jesus a very inspiring book. My pen name is P. Dalton Simms the second child to Olga miller and Michael Simms we all originate from the lovely island of Jamaica West Indies. I give honor and thanks to my supporters who have and will purchase my books, because without your support authors would starve so to speak so keep the oil in the lamp and the flames will give the light to inspire authors to keep writing stay safe and be blessed. To God be the glory forever awesome. See my other book at: https: //www.christianfaithpublishing.com/books/?book=a-boy-named-jesus.
Ghosts of the Shephelah, Book 5
Join Eve as she recalls waking on that first morning in the garden of Eden; working hand-in-hand with Adam discovering and naming much of God's creation. Experience the joy of living in paradise before their fateful encounter with Serpent. Learn the hard lesson of free will and why it led to their eviction. Experience the horror of needless death as jealousy claims the life of Abel. Travel with Eve as she reunites with Cain in a new land. Feel the joy of a grandparent as she tells of Enoch and his skill as a builder. Understand God's sorrow in calling Noah to build an ark, that the earth might be washed clean of rampant immorality and why the sons of Noah were sent to the nations. Identify with her pride as Ham sets out to bring the flood story to Egypt but rescues an Oromo princess and helps her escape to Ethiopia. Sadly, Eve's ghost watches Nimrod murder his brother and flee to Mesopotamia, to the land where Cain had murdered Abel. Learn how Nimrod built a small army, became king in Ur of the Chaldees through cold-blooded murder, and then challenged the gods.
Satan's Godson
Do demons really exist? Have you ever seen one? Are people who claimed to be possessed merely having a non-specified emotionally induced psychotic episode? Is it possible that those who alleged to have expelled demons experiencing some type of religious self-induced hallucination? That is what the main character in this novel once believed. The story of Satan's Godson is based upon the hypothetical notion that as Jesus had John the Baptist as his forerunner, the Antichrist may also have a forerunner who will sow seeds of deceit, subtle enough to deceive even the most devout Christian to accept his false identity. A demon born in the dark corners of antiquity searches for a way to emerge through an astrophysical world into the world of mankind and pave the way for his master. An innocent little boy becomes swept up into a whirling demonic mystical plot planned and perpetrated by one of Satan's most dreadful demons. Dr. Otis Boyd is the boy's father. He is a man with strong convictions and is an avowed gnostic who neither believes in the traditional Christian definition of God, nor in demons. However, he soon finds he must face a personal inner demon he thought was buried deep in depths of his past and turn to a God who he has never acknowledged to help him save his son, his sanity, and his soul.
The Girl from Chapel Hill (Book 2)
This book is the much-anticipated sequel to "The Girl from Chapel Hill: Her Journey of Faith, Forgiveness, and Freedom." Laura has never forgotten the faith-filled lessons learned from her maternal grandmother. With a fearless determination - anchored in prayer - she passes these lessons on to her family. Travel on an unforgettable, suspenseful, and sometimes frightening journey with her family as they endure one challenge after another. Yet, at each juncture, somebody is fervently praying. "Oh no!" Danielle screamed, "Sara, stay with me ... stay with me!" She looked down at Sara's hands; they had gone limp. She lapsed into silence. Suddenly, her eyes shot open with a painful look, then rolled to the back of her head. Again, she gasped for breath and frantically clutched her hands to her chest. Danielle felt as if everything was happening in slow motion. The police officer nudged her more firmly. Heart-stricken, she regrettably released Sara's hands and backed away-keeping a careful watch on her face. The paramedics rushed inside and took over. A preliminary diagnosis: cardiac arrest."
