HUSBAND WENT TO BE WITH THE LORD

Dewey Jack Shelton, 79, peacefully went to be with the Lord Saturday, June 6, 2015, at his home in Arlington. Jack, as he was referred to during his lifetime, was born in McAlester, Oklahoma. He entered the Army at the young age of 18 and successfully became an officer retiring as a Major. He served in Korea, two tours in Vietnam as a pilot, as well as Panama. Upon his retirement from the Army (20 years), he was employed by the City of Dallas Love Field Airport as an Assistant Director retiring after 20 years of service. He was preceded in death by: son, Dewey Jack Shelton Jr.; and grandson, Terrance Fickett. Jack is survived by: his wife of 40 years, Barbara Shelton; he was a wonderful dad to 8 children, Jack’s, Barbara’s and their own, Shanna Elizabeth Shelton of Arlington, Robert Shelton and wife Jennifer of Virginia, Patricia Shelton of Louisiana, Angela Quiros-Shelton and husband Eduardo of Panama, Michael Fickett and wife Carla of Illinois, David Fickett and wife Jessica of Waco, and Amy Fickett of Arlington; grandchildren, Michael Fickett, Samantha Fickett, Nathen Fickett, Noah Fickett, Brandon Fickett, Sabrina Fickett, Marcus McFarland, Rachael Shelton, Rebecca Shelton, Steve Shelton, Kevin Sheppard, Stephanie Fuit, Timothy Fuit, Jack Shelton III, Katcha Currier, Eduardito Quiros, Mariangela Quiros, and Angel Quiros; along with many great-grandchildren. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 12:30 PM at Moore Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Sarah Howe Miller officiating; and Graveside Service with military honors at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2:30 PM. The family will receive family and friends on Monday, June 15, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Moore Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.   

DUE TO

MY HUSBAND’S ILLNESS,

I’M

 

TO NURSE AND CARE FOR HIM

 

I’LL RETURN WHEN HE IS HEALED

YOUR PRAYERS FOR US BOTH 

WOULD BE A BLESSING

THANK YOU

MY REVIEW OF

“SURPRISED BY LOVE”

BY JULIE LESSMAN

(Book #3 in the Heart of San Francisco series)

FIVE STARS

Shy and unattractive as a child, Megan McClare has always been teased by her classmates. But when she returns home from her senior year in Paris, the wallflower has suddenly blossomed into a beauty. With ambitions to become a lawyer or doctor, Megan accepts an internship at the district attorney’s office only to discover that she will be working with Devin Caldwell, a boy who mercilessly mocked her at school–and with whom she was hopelessly enamored. She turns to her dear friend Bram Hughes for support and advice. But Bram’s vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a kid sister. He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man?

Fan favorite Julie Lessman draws a romantic triangle that will have readers in a tizzy in this glittering Gilded Age tale of transforming love.

…….MY REVIEW…….

Megan McClare has metamorphosed into a stunning butterfly during her year with the Rousseau’s family in Paris.  None of her family or friends expected it – let alone her best friend Bram Hughes.  Bram is unpredictably attracted to Megan and plays like a turtle withdrawing into himself confused.   Stunned even more when Megan attempts to tell him her true feelings, which drives him further away.  Bram is the one man who could make a shy and awkward little girl feel beautiful despite the baby fat and glasses.   The confidante to Meg for years in regard to the bullying Meg received from classmate Devin Caldwell.  Being older – he has been the big brother to Meg –affectionately referring to her as “Bug.”

 

The story begins at a happy reunion of the McClare family, Caitlyn McClare, matriarch to this clan; cousin Cassie McClare McKenna and her new husband, Jamie; Alli McClare and her fiancé Nick; Uncle Logan McClare, once engaged to Caitlyn and still in love with each other – secretly; Blake McClare, still single; seven year old Maddie McClare; Bram Hughes; and of course their housekeeper Rosie O’Brien and Hadley, the butler who is nearly deaf and blind.  Not to forget Miss Behave – the family parrot.

 

Julie Lessman is true to her excellence in constructing a story, leaving one breathless as she ends almost every chapter with a question.   Ms. Lessman has a knack for creating page turners – consolidating several stories – each with a conclusion, some predictable – most all surprising!  However, be aware for explosions and mysteries to happen throughout.   You may think you can predict what might happen, but do not be too quick to assume anything where Julie Lessman’s writing is concerned.

 

Meg’s mother Caitlyn has arranged for Meg to be an intern for District Attorney Andrew Turner, who just happens to be Logan’s worst enemy, ex-best friend.   To complicate matters, Andrew is in love with Caitlyn and pursues a courtship with her.  And then – lo and behold – Devin Caldwell is also a summer intern for DA Turner and does not recognize Meg – until she prompts his mind.  Devin falls in love with Meg and they become close.  Meg cannot forget Bram and feels rejected.  Meg’s kindness helps turn Secretary Bonnie Roof from a weed into a flower so that George, the executive assistant DA would notice her.  One of Meg’s better qualities was her interest in bettering life for everyone.

 

All of the above led to heartache, romance, mystery, humor and exhilaration – even dirty politics melds into this story to thwart Caitlyn and Meg’s plans to wipe out the horrible plight of women and girls ensnared in the brothels of the Barbary Coast.   Hopefully you have read the first two books in this series.   You might better understand this tale – however “Surprised by Love” is easily a stand-alone story.  There is much more activity to entertain you including Jamie’s mother and sister’s story from a preceding book.  Believe me, you will never be bored!

