The Work, Volume 1 By Elias Dummer / Integrity Music Former frontman for The City Harmonic, songwriter Elias Dummer makes his solo debut with The Work, Volume 1. This theologically rich collection blends folk-pop and intimate worship styles on “Enough,” “The Work (It Ain’t Easy),” “This Is Holy Ground,” and more.

Elias Dummer’s recent hit “Enough” will move you. My Pastor’s Wife introduced us to this song at a recent Bible study. The study is an examination of Paul’s letter to Colossians. The central message of this study is the supremacy of Christ and how he is enough. At each session we either open or close by listening to this song. Now at worship team practice with the lyrics in hand we are giving it a try. If you purchase the CD you can be treated to other creations by Elias Dummer.

I have not had Christian radio on for awhile since the reception both at home and in the car has been poor. Since I switched recently to streaming Air1 over the Internet I’ve had no trouble. There are many tremendous new songs to enjoy. Have you heard Matt Maher’s recent song titled Because He Lives. Also great! Happy listening.

The temperature is dropping. Winter is approaching. Time to curl up with a good book. Some great books to enjoy appear here. The Christy Award is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association. 

I met a June deadline and since then I’ve composed only note card sentences and business emails. My output with the written word over the last month has been meager. Yet, I’ve been busy if you measure my productivity in pounds of honey extracted from my bee hive, ample produce baskets harvested from the gardens, and my research notes from our state’s archives. Yes… pouring over 18th century primary source documents is where I’ve been spending my time. I’ve discovered some real gems back in the vault and among all the cataloged boxes. Facts I’ll use when my next deadline is near.

I’ve always been fascinated with primary source documents. Whether it’s photos, town reports, school reports, or tax inventories; each item has a story to tell. The vast library of digital images we have available at our fingertips is a great research aide. But nothing compares to holding the real thing in my hands.

While I’ve spent hours reading, researching, and interviewing people, I feel each step has opened up five more paths. I haven’t sifted out all the pieces I need, but I will push on. A September deadline is looming. All my inquiries and fact gathering will need to be crafted into a story. One that I hope is of interest to others and worthy of publication.

Writing coaches always tell you to read and read widely. This I’ve done. The best part of the long summer days is settling down after supper for a good stretch of night time reading. I’ve been happily immersed in many books since June, and each one has been a pleasure to read.

I also took a leap and joined a writer’s group. I’m careful with how I invest my membership dues, but this just made sense. I’ll give it a try for a year and decide later if the return on investment is positive.

The writing life is more than choosing active verbs and smart quotes. It’s fair to say, I’ll be a better writer as a result of my hours spent reading and researching.

Ever Faithful #3 By Karen Barnett / WaterBrook

Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett is a delight to read. The spirited dialogue flows smoothly and the pacing is spot-on. Historical fiction fans will savor every twist and turn. Barnett’s third novel in the Vintage National Park series is complete with a mystery, romance, and fascinating sub-plots. Like the previous novels in the series, the historical details are accurate and increase the book’s appeal.

Set in Yellowstone National Park during the Depression, the focus on the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) allows readers to get a glimpse of their contributions to our National Parks. While telling their story, readers are treated to some insights on the challenges these men faced prior to joining up, their backgrounds, and their hopes during a desperate time in America’s history. You’ll also laugh along with them as you experience their antics around camp. Nate Webber is a natural leader and a bright star in the story.

When the spotlight is away from the CCC camp, we meet three young ladies who are regular seasonal employees at the park. Elsie, Mary, and Rose are best friends who have spent many summers together but soon will be stepping into new life stages. Mary and Rose are close to college graduation with their future before them. Elsie finally has raised the necessary tuition and plans to attend college in the fall. Their friendship is a key ingredient of this story.

Ranger Brookes and Ranger Vaughan are also characters to love. Ranger Brookes, (Elsie’s Dad), is wise and kind-hearted. Ranger Vaughan not so much. When we first meet him, he is brash, condescending, and not very likeable.