The Earl's Shadow
Lockleys of Parramatta Series Book 4The Earl's ShadowWho or what is the 'shadow'? How does it affect so many?Clean Historical Fiction set in Parramatta, Australia and London in 1860s.The Earl's Shadow is revered and spoken about with awe, but what is it and how does it change the Empire?*****Charles Lockley is the Earl of Coxheath, but he spent his youth as a convict in Parramatta; having no idea he had a title. He had minimal education and has few social skills. Will his family will follow the path in life he had shown them? His beloved Sal is his strength who has walked beside him for the past fifty years.Charlie is his eldest son and heir to the title. This is an inheritance he does not want, however, this is thrust upon him. Gracie is the love of his life and without her support, Charlie would collapse. Can he refuse the title?When Charles has a brush with death followed by a near death experience. The ramifications of this ultimately change the Empire. Major Ned Grace is his life long friend, who defied authority and befriended a convict. The families plan a visit to London. It is there that all the events of Charles's life finally fall into place.But... how does the Cobb and Co. coach driver Jim Leslie fit in? Why is he concerned about the Earl?And precisely what is 'The Earl's Shadow' that he speaks about?What happens when the 'Shadow' is gone?*****'The Earl's Shadow' is the fourth book in a 100 year family saga of Colonial and convict Australia. Set in the convict era Parramatta.*****If you love Australian Colonial history, you will love Sara Powter's 'The Earl's Shadow' An absorbing grandfather's tale of being true to yourself, honouring God and standing up for what you believe.Buy 'The Earl's Shadow' to find out about the wonderful Lockley family.(The convict side this saga is loosely inspired by the author's convict family history) The family saga continues when his grandchildren pick up his baton with "Once a Jolly Swagman" and "Jonty's Journey."
The Christmas Socks
Who knows how our lives are woven together in such an intricate pattern as we follow our daily "to-do-list"? I am not talking about the one magnetized to the fridge door. I am thinking of a more divine list... less tangible, but no less real. This is the list of countless messages that trickle down upon us every day from Heaven above, as He prompts us to be His hands here on earth. Every once in a while, He lets us see a glimpse of the beautiful design He is weaving from the other side. If you are looking for a great story of warmth and ideas that will bring the True Spirit of Christmas into your life this is a must-read book.
The Leather Man's Journal
Never judge a person by the leather of their skin...But that's exactly what the entire town of Branson, Oregon does.When a stranger comes to town dressed in leather and acting weird, he's immediately shunned by residents. Yet when he sees a young girl thrown from a bridge, he jumps in to save her. And what does he get for his efforts...Either way, he's still being blamed for little Hannie's death when the circus comes into town for Independence Day, and as the town's excitement grows, so does that of a few ruffians looking for a new start.Only problem is, the circus wolfman notices and reports the suspicious behavior to Matt Bannister.Determined to set things right, Matt joins in on the hunt for the killer. But what if the estranged vagabond everyone thinks murdered Hannie isn't the real culprit-no matter what eyewitnesses say?While the entire town mourns the loss of a young girl taken from this world before her time, Matt refuses to halt in his search for the truth. Even if it's a reality no one wants to accept...
Ghosts of the Shephelah, Book 7
Next to the apostle Paul, Luke is the best-known author in the New Testament. Yet, he is more than likely the one we know the least. As a physician, we know Luke was from a well-to-do family. Excellence in Greek grammar demonstrates he was well educated. How and where he came into the company of Paul, we know not. We do know that by the time Paul arrived in Troas, Luke was part of the entourage. This fact is evinced when Luke's writing turns from third person to first person omniscient in Acts 16:10. From that point on, Luke writes from firsthand experience. His desire to put forth an accurate account of the life of Christ displays a deep commitment by witnessing his faith in the risen Lord. How and where he researched his gospel information is unknown as Jesus' parents would most certainly have passed away by the time he met Paul. Did Luke marry? Was he ever married? How did he come to witness the life of Christ to Theopolis? Join Luke in a journey into the past and discover a life most fascinating. Relive the events and forces that endeavored to eradicate our faith.