 

Bram’s mature faith in God spoke to me time and again.  He mentored Logan into praying and believing.  You will not be able to hold your tears while he describes how he feels trapped into marrying Amelia Darlington to help his father’s business survive.  Bram’s guilty conscience over his involvement in hurting his father’s health and sight is well hidden – but just another reason why he cannot entertain the idea of being in love with Meg.  Julie Lessman’s own faith in God is so apparent in the prose and scripture that fill this novel with the beauty and splendor of God’s intervention with the characters.  Ms. Lessman has a proverbial pen that does not disappoint.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books in exchange for an honest review

INTRODUCING AUTHOR JULIE LESSMAN……..

Hello … I’m Julie Lessman, an Inspirational Romance author with a passion for God and a passion for romance. Since the age of twelve, I’ve been in love with the idea of being “in love.” It happened the moment Scarlett seared Rhett with a look on the winding staircase of Twelve Oaks. Suddenly I was a goner, spellbound by the emotional ebb and flow of romantic relationships.

As an adult, I quickly learned that true romance is spiritual as well as physical and emotional. And one pass through the “Song of Solomon” in the Bible told me that God was the biggest romantic of them all, deeply passionate in His love for each of us. Through my love affair with Him, I have discovered that romance can transcend to another dimension where romantic passion and spiritual passion merge, creating a 3-D love story: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together. I hope you enjoy my stories … and may they bring you closer to the Father’s heart.

I am a lucky wife, mother, and grandmother who also happens to write inspirational family-saga romance!! My tagline is “Passion with a Purpose,” so if you want to know what that is, check out my website at julielessman.comand/or my Facebook author page at https://www.facebook.com/JulieLessmanAuthor

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 14 Romance Writers of America awards and was voted by readers as “Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your Favorite Fiction.”

Chosen as the #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also awarded #1 Historical Fiction Author of the Year in that same poll and #3 Author of the Year, #4 Novel of the Year and #3 Series of the year. She resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter and is the author of “The Daughters of Boston” series—A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied. Book 1 in her “Winds of Change” series A Hope Undaunted ranked #5 on Booklist’s Top 10 Inspirational Fiction for 2010.

You can connect with Julie on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

MY REVIEW

OF

THE DAUGHTER OF HIGHLAND HALL

(Edwardian Brides Series Book II)

BY

CARRIE TURANSKY

ABOUT THE BOOK…….What if the title, the estate, the life of security and splendor… what if it isn’t enough?

Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must. Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband. With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain’s elite.
 
When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London’s East End. Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again. Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart for a different path, she must decide whom she can trust and love—and if she will choose a life serving others over one where she is served. 

…….MY REVIEW…….

What can I say that has not already been said in prior reviews regarding Carrie Turansky’s captivating story about Kathryn, The Daughter of Highland Hall?  How can Ms. Turansky always be at her best with each novel that she writes?  I really adored this book!  It has been quite a while since I read the first book in this series, and I had double the fun of re-reading parts of The Governess of Highland Hall – about William and Julia to refresh my mind and it picked up right where this book left off.

 

It is now April 1912 in London, England and the young teenager Katherine Ramsey is preparing for her presentation before the King and Queen of England, followed by her debut.  Where Katherine behaved as a bratty kid in the previous novel, it appears that she and Julia have come to a new understanding of congeniality.  Of course, when a woman like Lady Louisa Gatewood, Katherine’s aunt, insists that every well-bred young lady must be made ready for her debut into English society and ready for marriage – frustration sets in with all the curtsy practice involved.  Lady Gatewood aided Katherine in creating a list of qualifications for her future husband.  He would need to be a man of wealth and title. 

 

Let us refer to Katherine as Kate from here on.  Before coming to London from Berkshire, England – a bit of family history.  Kate would have inherited Highland Hall, but lost control of her inheritance upon her father’s death.  Her second cousin William Ramsey had taken her father’s title as baronet and became the master of Highland Hall as well as her guardian until she married.  Highland Hall in Berkshire had been partially destroyed by fire necessitating a move to Ramsey House in London.  Much of this story concentrates on Julia Foster and her family.  Jonathan Foster, her brother, was a medical student intending to return to India to continue the mission his family had begun.  Jon was employed by Dr. Pittsford who had moved his practice to the East End of London, a slum full of danger.  Jon lived in William’s home in London.  A wedding for William and Julia was in the future.  There was already strife between William and his brother David.

 

A nervous Kate had made a big faux pas at her presentation before royalty.  Imagine the uproar from Aunt Louisa!  Jon’s shoulder was available for Kate’s commiseration.  More trouble abounds when Kate’s lady’s maid learns her unmarried sister Helen is pregnant and in an abusive situation.  However at her debut, she met Edward Wellington who met every detail of her list.  Could this be her future husband?  Edward asked to court her, but was strongly influenced by his parents.  Then, emanated the big scandal involving Williams brother David.  Edward dropped out of the picture and Jon and Kate began to fall in love.

 

All of this and more creates a novel reminiscent of Downton Abbey….and I am fond of that series.  Ms. Turansky weaves together fascinating facts, mystery, humor, and faith in God and well developed characters with accurately researched Edwardian etiquette.  I am not at all certain how Carrie Turansky gives such a great pen to her ideas, but I am glad she is an expert doing so.  I am in awe of her writing – naturally making it all about God’s answers.  If you haven’t read The Governess of Highland Hall, I suggest you do before you read The Daughter of Highland Hall.  Both are stand-alone novels – that go together.  I am certainly looking forward to the third book, A Refuge at Highland Hall.  Might Ms.Turansky bring war and the wounded into this novel?  We won’t know unless we read it!