The characters in Ever Faithful are vibrant. If there’s a fourth book planned for this series, I vote for seeing their stories continue a few years later at Glacier Park. At the end of Ever Faithful, some of the characters move north anyways due to employment or college so let’s see how their lives might unfold at this national park on Montana’s northern border. There’s more to tell with Elsie, Nate, Charlie, Red, and Mary. Readers would love to meet these characters again and not have to say goodbye quite yet.

I appreciate how Karen Barnett weaves a little science and reflections on the natural world into her novels. In Ever Faithful, her characters take hikes, enjoy scenic views, and interact with wildlife. Naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts will love this story.

Another strength running through this book is all the ways the characters were empathetic. We see Elsie, as a teacher, demonstrate acceptance and tolerance of different learning styles. Mary recognizes that supporting people and encouraging their dreams is an important part of every relationship. Elsie’s Mom, shares how forgiveness needs to be bestowed and living in the past is not a recipe for future success.

This is a book you’ll naturally want to share with friends. But you will ask for it to be returned because you will not want to lose it from your bookshelf. I read the previous two novels in the Vintage National Park series. I received an advanced readers’ copy of Ever Faithful from WaterBrook & Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

A Silken Thread By Kim Vogel Sawyer / WaterBrook

Choose this book next! Even if your to-be-read pile is a towering stack. You’ll be glad you spent time with Laurel, Willie, Quincy, the Rochester Family, and more. It’s a satisfying read with a detail rich plot.

Travel with Kim Vogel Sawyer to the fairgrounds of the 1895 Atlanta Exposition. Her account of this three month event is her starting point for telling a great story. Thirty years have passed since the end of the Civil War but racism and war memories pulse through the thoughts and actions of many characters. This story exposes how divisions based on skin color and economic standing perpetuate and inflict deep emotional injury. Hurtful remarks, jumping to the wrong conclusions, and more instances of social injustice are part of the narrative. The end proves what matters most. Good character, loyal friends, family, and faith.

The author demonstrates an expert ability to share a Christian message within a historical fiction novel. I never found it preachy or heavy handed. Just true words of wisdom shared from the heart. She even uses the title to remind us that God is always at work trying to draw us closer to Him. Sometimes it’s a fragile silken thread that he holds us by, but He is always there. More than one character speaks about the importance of seeking God’s direction when traveling on the path of life.

Even though this was a time when women were also denied many opportunities, most of the leading female characters possessed can-do attitudes who got back on their feet despite life altering setbacks. Miss Warner, Mama Millard, and Laurel are resilient and forward thinking characters.

Langdon Rochester takes the meaning of obnoxious to new heights. Throughout the book, you suspect he’ll come to a reckoning moment. This is just one of the storylines that keeps you reading to see how it’s going to turn out in the end. While you might anticipate some closing scenes, a good number will resolve in a surprising fashion. There is one major unanswered question that lingers at the end. Perhaps we can meet these vibrant characters in a sequel and discover the solution to this puzzle and more.

I recommend this book with enthusiasm. I reviewed an advanced readers’ copy from WaterBrook & Multnomah in exchange for my honest review. #ASilkenThread

Daughters of Northern Shores By Joanne Bischof / Thomas Nelson

The men are valiant and the women resilient. These are the lead characters in Daughters of the Northern Shore written by Joanne Bischof. It’s a plot that moves at a moderate pace at first, but finishes like a 50 yard dash. Initially you wonder how all the parts will weave together. We meet Northern European immigrants, a prodigal son, a deaf sibling, moonshiners, and a band of abusive and racist thugs. The action soon heats up to a feverish pitch. A strategy devised to end the thug’s tyranny is as good as any top-rated TV crime drama. Once it’s set to action, you’re right there with them in the smoke, confusion, and volley of ammunition. With the women safeguarded at a faraway location, you’ll root for the Norgaard Brothers and their allies, hoping they will emerge unscathed. No spoiler alert here. You’ll have to read the book to discover the outcome.

The post Civil War setting is unique and draws quite a story line out of an often overlooked consequence of sending thousands into battle during a time when sanitation and medical procedures were primitive.