The Girl from Chapel Hill (Book 2)
This book is the much-anticipated sequel to "The Girl from Chapel Hill: Her Journey of Faith, Forgiveness, and Freedom." Laura has never forgotten the faith-filled lessons learned from her maternal grandmother. With a fearless determination - anchored in prayer - she passes these lessons on to her family. Travel on an unforgettable, suspenseful, and sometimes frightening journey with her family as they endure one challenge after another. Yet, at each juncture, somebody is fervently praying. "Oh no!" Danielle screamed, "Sara, stay with me ... stay with me!" She looked down at Sara's hands; they had gone limp. She lapsed into silence. Suddenly, her eyes shot open with a painful look, then rolled to the back of her head. Again, she gasped for breath and frantically clutched her hands to her chest. Danielle felt as if everything was happening in slow motion. The police officer nudged her more firmly. Heart-stricken, she regrettably released Sara's hands and backed away-keeping a careful watch on her face. The paramedics rushed inside and took over. A preliminary diagnosis: cardiac arrest."
Into the Room
Can a journey across the Holy Land redeem a reluctant pilgrim?Ben Cahill's life is an alcohol-saturated mess. After an insincere effort in a rehab facility, he is alienated from his family, out of work, and determined to continue his habit. To make matters worse, he finds himself on a tour of Israel, along with, as he calls them, a bunch of Holy Rollers.As the trip progresses, Ben experiences the Holy Land's major historical sites and is exposed to God's word. He interacts with his fellow travelers, gradually learning about their faith and their lives. Along the way, Ben becomes embroiled in a spiritual war, reinforcing his guilt and, in turn, forcing him to recall his past actions and behaviors. He also begins a different journey, one that leads him to redemption and a place in God's family.
Bible Action Heroes Vol. 2
Color, draw, and get to know all your bible heroes! Spend some time getting to know the stories of amazing people of faith who were used by God in amazing ways! practice your coloring skills along side your drawing skills while you grow in knowledge of the Bible!
To Belong Together
Could this pair of opposites belong together?Drummer John Kennedy can keep a beat, but he can't hold a conversation, so he relies on actions to show he cares. Unfortunately, when he's instantly intrigued by a spunky female mechanic, he can't seem to convey the sincerity of his intentions. And the rejections don't stop there. His own sister is pushing him away just when he could help her most. Erin Hirsh's life would be easier if God hadn't given her a love for cars. Only her father understood her, and she's losing him to dementia. Her brief romances have always backfired worse than a mistuned engine, and she refuses to give John the chance to wreck her heart. A rock star with a supermodel ex can't possibly see anything in her. At least that's what she thinks until they find common ground in faith and their worsening family situations leave them each longing for a place to belong. Order today to read this faith-filled rock-star romance about love, identity, and the quest to belong.
The Icon
After seeing the dark side of humanity, Greyson leaves the military for a more peaceful and settled life-or so he thought. After a divorce, the ball starts rolling. It has been said "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," and Greyson finds this to be true. Even though he is worldly and traveled, Greyson begins to realize his own naivet矇. At first, he doesn't believe the things he is told, until he experiences them first hand. Witchcraft is strong in Texas, and this unseen world of secrets comes with consequences. The practice of black magic makes Greyson question the bounds of human perception. As he travels down a road of betrayal and curses, his life becomes a shade darker. Looking for some way to combat witchcraft, he searches for anything that may allow him protection and rid him of conjured unholy creatures. Finally acquiring a talisman for this purpose, Greyson learns that when fighting demons, there is always collateral damage.