( I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Litfuse Publicity Group for my review.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…….

Born and raised in Oregon, my heart longs for tall evergreens, the rugged Oregon Coast, and the pristine Cascade Mountains. . . but I presently live in beautiful, but very flat, central New Jersey. This is the Garden State, so we enjoy shopping at our local farmers’ market for sweet corn and juicy tomatoes or picking strawberries, blueberries, and peaches at local farms. We are close to Princeton University, Philadelphia, and New York City, so we sometimes take day trips in and enjoy museums, plays, and touring around.

I am married to Scott and we have five great kids, two lovely daughters-in-law, a wonderful son-in-law, and four adorable grandchildren. My roles of wife, mother, and grandma are very rewarding and fulfilling for me. Scott and I partner in ministry at Calvary Chapel Living Hope, a church we helped plant along with a team of hardworking, Jesus-following friends. Our ministry at Calvary has been very gratifying and exciting for us. We feel blessed to have the privilege of serving the Lord with these dear frineds. If you would like to know more about Calvary Chapel Living Hope you may visit our website at http://www.takejesushome.com.

My husband is the author of several great parenting books filled with practical insight and godly wisdom. We invite you to visit our ministry website for parenting tips, articles, resources and much more. That web site is www.biblicalparenting.org.

I have been writing since 1999 and have published several articles, short stories, devotions, and essays. Writing fiction is my passion, and I thank the Lord for all the creative ideas and characters He puts in my mind and heart. I am very thankful for friends and family who have believed in me and encouraged me on my writing journey.

When I’m not writing you will find me enjoying time with my family, working outside in my flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or walking around the lake near our home.

http://carrieturansky.com

carrie.turansky.3@facebook.com

MY REVIEW OF TREASURY OF BIBLE STORIES:

 RHYTHMICAL RHYMES OF BIBLICAL TIMES

 BY KELLY PULLEY

Magnificent Tales are rhyming Bible stories with clever art and clear lessons that the whole family will enjoy. The stories and illustrations are so engaging that you won’t grow tired of reading and rereading a Magnificent Tale night after night! From “The Salty Tale of Noah and the Ark” to “The Lasting Story of the Last Supper,” the rhyming tales in this book remind us that God loves his people—in the Bible and today!

• Age Range: 4 – 8 years

…….MY REVIEW…….

5 STARS

What gifted artistry this gentleman uses to educate children four through eight about the Holy Bible.  Actually, it does not matter the reader level, child through adult.  This beautiful book will be a treasured storybook for years to come for each family fortunate enough to own a copy.  It appears that most of the reviews are written by much younger persons than I am.   My husband and I hold dear to us eighteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren (at last count), who we would enjoy sharing these stories.  Even though the grandchildren are grown I am sure they would want a copy of this book in their households for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to come.  Just one glance at the animation on the cover of this book would convince anyone of enchantment between the covers.

 

The poetry is so musically rhythmical that I can imagine David playing his harp….and singing the stories into Psalms.  That might seem a bit farfetched, but the book touches me this way.   The story titles are very witty; the subtitles thought-provoking.  Several reviewers have pointed out what they deem to be a scriptural discrepancy and repetitive in rhyming.  I disagree with that.  Mr. Kelly Pulley did a remarkable job with this publication which is a delight to youngsters and adults alike.  The graphics are fun and appeal to children brightly and imaginatively.  I could not pick a favorite story; each one charmed me for different reasons.  In fact, I even picked up new information or something I had forgotten long ago.

 

Kelly Pulley has created an heirloom.  He talks about God’s love for all.  I pray this book will become as important to families as a book of regular nursery rhymes.  It definitely is a treasury of Bible stories, magnificent in every way.  God bless you, Mr. Pulley for your unique gift.  Many will become aware of God’s love for the very first time – no matter what age.  Hey, I just started my Christmas list – can you guess what I will be giving this year?!

 

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT AUTHOR KELLY PULLEY…….

Born and raised in Wabash, Indiana, a small and quaint Midwestern town surrounded by miles upon miles of corn and soybean fields. Kelly was brought up to love art and creating art along with his three older brothers and younger sister by their artistically talented mother, while their father, ex-WWII bomber pilot, fireman and electrician, worked multiple jobs to keep them all in new converse sneakers. 

While still in high school Kelly took a job at The Shirt Shed, a large local sportswear screen-printing company. He remained in that industry for seventeen years working his way up from Production Artist to Art Director. 

At age 24 Kelly gave his life to Jesus Christ at a Free Will Baptist revival, changing every aspect of his life including the direction that his career would eventually take.

In 1995 Kelly made his way to Tennessee to illustrate the Beginner’s Bible series of books for Performance Unlimited and later, Mission City Press. He has illustrated dozens of books, most notably the best-selling latest edition of the Beginner’s Bible, which has sold more than 1.5 million copies.

Kelly now works from his Middle Tennessee home where he writes and illustrates original children’s books and freelance illustrates for others.

 
His authorial debut was, Ten Unusual Features of Lulu McDunn, which was released in August 2010. His second book, The Cycling Wangdoos, was released in August 2011. 

