Miracle In A Dry Season

It's 1954 and Perla Long's arrival in the small town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed.

She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle. Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor...until he meets Perla. She's everything he's sought in a woman, but he can't get past the sense that she's hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla's unique way with food brings both gratitude and condemnation, placing the pair in the middle of a maelstrom of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.


CAFE LILY'S REVIEW:

It's hard to believe this is Sarah Loudin Thomas's debut novel!  

I am so anxious to read her next book.  Her style of writing is very easy to relate to, and the characters are impossible not to fall in love with.  I sank right into this story and never wanted it to end.

This book takes readers back to a time when life was simple, work ethics were strong and the neighbors pulled together when tragedy struck.  Or so they were supposed to. 

This book also takes readers on an emotional journey of one woman's sin magnified by many.  While reading this story, the scripture about "he who is without sin, cast the first stone" came to mind many times. 

My heart broke for Perla, who so desperately wanted a fresh start.  My heart soared for Casewell, who demonstrated what it meant to be a real man, in the midst of gossip and slander.

This book was an amazing read.  I can't wait for the next book in this series.  5 stars - highly recommended!


 

$10 Great Dates

If you need some fresh inspiration for dates with your spouse, this book has a lot of great ideas. 

The dates are meaningful and don't break the budget.  The dates are grouped into categories such as Adventure, Outdoors, Romantic, Unique and more.

Not only are there suggestions for each date, but ideas of what to discuss with talking points.

This book is a great resource to help motivate couples to spend quality time together.

The Sign Painter

Amy Dowell had always considered herself a very good mother. But when she loses her husband to illness and her home to debt, she finds herself and her young daughter, Kimberly, living on the streets as she struggles to find a job that will get them back on their feet again.

When Amy meets Lucy Watts, the pastor in charge of the church program that fed Amy and Kimberly their latest meal, Lucy sets them up in temporary housing and gives her a lead on a job painting signs for a local auto dealership--but Amy is hesitant to let go and trust. Is this finally a legitimate break?

Can Amy subject herself to the possibility of disappointment and hurt by hoping again? Inspired by the true story, The Sign Painter is a tale of desperation, taking chances, and ultimately redemption.

This heartwarming novel blends mystery, romance, and characters you'll root for, will leave you wondering-Is home really where the heart is?



Cafe Lily's Review:

I thought this book was amazing even though it ended up having more of a suspense feel to it than I expected.

Typically I'm not a big fan of mysteries and suspense but this was such an interesting read that I could not put it down.  The characters were easy to connect to and this book touched on a variety of topics.

While there are many issues being dealt with and various characters to keep up with, the book was easy to follow and flowed well.

My heart was broken for Amy and her daughter, and I felt myself pulling for them all the way through this book.   I really liked how the author kept it real, when dealing with the church's attitude on homelessness and the impact running the shelter had on the congregation.  It was portrayed as a very believable scenario.

I highly recommend this one!


 

Imperfect Marriage

Darryl and Tracy Strawberry admit they have "made every possible mistake you can make in marriage." Together, this devoted couple has suffered through--and survived--adultery, addiction, financial destruction, and many other all-too-familiar struggles.

A no-holds-barred account of their personal journey, The Imperfect Marriage provides a step-by-step program that will help you and your partner understand the key issues that could be causing damage in your relationship and recognize turning points on the journey toward marriage restoration. Darryl and Tracy Strawberry know firsthand what it takes to make it through the battle and how to come out victorious. Beginning with putting God at the center, their words will inspire you to transform your marriage into an enduring and vital relationship.

The Strawberrys keep it real and preach it real. They deal with real people, real problems, and offer solutions for the present. Through candid anecdotes, a great deal of self-awareness, and a true sense of honesty, Darryl and Tracy offer the vision, encouragement, and practical advice that every healthy marriage needs in order to thrive.

Whether you and your partner are looking to heal a broken relationship, or avoid the mistakes that doomed a past one, The Imperfect Marriage offers the guidance and wisdom you need to make your marriage a success.


 Cafe Lily's Review:

This book was better than I expected. 

I respect the authors for not focusing on their "celebrity" status, but consistently pointing readers in the right direction and focusing on God.

Though it was hard to read about everything this couple went through, the ministry that was birthed out of their pain is amazing.

I was very impressed by the advice and suggestions in this book and highly recommend it for anyone who may be struggling in their marriage.  

They give examples of safeguards, what true forgiveness is, and how to be the "spouse in waiting" if your mate isn't ready to change.

This book is very easy to relate to and real.  It felt like having a normal conversation with Tracy and Darryl.  I wasn't completely familiar with who they were, but by the end of the book I felt like I knew them.

They share their heart, along with their mistakes and what they learned from almost losing their marriage.

Highly recommended - would make an awesome gift book for anyone you know who is struggling in marriage.


 

Surviving Henry

As much chaos and damage as Henry has caused his owners, he provided me with several good laughs! 

This was a cute story to read and very heart warming. The book cover alone made me want to read this book. 

As the owner of a rescue pup, who tends to be an emotional train wreck, I could easily empathize with Erin's plight. I liked that she was honest about her feelings, and at times wondered if she had made a mistake in bringing Henry home. 

Owning a dog like Henry, has given Erin and her family a crash course in patience, love and commitment. And it appears their prayer life is richer too. *smile* 

Don't let the sweet face on the cover fool you - Henry is not for the faint of heart! 

I highly recommend this one for all dog lovers, especially those who have strong willed pets. Henry just might make YOUR little darling, look even sweeter when you turn the last page.