Matched and Married
Neither Margaret nor Owen has any interest in getting married. But in the small Amish town of Birch Creek, where marriage is on everyone's mind, their plans don't stand a chance.Margaret Yoder can't seem to catch a break. Even though she's dedicated to her Amish faith, her wild rumspringa won't stay in the past, and her mother keeps pressuring her to get married. To placate her mother and get away from former "friends", she decides to return to Birch Creek to visit family--and pretend to find a husband.Like Margaret, Owen Bontrager isn't looking for a spouse, something that's hard to avoid in Birch Creek, where an ad for brides in the local paper has brought a swarm of single women to the thriving town. When he meets Margaret in an unexpected way, they discover they have more in common than they ever expected. In some ways, they are a perfect match.Margaret struggles to keep her goal of avoiding romance in order to focus on being a faithful member of the Amish church, and it doesn't help that she finds Owen intriguing. Knowing they don't have a future together; she returns home and gives in to her mother's insistence that she get married.Can Margaret betray her feelings for Owen and become a dutiful daughter and wife to the man of her mother's choosing? Or will Owen find a way to free Margaret of her past by giving her the future they both are surprised to find they desire?Sweet Amish romanceSecond in the Amish Mail-Order Bride series, but can be read in any orderBook 1: A Double Dose of LoveBook 2: Matched and MarriedBook 3: Love in Plain Sight Book length: 77,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
Menace Cartoons
Menace Cartoons: Fun and FactsBy Bruce Malcolm PhelpsThe Menace Cartoon BookEVERY SHOT A BULLSEYEA big eighty-page book full of pictures that puncture popery, and point a moral concerning Rome in American politics.Red-hot cartoons sandwiched with pointed paragraphs and pertinent poetry.Every friend of THE MENACE will want a copy. Why not get it now while they are new and plenty!THE MENACE PUBLISHING COMPANY, (Inc.)Book Department AURORA, MISSOURIWorld's Headquarters for Anti-Papal Literature
Paloma
Two people from very different backgrounds and circumstances struggle together to find God in a world of random injustice and human evil. Paloma has suffered bitter poverty and neglect as a child and exploitation and addiction as a teen and an adult. John Levi is a lawyer from a privileged, sheltered home who answers the call of God to pastor an inner-city church. Together, Paloma and John Levi hunger and thirst for justice and mercy for the neighbors of the church and for Paloma and her daughter. At first, Paloma is angered by any talk about the presence and power of a God whom she believes has failed to answer her prayers. John Levi is convinced that God is calling him to rescue Paloma from her plight but crosses a line in protecting her from evil men. Facing the consequences of his actions, John Levi struggles with the limitations imposed upon his hunger for justice by the Way of Jesus. Both Paloma and John Levi transcend the crisis to find a new faith.
Tangle Tree
If you are easily frightened, stay away from Tangle Tree, where diabolical entities watch for opportunities to persecute the living. Even today, Tangle Tree Valley is cursed by the legend of a deadly confrontation in 1192 between a powerful Shawnee sorceress and a ruthless tribal leader. The disturbing presence of five oak trees stand in memorial of his murders and her revenge. Likewise, Tangle Tree Manor is believed to be haunted by the ghosts of the Crayton family, who built the mansion after fleeing the potato famine of Scotland in the 1850s. The family was tormented with suspicion, tragedy, and the constant fear of retribution for Richard Crayton's betrayal of vindictive conspirators. Being unaware of the danger, six people seeking psychiatric treatment, two psychiatrists, and Jesse Kingston, the property manager, commit to a six-week stay in the isolated mansion, despite its haunted reputation. Supernatural apparitions menace the occupants and secret agendas complicate the treatment process. Dangerous intruders, mysterious disappearances, and unexplainable events abound as relationships, both amiable and antagonistic, develop during their stay. The nine face physical and emotional challenges as they struggle to untangle the truth of their own tragedies and survive the curse of Tangle Tree Valley.
Hope Beyond the Waves
From award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli comes a sweeping dual timeline story that explores hope and enduring love in the midst of the impossible. Massachusetts, 1993 After making a grievous mistake that will change her life forever, Emily Robertson is sent away to live with her grandmother on Cape Cod. When Emily finds a timeworn photograph buried in a drawer, she realizes her grandmother has concealed a secret even bigger than her own. Will convincing Gram to reveal their family history help Emily make the most important decision of her life or will it prove her parents right-that family scandal is better off buried and forgotten? Massachusetts, 1916 Atta Schaeffer plans to marry the man of her dreams and whisk her little sister away from their abusive father. But when she is diagnosed with a dreaded malady, Atta is forced into a life of exile, leaving her sister in harm's way. On Penikese Island, Atta's best hope lies with Harry Mayhew, a doctor who seeks a cure for his patients at any cost. But when experiments fail, Atta runs from Harry-and from God. Can she return to her sister before it's too late? Or will her illness consume both her body and soul? A testament to faith and love, Hope Beyond the Waves is the raw account of the journey of two generations of women running from desperate situations toward irresistible hope.