October, 2012 was the release date for the first two books in the Magnificent Tales series of Bible stories by David C. Cook, which was followed by two more in February, 2013.

Member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

Young Kelly Pulley

Children’s book author and illustrator.
http://www.kellypulley.com/

MY REVIEW

of

THE RIVER

by

BEVERLY LEWIS

She looked once more at the dreaded river. Since Anna’s death, it had been such a barrier . . . a place and a moment she could not seem to move past.
            
A line I can’t move beyond…
The River 

Tilly and Ruth, two formerly Amish sisters, are plagued by unresolved relationships when they reluctantly return to Lancaster County for their parents’ landmark wedding anniversary. Since departing their Plain upbringing, Tilly has married an Englisher, but Ruth remains single and hasn’t entirely forgotten her failed courtship with her Amish beau.

Past meets present as Tilly and Ruth yearn for acceptance and redemption. Can they face the future in the light of a past they can’t undo?

…….MY REVIEW…….

Unsure of what the title “The River” had to do with an Amish story, my choice to read this book was easily made when I saw Beverly Lewis was the author.  This story is written with twists and turns different from other Amish writings.  The Point of View was about two Amish sisters who had left Eden Valley, Lancaster, Pennsylvania before their baptisms to live the “fancy” life – in the English world.  The Conestoga River plays its part as the location where little sister Anna drowned one July afternoon leaving behind broken emotions on the entire family.  Tilly blamed herself that she was unable to save Anna and locked her feelings deeply within.  Tilly left her plain life behind – the memories of Anna’s drowning still raw and real.  She couldn’t face seeing the Conestoga every day.  She moved to Rockport, Massachusetts and eventually married Kris and gave birth to twin daughters, Jenya and Tavani.  Tilly’s younger sister Ruth left for different reasons two years after Tilly.  Will Kauffman had been courting her for a couple of years and suddenly jilted her.  With damaged emotions Ruth sought Tilly’s help to move to Massachusetts.

 

In 1977, eight years since Tilly had left; the Amish family was planning an anniversary celebration for their parents, Lester and Sylvia Lantz.  An older brother Melvin wrote a note to Tilly about their plans.  Tilly and Ruth decided to ignore the invitation and not attend – until Melvin called Ruth and told her of the recent news that their father was very ill and needed a pacemaker.   They reluctantly decided to go for the four day weekend.  They were apprehensive about being accepted and dreading their time in Eden Valley for different reasons.  For reasons unknown to Tilly, she and her father batted heads constantly and no love shown in Daed’s sternness toward Tilly.  Ruth did not want to see Will.  Particularly because she had a new love interest in her life, Jim Montgomery who was quite active in the church she and Tilly had joined.

 

Ruth planned to stay in her parent’s home, but Tilly decided it was best to stay with her favorite Uncle Abner and Aunt Naomi.  The large Lantz family spread over Eden Valley included twins Melvin and Joseph, Chester, Sam and his wife Josie who had been Tilly’s best friend.  The reunion did not go well at first mainly for Tilly – but wait – there is plenty to come!!  Tilly had kept Anna’s kapp without telling her Mamm and decided she needed to risk the telling of that secret.  It seems everyone had secrets and I wondered how the web would ever be unwound.  Ruth sees Will again and resists him at first, but finally joins him for a meeting at his insistence.  Uh oh, would she be tempted to return to the plain life?  You will need to find that out by reading the book.

 

Unresolved issues and relationships continue to plague all concerned.  It is not as though the sisters forgot the values and good upbringing they had, they remembered and still kept a deep faith In God.  Unexpected circumstances complicated life even further when Daed had an attack and needed to spend time in the hospital.  The sisters found out that their parent’s property had been deeded to Sam and plans were to move their Mamm and Daed into the Dawdy house.  They decided to stay a week longer to help.  Tilly moves to her parent’s house and sleeps in the Anna’s room where nothing had been changed since her death.  It was there that Tilly discovered a box which holds a long kept secret.  Now I must stop, because I’ll be telling you the entire story.

 

Let me just add that I felt much anger at the father for his treatment of Tilly.  I speak from experience of a relationship close to me where the father treated his step-daughter in that manner.  It is impossible to tolerate – only constant prayer will help.  I was also angry with Mamm for allowing it.  The truth will shock you, but good things begin to happen when God takes over.  Ms. Lewis has indeed written a very intriguing story and I am thankful from a personal standpoint to have read it.  There were some parts of the book that I deemed unnecessary to the story.  Overall it was excellent and I congratulate Beverly Lewis for still coming through with new ideas after the numerous novels she has written.

 

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…….

AUTHOR BEVERLY LEWIS

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in eleven languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, making music, and spending time with their family. Learn more at www.beverlylewis.com

♥.♥.♥.♥.♥.♥.♥.

AN INTERVIEW WITH

LISA LICKEL

AUTHOR OF

BRAVE NEW CENTURY

With the recent release of Brave New Century, author Lisa Lickel adds yet another contributing piece to her already-brimming resume. Set in Milwaukie at the turn of the century, Lickel writes of history, romance and of finding your way, even if it means blazing your own trail.