Cora shares wisdom that soothes troubled souls. Eventually Haakon, the prodigal son, accepts the gift of forgiveness Cora describes and stops running from the consequences of his bad choices. At the conclusion, Haakon gains his heart’s desire.

There are no straw characters here. Tate Kennedy, the Doctor, Mrs. Sorrel, and Sibby are secondary characters with power. They unveil mysteries and take action when called upon. This book is a sequel to Sons of Blackbird Mountain. I did not read the first book, but this in no way hindered my interest in the sequel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and appreciated the author’s remarkable word choice. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange of my honest review.

Of Fire and Lions

By Mesu Andrews / WaterBrook

Mesu Andrews masterfully shares a great story with us. Characters come to life as if you’re going through their day with them. The dialogue flows easy and the family dynamics are so realistic. The scoundrels and evil doers say and do just enough to make them loathsome. Some readers don’t care for books filled with ancient Babylonian names. There is quite a roster of them in Of Fire and Lions, but don’t let it be an obstacle to this recent release. The character list at the opening is a great resource.

The starting point for this book is the Bible’s Book of Daniel. There are some gripping events that are accurately told in this historical fiction book. Three Jewish exiles survive a fiery furnace. Lions with insatiable appetites take no action, even though Daniel is sealed inside as easy prey. As you walk through these events with the characters you are drawn into an epic story that gives you new insight into the Babylonian Empire. Andrews’ research leaves no stone unturned.

Of the author’s three most recent releases, I have to say Miriam was my favorite. I read Isaiah’s Daughter and enjoyed it. Miriam was a Christie Award finalist two years ago, and Isaiah’s Daughter won the top award in historical fiction last year. This newest release, Of Fire and Lions, covers a lot of ground. Seventy years of captivity to be exact. A consistent, impressive story thread throughout the story is Daniel’s rock solid faith in his one true God. He remains steadfast despite being surrounded by a culture that is is hostile to his beliefs. This is captivating enough, but the transformation of some of the fictional characters is just as gripping.

In her author notes, Mesu Andrews writes that she hopes her fiction will drive readers to Scripture to delve deep on Daniel and the experience of the exiles. I know I turned to Ezra to look further into the historical record of Sheshbazzar and his role in the return to Jerusalem.

My goal was to finish this book by its release date. I was on track until I found myself savoring the book and not wanting it to end. This behavior is familiar to all readers who just don’t want to have to say goodbye to a good book. I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. #OfFireandLions #NetGalley

Under the Midnight Sun #3 By Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse / Bethany House

I read the first and last book in the Heart of Alaska trilogy.

Now I’m compelled to find Book 2 and read the series in its entirety. The setting grabbed me first. The characters enjoy the majestic Alaskan outdoors with plenty of hikes and riverside walks. Then there’s the bustling activity level at the Curry Hotel. The cast of characters wins you over immediately. You’ll just want to keep reading to find out how things turn out for them.

Just this week, I was reading the devotional publication titled Our Daily Bread. The verse at 1 Thessalonians 5:15 was featured: Here it is: “Always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” NIV When I read that I thought, “Wow…. this describes how the main characters in “Under the Midnight Sun” behaved exactly. They rallied around each other and offered words of encouragement when needed. When more than a listening ear was needed, they met that need. Sometimes babysitting was needed. At other points, characters tied on aprons and helped prep meals for the Curry Hotel’s many guests. At the story’s close, we see Thomas and Allan go above and beyond to protect Tayler, and allow her to keep working in a job she loves. The generous characters who thought of others thrived. While the unsavory types who were selfish and driven by unworthy ambitions fared miserably.

The authors, Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse, state at the opening, that this last installment is dedicated to telling Thomas’ story. What a story! We first met Thomas when he was an awkward, young orphan taken in by the Curry Hotel Staff. His mix-up’s and bungled attempts at completing tasks caused eyes to roll and many snickers. In Book 3, Thomas is a mature and caring man. You’ll love how his story ends. Tayler is a smart sophisticated young woman who is blazing her own trail. She is a protagonist to hold in high regard; one that is most deserving of a happy ending!  At the conclusion, some story threads come together as expected. More than a few resolve in a manner that will catch you by surprise.

I read an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.