The Dark Guest
The Cold War is over, but The Wolf is still at the door.When Violet Lundy isn't cleaning rooms at Happy Hills Assisted Living Facility, she loves spending her free time with resident Rainer Kopecek. Hearing his stories of the dangerous life he led behind the Iron Curtain in East Berlin makes her own life seem more tolerable. But when Rainer is found dead and his room in disarray, Violet suspects foul play.Dr. Henry Silverton lives among his books, teaching and writing about the Cold War. A letter about an East German traitor known only as "The Wolf" propels Henry out of academia and into Violet's life. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to uncover the truth about Rainer's death and the traitor's identity. Can Violet and Henry uncover the secrets of the past before one of them ends up as The Wolf's next victim?
Leaving Yesterday
Alisa Stewart feels like she's lost two sons: her youngest to a terrible tragedy and her eldest, Kurt, to a life ruined by addiction. But now Kurt has checked himself into rehab and found a healing faith that seems real. It's like he's been raised from the dead. Then a detective arrives at Alisa's door asking questions about a murder--the death of a drug dealer before Kurt entered rehab. Alisa fears losing her son again, and when she finds evidence linking him to the killing, she destroys it. Her boy is different now. He's changed and deserves a second chance. But when another man is charged with the crime, Alisa finds herself facing an impossible choice: be silent and keep her son or give up everything for the truth.
Ghosts of the Shephelah, Book 6
The story of Dinah has always intrigued James K. Stewart. Inspired by Anita Diamant's The Red Tent, he delved further into the male bias that states she was raped. The first thing he noticed was that the main character, Dinah, was voiceless. The second was that Shechem was madly in love with Dinah and willing to pay any amount of dowry. Through deceit and treachery, Simeon and Levi plot the merciless slaughter of a village to avenge one man's alleged rape of their sister. You are invited to read the story with the Hebrew verbs correctly translated and judge for yourself. Samson is known as a hero, a Nazarene, and a judge. However, Nazarenes were forbidden any form of alcohol, sex with prostitutes, fighting, and killing. Each one of these sins, Samson enjoyed for most of his life. There is no record of him ever making a judgment even though he is said to have been a judge. Esther is the brave young girl who risked her life so that exiled Jews in Persia might not be exterminated. Her story needs to be told and retold. Come, explore these tales of the past with the eyewitnesses who are now Ghosts of the Shephelah.
Hope Beyond the Waves
From award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli comes a sweeping dual timeline story that explores hope and enduring love in the midst of the impossible.Massachusetts, 1993After making a grievous mistake that will change her life forever, Emily Robertson is sent away to live with her grandmother on Cape Cod. When Emily finds a timeworn photograph buried in a drawer, she realizes her grandmother has concealed a secret even bigger than her own. Will convincing Gram to reveal their family history help Emily make the most important decision of her life or will it prove her parents right-that family scandal is better off buried and forgotten?Massachusetts, 1916Atta Schaeffer plans to marry the man of her dreams and whisk her little sister away from their abusive father. But when she is diagnosed with a dreaded malady, Atta is forced into a life of exile, leaving her sister in harm's way. On Penikese Island, Atta's best hope lies with Harry Mayhew, a doctor who seeks a cure for his patients at any cost. But when experiments fail, Atta runs from Harry-and from God. Can she return to her sister before it's too late? Or will her illness consume both her body and soul? A testament to faith and love, Hope Beyond the Waves is the raw account of the journey of two generations of women running from desperate situations toward irresistible hope.