 

Blazing trails and finding her way when the path wasn’t so clear is a concept Lickel has mastered. Her career spans two decades, includes the death of a close friend in a space shuttle accident, and beyond writing to a successful pursuit into editing and mentoring. Perhaps the secret to her success can be found in the verse perched on her website’s home page: “Let us hold unswervingly to our faith, for He who promised is faithful.” ~Hebrews 10:23

 

In our recent interview, Lickel was transparent as she talked about her friend’s accident, her contributing story, Three Rings for Alice, that kicks off the Brave New Century novella, and of course, she filled me in on the impressive 160 year old house she currently resides in.

 

AUTHOR LISA LICKEL

MN-You have a fascinating bio, which includes reference to a former classmate who was killed in a space shuttle accident. How did that event contribute to your writing career?

LL-I still remember when I heard the news—I was driving and had to pull over. Hearing of Laurel’s death wasn’t exactly a catalyst, as I’d been taking the Christian Writers Guild course, but writing about it and seeing the piece published in the local paper helped me continue to pursue writing and make connections within the local publishing community.

MN-Of all the pieces that you have written, fiction and non-fiction, contributions to magazines as well as writing in the historical, romance and mystery genres, you say that your passion is inspirational fiction. What do you hope to ccomplish through your writing, especially as it relates to inspirational fiction?

LL-Fiction is almost always for recreation, for pleasure, though naturally most readers want some value for their entertainment money, whether learning about new places, customs, or taking a peek into an unfamiliar world. I hope to provide clean entertainment, maybe even some clean shock value, to show people who live in faith but still go through worldly troubles. People who practice faith have a different perspective in reaction to problems, so I show readers another path out of the woods, and hopefully make those who don’t have a faith system see that it’s not scary.

MN-You recently contributed to an anthology titled Brave New Century. Tell me a little about Three Rings for Alice and how you came up with the concept for this particular story.

LL-The story was originally written for Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents monthly newsletter that went out to their subscribers. Each newsletter contained a chapter from a serial story; no more than 500 words, one contemporary and one historical, alternating years. So, I tried writing a historical story about a young woman facing the turn of the twentieth century in the big city instead of on the prairie where so many historicals were taking place. When it didn’t sell, I re-wrote my story to pad it out a bit and put out a call for others to join me writing similarly themed stories for a potential anthology.

MN-I love your lead character, Alice. She has such spunk; I’d love to see her character alive and well in 2014. Do you think she would be more of a feminist or activist for those in poverty?

LL-Thank you. I enjoyed Alice, too, and really immersed myself in newspapers, photos, books, and reports of the era to get a feel for her personality. It was a changing time all over the world; people couldn’t rely on old family money, and women had to enter the workforce in order to survive, often even if they were married. I think she might be a social worker or at least a very benevolent business owner today.

MN-Why set your story in Milwaukee? Is there something about it that especially intrigues you?

LL-I live near that city; my concept was to show life in big cities as opposed to the prairie. Milwaukee is interesting, as it was settled by people of strong ethnicity who created neighborhoods for themselves and supported each other. It’s still the most culturally segregated city in the US, which is both bad and good. But Wisconsin was always a progressive state, and we have a rich heritage in producing goods and manufacturing. Milwaukee had a series of socialist mayors for decades into the twentieth century. When I read about building the new city hall and the modern innovations they used, I had the foundation for my story.

MN-So, tell me about this 160 year old house that you live in. I can only imagine the history connected to it.

LL-It’s a fun house, and as a historian of course I found out everything I could about it. Surprisingly it hasn’t been handed down from family to family, but each generation has been a different family coming in. It was built by a Great Lakes ship captain, then purchased by a German family who later built a hotel in a nearby city; I have a photograph of the house from that era, in 1881, when the house was already 30 years old. Then it was purchased by an Irish family who had ties to the little Catholic chapel in the neighborhood, then owned by a couple of other families who had family in the neighborhood. We bought it in the ’80s, and my youngest son learned to walk here. I’ve enjoyed it more than my husband, I think, as there isn’t a straight edge or 90-degree angle in the entire place, and we had to update the electrical and plumbing systems.

MN-What is your ideal writing location and how often are you able to go there and create?

LL-As an empty-nester I have the run of the house. I like to get up and down, move around, when I’m working, so I’m all over the place. I have a desk and a couple of chairs I’ll alternate between, even a deck. I have to discipline myself to take time for my own work as well as that of my editing clients.

MN-What is the go-to mantra that keeps you focused on your goals when life throws its many distractions your way?

LL-“It’ll be nice when it’s done.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…….

Author Bio- Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives with her husband in a hundred and sixty-year-old house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. Surrounded by books and dragons, she writes inspiring fiction. Her novels include the Buried Treasure mystery series (The Last Bequest, The Map Quilt and The Newspaper Code) and the Fancy Cat Mystery Meow Mayhem; as well as the award-winning romance, Meander Scar, A Summer in Oakville co-authored with best-selling author Shellie Neumeier, Healing Grace, Brave New Century, a historical anthology, an anthology A Wisconsin Harvest, Vol II, and The Last Detail. She has penned dozens of feature newspaper stories, short stories, magazine articles and radio theater. She is the editor in chief of Creative Wisconsin magazine and loves to encourage new authors. Lisa also is an avid book reviewer and blogger, a freelance editor, a writing mentor, and blogger. She is married to a high school biology teacher, and they have two sons and daughters in law, grandchildren and a grand-kitty.

You can connect with author Lisa Lickel at her website and on Facebook.

