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31 January 2013

Diana Flowers Reviews Love in Three-Quarter Time by Dina Sleiman



Love in Three Quarter-Time



Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars *****
 

Life's A Dance! 

In Love In Three~Quarter Time, Dina Sleiman literally sweeps us off our feet in this lovely cadence of a novel set in early 1800's Virginia. It is a time of much frippery for wealthy plantation owners; balls and dancing, beauteous gowns and coming out parties -- but underneath the guise of gaiety lie dark, buried secrets, betrayal, and forbidden lusts.

Our lovely and spirited heroine, Constance "Gingersnap" Cavendish is a natural born dancer. Totally ostracized by the townsfolk in Prince George County, Virginia, because of the horrible deeds and debts incurred by her deceased father, Constance devices a scheme to teach dancing to the daughters of the Beaumonts, wealthy plantation owners in the frontier town of Charlottesville. Unaware that they are Robbie Montgomery's family, she sets her plans in motion to give her widowed mother and two sisters a new life.

The undeniably handsome Robert Montgomery had made loving promises to Constance five years earlier as together they danced the "scandalous" waltz, only to turn his back on her when she needed him the most, leaving her heartbroken. When forced to dance together again, she is determined to guard her heart and turns her attentions to a virile, handsome, buckskin clad circuit preacher named Lorimer, who teaches her of God's love.

Both of these men have Constance's heart, but which one will ultimately win it? Why did Robbie betray her and her family and what dark secrets are both men hiding? -- and can Constance find it in her heart to forgive such unspeakable acts? Will she ever discover the freedom to love and worship God as Lorimer and his "congregation" find in their moonlit church in the woods?

This book was phenomenal! My emotions ran the gamut -- tears of happiness, sadness, laughter -- you name it! I absolutely loved these endearing, realistic characters, including the secondary ones as well. Never boring, this book is filled with twists and turns (literally!), and I found my heart soaring with the beautiful worship scenes. Filled with a strong thread of forgiveness and redemption, this is a book the reader will carry in their hearts forever -- for after all -- Life's A Dance!

This book may be purchased at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Question: What is your favorite dance?  Leave your answer and your email address (if you aren't a regular around OWG) to enter the giveaway.

Giveaway: EBook copy of Dina's "Love in Three-Quarter Time."


29 January 2013

Congo Dawn by Jeanette Windle Reviewed by Marian Baay

Congo Dawn


Reviewed by Marian Baay


Former Marine Lieutenant Robin Duncan is on a mission in the Congo to track down an insurgent killer. This killer is known by the name Jini—which means Ghost because he seems invisible. Robin is the translator with the security team that is tracking down this Jini. She has taken this job because she needs the money to pay her little niece’s surgery.

Five years ago Robin served with the Marines in Afghanistan. Her brother also served there and they became best friends with Michael Stewart—an army medic. During an attack Robin’s brother was wounded, but according to Michael it was not serious and Robin’s brother would be alright.
When Robin also got wounded and was in coma her brother died. From that time on she is furious with Michael for letting him die.
Five years have passed without a word from Michael. Robin is certain he feels guilty for letting her brother die.
Now she’s in the Congo standing eye to eye with Michael again…

Michael got severely wounded in the same attack in Afghanistan—therefore he couldn’t take care of Robin’s brother. While recovering from his injuries Michael didn’t hear anything from Robin. After several attempts to contact her, with disappointing results, he gave up. He thought there was more between him and Robin, but apparently he was wrong.
Now Michael is working for Doctors Without Borders in the Congo and after five years he is seeing Robin back again.

When they find out what happened in Afghanistan, will they believe and forgive each other? Will Robin and her team track down Jini in time, before it is too late for her little niece? What obstacles and shocking discoveries lie ahead of Robin?
When Robin is seeing all the suffering around her in the village, she can hardly believe that the people put so much trust in God. Their songs of praise are reminding her of her childhood, and make her think of God. Will Robin learn to put her trust in Jesus?

Jeanette Windle is a talented writer. She creates a believable story with a strong mission. A must read for lovers of suspense books that take place in a country with a turbulent political background.

You can find Jeanette's books at AmazonCBDBarnes & Noble and other bookstores.
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GIVEAWAY: An autographed copy of Congo Dawn. Leave a comment, your email, and answer the question to be entered in the contest.

QUESTION: Did you ever have to learn to trust someone again after that person hurt you?