Trelga Dale of Cedarview
Trelga Dale, growing up a century ago in the foothills of Colorado mountains, has been encumbered with care for most of her seventeen years. As the eldest of eight children, she is the mainstay of her family's survival on their small homestead farm. Even so, Trelga has kept her cherished dreams. At the center of her fondest hopes is Walter Waine, her sweetheart from log schoolhouse days and a talented musician. But when Goldie Mardew, a sophisticated city girl, comes to visit Walter's family and lures him away to study at a music school in the east, Trelga begins to ponder some troubling questions: Will she see Walter again? If so, how will he have changed? Will a new Walter still love her, a simple country girl? What can she do to be worthy of him, to be educated and cultured, and at the same time, help her family? Her story is one of search and discovery, of heartache and forgiveness, and of love that ennobles and redeems. As the story unfolds amid rugged scenic beauty and a community of neighbors, family, and friends, Trelga gains confidence and strength, lives courageously, and loves deeply.
Jehu: Regicide
Chariot commander Jehu is anointed king of Israel to strike down the House of Ahab. Drawn from the biblical account of 2 Kings 9 and 10, this fictional narrative recounts Jehu's rebellion from his early years as a charioteer under King Ahab through his anointing by a prophet under Elisha and his assault against the royal house of Israel, told in the voices of Jehu, Queen Jezebel, King Ahab, Elijah, Elisha, Jezebel's daughter Queen Athaliah and granddaughter Jehosheba, High Priest Jehoiada, King Ethbaal I of Tyre, and others. The union of Phoenician princess Jezebel and Ahab of Israel has combined the sea powers of Tyre and Sidon and the land power of Israel--a union that is being extended to Israel's sister kingdom of Judah with the union of Jezebel's daughter Athaliah with the king of Judah. The melding of Phoenicia, Israel, and Judah is reaching its tipping point as a harried prophet rushes into Jehu's army camp and anoints him king of Israel. Jezebel, her prophets of Baal, her son King Joram of Israel, her daughter Queen Athaliah of Judah, and Athaliah's daughter Jehosheba conspire together and against each other as Jehu's rebellion threatens Jezebel's realm.
Phantom Fathers
Another story about Maggie Barnes and her family. By digging into online genealogy records and talking with their chatty Aunt Lillian, Maggie's children discover the World War II struggles of their paternal grandparents and their silent father, Ross. It's not a story to make kids proud. They find it easier to be critical of their flawed family and assume the next generation will do better. Like an autopsy, Phantom Fathers exposes the problems of this thinking. Soon enough these critical children will be the parents of their own adult children, and they will have their day in court. As Maggie's children discover the trauma that tore through their father's life and the way their grandparents dealt with it--brutal events during World War II, desperate decisions that fractured the family, and a dishonorable emigration to the United States--they wonder if they could have done better under the circumstances. Ross's silence begins to make sense. Most surprising are events that stir the sympathy of disappointed children and open the way to admitting the truth about imperfect ancestors.
That Lass O’ Lowrie’s
Frances Hodgson Burnett's "That Lass o' Lowrie's" offers a poignant exploration of class struggles and personal resilience in 19th-century England. The narrative, enriched by Burnett's trademark lyrical prose, unfolds in the industrial town of St. Helens, where the titular character, a young girl named Lowrie, navigates her tumultuous life amidst the dreary backdrop of coal mines and socio-economic disparity. Through vivid depictions of her intimate world and the social complexities surrounding her, Burnett captures the harsh realities faced by the working class, while hinting at the possibility of hope and transformation. The book is emblematic of the naturalistic literary movements of its time, offering a realistic portrayal that resonates with contemporary readers. Frances Hodgson Burnett, born in 1849 in Manchester, was deeply influenced by her own experiences of hardship and migration to America. These personal challenges, coupled with her fascination with human resilience and the quest for belonging, profoundly shaped her literary voice. Notably, Burnett's dedication to depicting the lives of both children and the disenfranchised showcases her commitment to social issues, settings that mirror her childhood struggles and her belief in the transformative power of kindness and courage. I highly recommend "That Lass o' Lowrie's" to readers interested in rich character studies that delve into themes of social justice and personal growth. Burnett's ability to illuminate the human condition through the lens of her characters makes this work a timeless reflection on resilience, inviting readers to consider their own role within societal constructs. This novel remains a touching testament to the strength of the human spirit.