Meet Our Journalist

Mary is an avid reader, writer, editor and self-proclaimed advocate for the authors that make Christian publishing the great industry it is. She supports publishers by interviewing authors and promoting their new releases, as well as upholding a standard of ethics that defines the word “Christian”.  Her passion is to see the publishing business excel by promoting literature that speaks to our generation without compromise. Mary is the host of Marysworld Internet radio talk show, maintains a website affiliated with several publishers, and is a member of the Evangelical Press Association. (EPA) 

             Mary Nichelson
                                                            Mary’s World Website & Blog      Friend Mary on FB

MY REVIEW

 An anthology!  Actually, my first anthology review of four unique delightful novellas revealing a few significant chapters from the lives of four young women experiencing life changes through God’s grace during the time period of the early 1900’s.

 

Lisa Lickel authored Three Rings for Alice.  The title lead me to think of rings worn on fingers, however my thoughts were modified when I read this amusing story of telephones ringing, mystifying the young lady Alice with an intriguing voice she hoped to meet.  Alice was an emerging modern woman of her day, among the first women to work as the secretary to the Mayor of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Orphaned as a child, she is forced to make her own way, vowing to never marry….but….the fellows interested in marrying her are uninteresting.  Is it possible to fall in love with a voice over the phone?  Ms. Lickel displays her expertise to write a completely entertaining story.

 

Forgiven, written by Paula Mowery and set in Knoxville, Tennessee is a sweet classic story of Henry Smith and Jessie Lee Capelle, two young people falling in love at first sight.  Neither is aware that a tragic historic event involving both their fathers will come to light causing tumultuous interference to their engagement to marry.  Henry’s mother, widowed and losing a son in the past tragedy, has her mind set on Cassandra to become Henry’s wife.  The twists and turns in this romantic mystery kept me awake late.  A satisfying read that you will surely enjoy.

 

Kathleen Rouser brilliantly wrote The Pocket Watch – about Isabel Jones, an orphan, and  Dr. Daniel Harper so attracted to one another through an accident that the possibility of marriage to one another could cause tremendous scandal over this forbidden union by God and society of Detroit, Michigan.  Two inanimate objects, first a pocket watch lost, and a ring cause possible ended destiny for this beautiful couple in love.  Ms. Rouser has written a fascinating story with a blend of great characters – you won’t want to miss this read.

 

A Flame of Hope, composed by Teena Stewart is an ignited story of love during the disastrous San Francisco earthquake in 1906. Petite Lily McMinn works in her family’s mercantile and eagerly anticipates the visits of handsome Policeman Gideon Light who often drop by for lunch at the mercantile’s refreshment deli.  This couple is just beginning the blessing of a real love relationship when the earthquake occurred.  Gideon becomes the hero for Lily and her family. Learning to live through a deathly time for others is greatly challenging to all involved in this story.  Ms. Stewarts descriptive penning of events is excellent and enlightening as to how God works through dire situations to deepen faith.

 

Each of these authors encompasses the imagination to extend their writings to complete novels, if they had so chosen.  Their novellas are absolute breath takers, in that the wonders of compassion, forgiveness, new faith, soul searching and turn of the century occurrences for women to express their individuality has been well researched and expressed.  Lisa Lickel, Paula Mowery, Kathleen Rouser and Teena Stewart – you have glorified our Lord through your finely penned hands.  Thank you for bringing tears of emotion to my eyes.  To me, when I cry over a story, that’s a sign of a great writer.  We all need a good cry once in a while….after all, God does gather our tears in jars.  He understands why we shed them.  My prayers for each of you are that He will continue to bless you with words for readers to find praiseworthy.

All the above originally was published in The Wordsmith Journal Magazine in the past three months.

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MY REVIEW OF

JOYFUL: RETURN TO SUGARCREEK

by

SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY

BOOK DESCRIPTION……..

A young Amish couple gets a second chance at love in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s final book in her Return to Sugarcreek series.

Randall Beiler is doing his best to put his family and the farm’s needs first, even forsaking love. But though he tries, Randall knows he needs help caring for his younger siblings and keeping the house together.

When his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job taking care of the house and cooking for the family, Randall is furious—and guilty about the way he once broke Elizabeth’s heart. But when he learns that Elizabeth and her grandmother are struggling to make ends meet, he knows the offer, no matter how painful, is the right thing for everyone.

Elizabeth wants to refuse—to stay far away from the man who hurt her—but she needs the money. Though she vows to protect her heart, spending time in the Beiler household makes Elizabeth realize that, while she’s older and wiser, her love for Randall still burns strong.

Randal, too, seems to want something more. But does he want Elizabeth because he truly loves her—or because he needs a housekeeper? If Randall sincerely wants something more, he must find a way to show Elizabeth—or risk losing his chance at love forever.

Joyful includes a P.S. section with a letter from the author, discussion questions, and a teaser from her next book.

MY REVIEW

When I realized this was the third book in this series, I was surprised that I did not know about the first two in the series.  Shelley Shepard Gray is an exceptional writer.  Her stories are easy to follow and she eloquently expresses the feelings of the characters whether negative or positive. 

 

It was easy to understand Elizabeth’s confusion as to Randall’s feelings toward her.  She had far more maturity than Randall.  Randall seemed to be short sighted, which is comprehensible in the way he felt so much responsibility for his siblings.  He believed he did not have time for romance and dropped Elizabeth without being able to explain with honesty his purpose in doing so.  In my estimation, he made thoughtless decisions in many areas as well as being insensitive toward Elizabeth as well as his siblings.  Elizabeth put her whole heart into caring for her grandmother.  Since her mother had remarried after her father’s death, she seemed to leave Elizabeth to her own devices to earn money enough to care for herself and her grandmother.  Randall’s brothers devised a plan to bring Randall and Elizabeth together, hopefully reuniting them and help Elizabeth earn money.  Elizabeth’s patience with Randall and willingness to do her finest job is to be marveled.  Frankly, I lost patience several times with Randall and wondered what Elizabeth saw in him in the first place.

