Teaser Tuesdays/First Chapter First Paragraph - June 30, 2015

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jenn at A Daily Rhythm. To play along, just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers!
• Share the title and author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

When we run too hard, too fast, for too long, we lose our perspective, our joy, and our sense of being sacredly present in the moment -- not to mention the impact to our health and our relationships.
Though it feels like we gain a little extra distance or traction in the moment when we pick up speed and keep our foot on the pedal for an extended period of time, in reality we lose ground when we live like this. When we try to run a marathon at sprint pace, we miss life, the life God intended for us, and we can't possibly savor the sacred sweet journey up mountains, through valleys, and by still waters.
~Your Sacred Yes: Trading Life-Draining Obligation for Freedom, Passion, and Joy by Susie Larson, page 33

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First Chapter/First Paragraph/Tuesday Intros is a weekly link-up hosted by Bibliophile by the Sea. To participate, share the first paragraph (or two) of a book you're reading, or thinking about reading soon.

Are we missing it?

     I have a question for you: Are we missing it? Have we as God's people--who endure this crazy-paced culture--given away a mindset that looks for and enjoys the presence of God? Have we allowed the precious gift of expectancy to slip through our fingers? How often do we cup our hand to our ear and listen for heaven's song over our lives? Are we so bogged down with life-draining commitments that we've forgotten how good a belly laugh feels or how rich a time of quiet prayer can be? Do we relegate praise and worship to an hour on Sunday and thereby miss out on singing at the top of our lungs every other day of the week? Has it occurred to us that God longs for us to take a more life-giving path than the one we're on?

Here's the blurb:

Are you worn out from life's ought-to's and should-do's?
It's so easy to give away our time to things un-appointed by God. We commit to something because it's a good cause or there's a great need. Or maybe because no one else will help out. The result? The days blur together and we find ourselves overworked and underjoyed, desperate for a faith awakening.
In this practical and liberating book, Susie shares biblical ways to:

• Learn how - and when - to say no without guilt or shame

• Find a pace and perspective that matches God's best for you

• Discern man-made obligations from God-given invitations

Will you say yes to the One who will rejuvenate your soul?

What do you think? Would you continue reading?

©2008-2015 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

Recent Reads - Suddenly Mrs. Darcy

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Suddenly Mrs. Darcy by Jenetta James - If I ever meet Ms James, I will probably need to apologize for being overly skeptical about her book when I started reading. However, I have had the misfortune of reading some truly awful Austen fan fiction and P&P alternatives or sequels, so perhaps it is understandable that I feared Suddenly Mrs. Darcy would prove to be as disappointing. Happily for me, Ms James has written an alternative storyline for our beloved Darcy and Elizabeth that is both credible and (mostly) tasteful.

At the Netherfield Ball, Darcy and Elizabeth step into one of the alcoves as he has decided to warn her against Wickham's schemes, and Mrs Bennet happens upon them. She jumps to the conclusion that they are in a compromising situation and begins to demand that Darcy marry Elizabeth. Of course Darcy readily agrees, much to Elizabeth's surprise and chagrin, despite her own protests that nothing untoward took place. Within a very short period of time, Darcy and Elizabeth are married, and begin their life together.

The entire story is told from Elizabeth's point of view, as if she was writing in her personal journal, so we see only her perspective. Of course, we know that Darcy is already quite in love with her, but since he does not say so, Elizabeth does not realize this, and the uncertain relationship between them experiences ups and downs as Elizabeth begins to love her husband but is unsure of exactly what he feels for her. Add the insenstive and resentful Lady Catherine's pronouncements that 'everyone knows' Darcy has a mistress in London and some other misunderstandings and insecurities, and the tale grows even more interesting.

Naturally there are happy endings for the major characters, and even Lydia, Wickham, and Mr Collins don't make out too poorly. For the most part, I felt that characters were consistent with those created by Jane Austen, although at times Elizabeth seemed a bit more timid than I might have expected. My only real complaint was that the Prologue gave me reason for concern that the rest of the book might be filled with graphic bedroom scenes. I was very glad that the remainder of the book was tasteful and discreet in its description.

©2008-2015 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

What I'm Reading - June 29, 2015

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This weekly meme has been hosted at Book Journey, but as that blog author is not back to hosting this just yet, I am linking at the book blog Christian Novels instead.

I recently finished reading...

Hearts Made Whole (Beacons of Hope) by Jody Hedlund - I finished this last weekend, and am hoping there will be at least one more in the series. Short version? I loved it. For the longer version, see my review HERE.

Suddenly Mrs. Darcy by Jenetta James - I just finished this a couple days ago and have still to write the review. I was pleasantly surprised and relieved to find it a good read!

I'm currently reading...

Your Sacred Yes: Trading Life-Draining Obligation for Freedom, Passion, and Joy by Susie Larson - it was past time I got some non-fiction onto my reading list again, and this Bethany House review book is something I probably need to read and take to heart.


Now and Forever (Wild at Heart) by Mary Conneally



The Unknown Ajax by Georgette Heyer


In Good Company by Jen Turano - Just got started!

Next on the stack...

The Fatal Tree (Bright Empires) by Stephen R Lawhead

    

What are you reading?