27 January 2013

Jeanette Windle Interviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Jeanette Windle

Jeanette Windle is the author of Congo Dawn along with ECPA Christian Book Award finalists Veiled Freedom and Freedom's Stand and a dozen other international intrigue releases for both adults and children. I was fortunate to meet with her in Philadelphia last summer. She is a woman who is passionate about her writing and about the issues she addresses.

Jeanette, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers.  Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?
I can say honestly there are simply too many to narrow down the most difficult, some that remain too painful to share in public forum (if readers really want to glimpse the most private and profound of God's mercies and overcoming in my life, read my fiction, because my protagonists invariably walk through storms and struggles that God has walked me through). However I would like to share one of the more difficult chapters in my life because it is also one of my greatest stories of God's grace and love.
My husband and I had been serving as missionaries for many years in the Andean highlands of Bolivia, South America, when we began praying for a daughter. We had three sons, our oldest Mike, our adopted son Josh who had come into our lives after many years of not being able to conceive, then our miracle son born just ten months after Josh, Stephen. With all three sons now school age, we began praying for open doors to adopt a baby girl. In the fall of 1990, God gave us a beautiful two-month-old daughter we named Tanya Elizabeth. My sons were ecstatic with their baby sister. We had a wonderful first Christmas with her. But that very Christmas night we woke up about 3AM wondering why Tanya had never cried for her feeding. That was when we discovered that somewhere in the night Tanya had died of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
I had always considered myself a strong person. There had been hardships before in my life. Growing up as a daughter of American missionaries in the guerrilla zones of Colombia/Venezuela, I'd encountered bandits, riots, political and physical threat.  As an adult, I'd endured a knife at my oldest son's throat, muggings, robberies, personal assault, more riots and unrest.
Though I'd known fear, I'd always come through, put the past behind me. I had always known God was there, recognized God's control in every situation. I was a survivor.
Then came Tanya's loss. I had no idea bottom could be so far down. It wasn't just the loss of our daughter, but of the hope of ever having another child ever. We could not have any more children. When our hearts healed enough some months later to submit our names again for adoption, a corrupt local welfare administration informed us bluntly our last attempt had made clear our missionary salary could not compete with what had become a booming black-market for international adoptions.
As the months went by, I could not push the memory and loss of my beautiful baby girl from my mind as I'd managed with every other bad happening in my life. I couldn't bear to look at little girl's dresses and dolls and hair ribbons in the open air market. I remember breaking down in tears after delivering a gift to a dear friend who after two boys had just delivered a baby girl.
What I never asked was why.' After all, why not? In the Bolivian highlands, I lived surrounded by misery. Children starved in the streets. I knew women who'd lost their entire family to disease and malnutrition. National ministry leaders who'd lost loved ones because they had no access to the medical care available to my family.
Logically I knew millions were far worse off than I. I still had a husband, three adorable sons, a roof over my head and food to eat. Like Job, I never questioned that this was God's doing, not Satan or man or just the way the world was. God was in total control, and He alone had chosen to allow this in my life. So I bowed my head and submitted, but the pain was still there and deep.
I still remember vividly the night before American Thanksgiving, 1991, when our middle adopted son Josh, who was five at the time, called me into his bedroom after lights out. The next day I'd be hosting the entire expatriate missionary community for Thanksgiving. But the day had another significance. Because of odd Bolivian laws as to age of adoptive parents, the time needed for processing adoptions, our own upcoming furlough back to the US, the next day was the absolute final deadline for our adoption of a child in Bolivia--ever! With no such possibility in sight, I had just that day laid aside my last hope that we might have a daughter .
Leaning out of his upper bunk, Josh demanded anxiously, "Mom, does God really answer prayer?"
"Why do you ask that?" I asked him.
"Because we have been praying so long for another baby sister, and we still don't have one."
What could I say? I knew the Biblical answers, and I'm sure I gave some correct parental theological response. But I wasn't so sure I believed it myself. All I knew was that God knew exactly what He was doing with my world. And that I was still hurting.
One passage to which I was drawn repeatedly at the time was Lamentations 3:19-26).  "I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (NIV)
In those words was the hope I could cling to in life's storms. Not looking back to the affliction and wandering, bitterness and gall, but forward to the love, compassion, faithfulness of our Lord, new every morning.
Is God's compassion and love for real? You bet they are! I remember vividly as I woke up the next moment thinking, "Okay, this is the day. Don't think about it. Focus on getting ready for company."
I'd taken my three sons to a neighbor for a birthday party and was stuffing chickens (no turkey!) when the phone rang. On the phone was the social worker who'd processed our first adoption.
"Do you still want a daughter?" she asked. "Because I have a baby girl here abandoned on the farm where my brother works. If you want her, you can take her directly home, and I will personally do your family court paperwork so she doesn't go into the system to be sold to the highest bidder."
When the neighbor brought my sons back from that party, their baby sister was sitting in a stroller in the front room. To this day our daughter Ellie reminds her big brothers that she is God's answer to their prayers (and sometimes they kid that they wish they hadn't prayed so hard!)
Did God have to answer my prayer?  (though, in fact, I had already given up on praying) No, He didn't. There have been times before and since then when His answer has just been 'No'. That I've simply had to endure, grieve, come through loss. But that moment when the phone rang was like God reaching down from heaven to say: "Jeanette, here's just a little something to say I love you. I have always loved you, I will always love you."
Trouble has come into my life often enough since then. It will in the future too, I know. The son who asked that question about prayer has taught me that a child wandering from God can be a worse grief than a child's death. And has taught me as well how much God loves us even when we fail because I know how deeply I love my son and how much greater God's love is than mine.
As for me, in everything that has ever come into my life since that day, one thing I have never doubted for a moment is God's all-encompassing love and compassion for me. I have always been able to look back, point at that moment, and say, "He did that just because He loved me;. If I've let Him down often enough, He has never let me down. And He won't let me down now."
Our heavenly Father's compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.