 

The two sub-plots were interesting, but I felt a bit frustrated whenever we were drawn away from Elizabeth’s story.  Although I could identify with Judith and Ben wanting to adopt James as their own child – I have three adopted children and could never give either of them up – I had empathy for James’s mother as well.  Pippa’s story was sweet and not long, but there was more I would have liked to learn about her and Bud’s story.  Perhaps Ms. Gray has in mind another story for her in the future.

 

Overall, I liked this story very much.  There are a lot of surprises and definitely much soul searching.  Ms. Gray’s imagination proved lively as she added fun and on again, off again chances for romance between Elizabeth and Randall.  You will need to read this story for yourself to find out all the answers you want to know.  You will fall in love with Elizabeth’s grandmother and her expressions of wisdom.   Particularly interesting are the discussion questions at the end of the book.   Even though I had not read the first two books in this series – Joyful is a stand-alone story.  Is there real joy in the end?  That’s for you to find out.  I am so thankful that God gives writers such splendid inspirations to write about.  You will never be bored with a book written by Shelley Shepard Gray!

 

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…….

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

SHELLEY SAYS……

I grew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.

I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree…but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.

Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.

I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.

Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed.

http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ShelleyShepardGray/timeline.

 

MY REVIEW OF 

SHENANDOAH DREAMS

(Third in the Winds of Change series)

by

LISA BELCASTRO

Tisbury, Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard.

“It’s just a dream,” Melissa Smith whispers as she stares into the intense eyes of a man dressed in Colonial clothes, as though stepping out of an American Revolution movie set. A school chaperone with Holmes Hole Elementary, she’d boarded the old schooner Shenandoah for a weeklong educational sail. But they aren’t visiting Plimoth Plantation, the Boston Tea Party Museum, or the Concord Bridge reenactment. They’re sailing the waters around the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Yet, when she awakes in Cabin 8, the captain claims to be Isaiah Reed, who sailed the original Shenandoah in the eighteenth century.
He cannot possibly be real, Melissa thinks. And traveling back in time is impossible. But days pass, and she’s still in 1770. What if Isaiah, who is simply too handsome to be real, is real? What if the fire he ignites in her from barely a touch isn’t in her imagination? Can a dream last for weeks on end? If so, how will she find her way home…to the twenty-first century? And can she bear to leave the one man who has captured her heart, when everything in her longs to stay?

 

MY REVIEW

 

“WOW, I thought as admired the covers of all three books in this series – they are lovely.”  That was before I read the book description on the back cover and noticed it said Melissa traveled back in time.  This reviewer is not a fan of time travel novels, but I love history. 

 

Being a land-lubber all of my life, I was not familiar with boats of any kind.   My family did sail on the SS United States when we returned from Germany ending my husband’s military assignment in Germany in 1962 – but all the terminology about sailing was foreign to me – especially on a schooner as large as the Shenandoah.  Like Spike, Melissa’s cat – I was unsure about what to expect on Melissa’s trip on the Shenandoah, but instead of complaining, began reading anyway despite my views of time travel.

 

During the first few chapters I was getting acquainted with Melissa Smith, who was enjoying being single after divorcing her abusive husband.  She had no intention of becoming romantically involved again – if ever!  She was well liked by the Holmes Hole students she taught and excited about spending her fifth summer as chaperone on the annual Shenandoah trip for the graduating fifth graders from each of the five island elementary schools.  Being a camera buff, she took many pictures of each trip and used them for making note cards as well as scrapbooks for each class.

 

On her way to board the Shenandoah Melissa contentedly thought about this two-hundred year old wonder that had been reconstructed and remodeled before Melissa was born.  It had been purchased by Captain Roberts in 1958 and now was a sleek tall ship with a black hull and long masts.  This year Melissa was staying in Cabin Eight, the only cabin which was left in its original state.

 

The first night Melissa had a vivid dream about a person named Adam replying “Ye must be relieved the Townshend Act has been repealed.”  Followed by a reply, “Aye, Adam, we must all be grateful, though the cost was dear.  Five men, five families.  I fear the violence has only yet begun.”  She had the sensation of falling….falling into a black hole.  I think that is as far as I will take you because now it really becomes interesting.   I will tell you that Melissa endures these dreams for two nights and wakes up in 1770 aboard the original Shenandoah and the story becomes intensely attention-grabbing.

 

Okay, okay….now I am a fan of time travel!  Not wanting to give any spoilers, I won’t tell you about Melissa’s life in the 1770’s – you won’t be freaked out…but you will enjoy a history lesson well researched by Ms. Lisa Belcastro and cleverly turned into twists and turns that I totally believed.  Faith in God was as real in 1770 as it is today.  Melissa said her prayers often before 1770, but besieged God with frequent prayers after falling through the black hole.  I will confess her prayers became confusing then….she was not sure for what to pray!  The ending was unexpected.  Lisa Belcastro did an exceptional job with this third novel and now if you will excuse me – I must read the first book in this series, Shenandoah Nights.  I’ll be back in November to report on that novel.  In the meantime, keep reading and thank God for writers like Lisa Belcastro.