©2008-2015 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

Scripture and a Snapshot - June 28, 2015

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There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

~Romans 8:1-2~

Scripture & a Snapshot is hosted by A Glimpse of Our Life.

The Weekend Brew is hosted by My Freshly Brewed Life.

©2008-2015 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

Recent Reads - Hearts Made Whole

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Hearts Made Whole (Beacons of Hope) by Jody Hedlund - This is the second in the Beacons of Hope series in which each historical novel is set at a Michigan lighthouse in the 1860s. The story opens with a tragedy, as Caroline Taylor watches her lighthouse keeper father set out across the lake with the doctor and an incoming storm capsizes the boat. Caroline is helpless to rescue them and must take over the duties of lighthouse keeper and the care of her younger siblings. Caroline has been well-trained in the keeper's duties and loves the job, but the lighthouse inspector is adamant that a woman cannot do the job and insists that she plan to move out with her four younger siblings.

The new lighthouse keeper is Civil War veteran Ryan Chambers. (Those who have read the first Beacons of Hope novel will remember him as Emma's brother.) Ryan is haunted by his experiences in the war and has turned to drinking to try to dull the pain of his past - and his injury. He knows he is ill-prepared to be responsible for the lighthouse, but hopes that the isolation will help him forget his guilt and failures. He is even less prepared to find a beautiful and capable young woman still keeping the lighthouse, but realizes he desperately needs her help in the job. Caroline resents losing her job as keeper, especially since the job prospects for young single women during that time were very scarce, and she needs to be able to support her family.

Caroline and Ryan develop a partnership and she not only helps him learn his new job, but her confidence and belief in him helps his heart begin to heal. Her own heart is healing as well, but more problems arise. The lighthouse inspector wants Caroline gone from Windmill Point, and a series of dangerous mishaps seems to indicate that someone is maliciously trying to frighten Caroline away. The blossoming romance between Ryan and Caroline comes under threat as well, as a situation arises that may force Ryan to marry Caroline's younger sister.

I loved this novel from start to finish, and I sure hope there will be at least one more in this series!

From the Publisher:

1865 Windmill Point, Michigan
Can She Forgive the Hurting Man Who Costs Her the Role She Loves?
After her father's death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper -- even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.
Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation -- the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope... and possibly love?

Visit the Baker Publishing Group for info on where to buy.

By the same author: Love Unexpected

©2008-2015 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

Scripture and a Snapshot - June 21, 2015

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We will not hide these truths from our children;

we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD,

about his power and his mighty wonders.

For he issued his laws to Jacob;

he gave his instructions to Israel.

He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children,

so the next generation might know them---

even the children not yet born---

and they in turn will teach their own children.

So each generation should set its hope anew on God,

not forgetting his glorious miracles 

and obeying his commands.

~Psalm 78:4-7~

Happy Father's Day!

Scripture & a Snapshot is hosted by A Glimpse of Our Life.

The Weekend Brew is hosted by My Freshly Brewed Life.

©2008-2015 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

Top Ten Books on my TBR for Summer 2015

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This week I have a bit of time to write another Top Ten post to link at The Broke and The Bookish - specifically the Top Ten Books On My TBR for Summer 2015.

The Fatal Tree (Bright Empires) by Stephen R Lawhead - this has been on my TBR for too long. The problem(?) is that it is a book I own, so I sort of have all the time in the world to read it. So it can be on the top of the stack, and then bumped out of the queue by the arrival of a book I need to review or a book I have from library for only a limited time. I think I'm also just the tiniest bit reluctant because it's the last book in the Bright Empires series, and I don't want it to end!

    

Your Sacred Yes: Trading Life-Draining Obligation for Freedom, Passion, and Joy by Susie Larson - I just received this book to review, so I'll be starting on it very soon.


In Good Company by Jen Turano - I just received the link for this review book today!

Unstuff: Making Room in Your Life for What Really Matters by Hayley & Michael DiMarco - I acquired this book several months ago, but my husband read it before me. It's been back in my own TBR stack for awhile, and I am putting it right behind Your Sacred Yes in priority.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson - I've read this before and laughed so hard! It was my introduction to Bill Bryson's writing. I want to re-read it this summer, before I make plans to see the movie!

Now and Forever (Wild at Heart) by Mary Conneally - I met the Wilde sisters when I reviewed the first book in this series, Tried and True. That was a quirky and humorous story and I have this one ready to go very soon.


A Study in Death (A Lady Darby Mystery) by Anna Lee Huber - I've loved the previous Lady Darby mysteries, and can hardly wait to get my hands on the latest!


To Win Her Favor (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel) by Tamera Alexander - Hoping to get to this recently published novel this summer!


A Beauty So Rare (A Belmont Mansion Novel) by Tamera Alexander - Another one by Tamera Alexander... I love her writing. Recently I realized I hadn't read this one yet, so I need to remedy that!


Bathsheba: A Novel (The Wives of King David) (Volume 3) by Jill Eileen Smith - I enjoyed the first two in this series, Michal and Abigail, and some other books by Smith as well. I'm hoping to finish off The Wives of King David series this summer.


What's on your TBR list for this summer?

©2008-2015 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/