The Crimson Cord

Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt.

Forced into prostitution by Dabir, counselor to the Syrian king, Rahab despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime.

In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls--or if she will ever know the meaning of love.


 Cafe Lily's Review:

I never tire of reading Jill's books.  She makes it SO hard for me to choose a favorite!

I loved The Crimson Cord, and what she did with the story of Rahab. Jill's books make the Bible come alive and I cannot recommend her enough to those who enjoy biblical fiction.

I really enjoy how this author fleshes out the characters and yet remains true to scripture.  Her writing is so vivid and descriptive, you cannot help but get caught up in the sights, sounds and smells of what is taking place.  Jill is a master at taking a character we may know very little about from a factual standpoint, and making interesting suggestions as to what lead them into a certain situation. Her story lines are captivating and believable - I look forward to the next book in this series.



 

The Beauty of Grace

In this hectic life, we all need a little peace, a little quiet, and a little beauty.

Combining heartfelt stories from some of today's foremost writers and bloggers with stunning photography of God's incredible creation, "The Beauty of Grace" is a haven of calm contemplation amidst the chaos.

This uplifting collection includes moving stories of cultivating friendship, waiting on God, choosing joy, staying connected, and more from popular writers such as Jessica Turner, Lisa-Jo Baker, Holley Gerth, Ann Voskamp, Bonnie Gray, Tsh Oxenreider, Leeana Tankersley, Emily Freeman, Margaret Feinberg, and many others. Each story is accompanied by an uplifting Scripture verse, and the book includes Dawn's stunning photos. Foreword by Holley Gerth.

 Cafe Lily's Review:

The Beauty of Grace was a very timely book - I found much encouragement and inspiration while reading it.   The topics were all very applicable and I liked that there was a variety of "voices" and view points.

There's even a male voice mixed in which was a unique surprise.  Only one though. The rest is by the ladies, for the ladies and of the ladies.  :)

Reading through this book made me feel like taking a deep sigh.  The weight of the world begins to melt and you feel a sense of relief, knowing others have walked the path ahead of you.

Whatever you face - whatever your obstacle or challenge, this book offers insight, encouragement and points readers to their only source of help.




 

The Dandelion Field

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn’t need a man to fight her battles....... 

After Raine’s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that’s compromised when Raine reveals she’s pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend’s son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: “The baby is mine.” Knowing gossip of Raine’s pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin’s reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin’s feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

Cafe Lily's Review:

I believe this is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The build-up was excellent, but the ending was a little too abrupt, in my opinion. After waiting to see what (if anything) would transpire between Dan and Ginevieve.....it was the only part of the book that left me a little disappointed.

The character portrayals are very believable. I liked how she truthfully described the church members actions and reactions - they were sad but true. It made Ginevieve easy to relate to and empathize with. Overall, I would recommend this book because the author did a great job with the subject matter and characters.

Sandwich Generation

Sandwiched in the middle. That's where I have been.

You'll notice the book reviews have slowed down around here.

I love to read.  (Always have, always will.)

It saddens me that so many great books seem to be passing me by.  I long to curl up on the couch for a whole weekend - nothing but a blanket, hot cup of coffee and good books surrounding me.

Nothing but the sound of turning pages.

(I still like books with real pages!)

I feel that way about life sometimes too.  So many things passing me by.   I need to stop and breathe.  See some daylight.  Just be.

I've been "sandwiched" for quite some time now.  Caught in the cross-fire of trying to figure out what middle age is supposed to look like, and caring for an aging parent.  Pulled in many directions.  Now facing health challenges with my husband.   (Who, for close to two decades, also helped his elderly parent.)

Recently I had a week where my mom was headed one direction in an ambulance, and my husband was headed the opposite direction for an MRI. On the same day.  Hours apart.

2015 should be interesting.

I think my word for this year is going to be "SURPRISE!!!!"

Not the, hey you just won a vacation kind of surprise..........

More like the jack-in-the-box pops up and startles you every.single.time, keeping you on the edge, waiting for the next "POP!"