 

LISA BELCASTRO

ABOUT THE AUTHOR………

Lisa Belcastro lives with her family on Martha s Vineyard. She was inspired to write Shenandoah Nights, the first in the Winds of Change trilogy, while chaperoning her first of two school summer trips with her daughter, Kayla. The weeklong adventure, sans electricity, Game Boys, iPods, and modern conveniences, kindled her imagination to dream of an altogether different voyage. Lisa pens the cuisine column for Vineyard Style magazine. She has worked as a staff and freelance reporter and photographer for The Chronicle of the Horse and as assistant editor at The Blue Ridge Leader.

She has written articles for USA Today, Dressage (London), USA WEEKEND Magazine, The Blue Ridge Leader, and Sidelines.

https://www.facebook.com/lisa.belcastro.5

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MY REVIEW OF CHILD OF MINE

BY BEVERLY LEWIS & DAVID LEWIS

 

Flight instructor Jack Livingston has been raising his eight-year-old adopted niece, Natalie, since the accident that took her parents’ lives. When he travels, Natalie is tenderly cared for by her Amish nanny, Laura Mast, who loves the little girl as her own.

  
Eight excruciating years ago, Kelly Maines’s baby was kidnapped. Determined to find her child, Kelly has tirelessly pursued every lead to its bitter end. And now, with the clock ticking, one last clue from a private investigator ignites a tiny flame of hope: Just a few miles away lives a young girl who matches the profile. 
 
Can this be, at long last, Kelly’s beloved daughter?

 

MY REVIEW

When I found that over 160 reviews had been written about Beverly Lewis and David Lewis’s recent novel, Child of Mine, I wondered if one more review would be needed.  What could I possibly add?  Indeed, this is an intriguing story!  Many a book by Beverly Lewis has kept me captivated, however the addition of her husband David Lewis changed the complexion of the writing of Beverly just a skosh.  This pair added several dimensions I had not noticed in other Beverly Lewis publications.  The authoress Lewis has written exclusively about Amish, but there was only one tie-in Amish person in this story, Laura, which will be explained momentarily.

 

For instance, I was caught up in the mystery involving a kidnapped baby Emily by her druggie of a daddy and sold to the black market.  His drug overdose following this inhumane action was well deserved, in my estimation.  However, the long eight year search for her daughter, made a bit easier through funds from a compassionate couple and a private detective, was exhausting and led nowhere.  The story begins with Kelly Maines resorting to tricking an eight year old girl in an attempt to get her DNA, only to find the child not to be Emily.  Of course, the hunt continues.

 

Next, we are introduced to Jack Livingstone who is a flight instructor and owner of Higher Ground.  Jack, a bachelor, is raising his 8 year old niece since a tragic accident that took both lives of Nattie’s adoptive parents.  He depends on Laura Mast, a shunned Amish woman, to help raise Nattie.  Then we have San, Jack’s sister, who bedevils him all the time about finding a wife.  He dates a few women, but fails to find one he could fall in love with.  Enter Kelly Maines, who is immediately attracted to Jack and especially to Nattie.   A love relationship begins between Jack, Kelly….and Nattie.  In the meantime, why was Laura shunned?  We learn of Jack’s childhood  – is this the reason he can’t trust women?   Kelly begins to see things from a different spiritual light.  Their relationship grows and suddenly changes to disaster.  Is Jack in love with Laura?  Jack wishes there could be romance for them – but finds he pushes Laura far away.

 

How far would Kelly go to find out if Nattie is her child?  My opinion is perhaps prejudiced, because I have three adopted children and I would go the lengths for each of them.  This story hit close to my heart.  It details every emotion possible on both sides of the story.  There is mystery – written in clean beautiful lines.  Nattie is adorable, however precocious at times, possibly due to high intelligence and living with grown-ups.  The story is a bit long, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it after finishing the book.

 

Of course, this reviewer skipped over all the flowery words felt while reading this exclusive story, because I only wanted to hit a few of the high spots to interest the readers.  Anyone who has not heard of Beverly Lewis and her exceptional writing, just is not a reader.  There is another author I have added to my list – David Lewis – who did a wonderful job of co-authoring with his wife.  I hope to see many more fascinating books written by this dynamic duo.  The ending is not as predictable as you might think.  God does work in mysterious ways – as shown in this emotional story of Child of Mine.  His grace is sufficient, indeed.

 

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

 

“Heartwarming scenes, well-developed storylines and realistic characters combine in this tale of a mother’s love.” -RT Book Reviews

 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS…….

 

Beverly & David Lewis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country, is a former schoolteacher, an accomplished musician, and an award-winning author of nearly ninety books for adults and children, many of which have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. Her novel The Brethren won a 2007 Christy Award for excellence in Christian fiction. Writing memorable stories set in Amish farmland brings Beverly continual joy and inspiration. Her own family heritage is Old Order Mennonite, but she has many dear friends among Amish communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado

http://www.beverlylewis.com/

 

David Lewis is the co-author (with his wife, Beverly Lewis) of the bestselling Sanctuary. Coming Home is his first solo novel.   An accomplished keyboard artist and piano teacher, was born in Minnesota and raised in the Midwest. He co-wrote the bestseller Sanctuary with his wife Beverly. They make their home in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains enjoying their three grown children and one grandchild.

 

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