What is your favorite bible verse and why?
While again I have too many favorite verses (including the passage above) to choose just one, I do have what I call my "life verse", which God laid on my heart during my teen years. "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."--Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
This verse continues to mean much to me because I am so deeply conscious of how far I fall short of being like my Savior. In the midst of struggle when at times it seems that the good work God began of transforming me into the image of His Son is going backwards instead of forwards, the promise that one day God--and not I!--will bring that task to completion when I am at last in the presence of Jesus Christ is an anchor I can hold onto amidst any storm.
Congo Dawn
Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 

Both Congo Dawn and my last title, Freedom's Stand, are available in audio-book. All of my titles are available in e-book and can be listened to through the audio function of the e-book, at least for the Kindle downloads.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

My ultimate goal in every book I write, however much a "thriller," is to share with the reader my own heartfelt conviction that, for all the turmoil and conflict and pain in our world, this universe does make sense and has both a purpose and a loving Creator. The scenarios in my books are only too real. But if a life spent in some of the planet’s more difficult corners has taught me more than I wish I knew about the depravity of which a godless mankind is capable, it has taught me far more of God’s overriding sovereignty and love. If I did not have the absolute assurance that the course of human history and current events as well as my own life lie in the hands of a loving heavenly Father, I would not have the nerve to research, much less write, the stories that I do.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

One impact of writing each new book set in a different corner of the planet has been impelling me to more prayer for that part of the world and especially my brothers and sisters in Christ there. While writing my two Afghanistan titles, Veiled Freedom and Freedom's Stand, for instance, I will never forget sitting in a women's prayer time in Kabul (behind closed doors as is necessary under the current regime as much as under the Taliban). One woman prayed that God raise His hedge of protection around us against the power of the Prince of Persia. The hair stood up on my arms as it suddenly sank home that I was sitting literally in ancient Persia, territory of the same demonic prince (see Daniel 10) who was powerful enough to hold off for twenty-one days the angel sent to answer Daniel's prayer. Only when Michael the Archangel entered the fight was that angelic messenger able to break through. That experience above all motivated me to pray deeply and constantly for those serving the living God in the midst of such spiritual war zones in Afghanistan and elsewhere. 

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?

The seeming paradox of an all-loving, all-powerful heavenly Father intersecting with ultimate human suffering is a strong theme in Congo Dawn, especially related to violence against women, children at risk, human trafficking. My last two Afghanistan titles, Veiled Freedom and Freedom's Stand, deal strongly with freedom of faith issues.

Thank you, Jeanette, for agreeing to answer these questions. Your testimony is one of the most powerful I have seen here on OWG!

Jeanette's books are available for purchase online and in bookstores. (Click here.)
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GIVEAWAY: Jeanette has generously offered an autographed copy of Congo Dawn to one of our readers (within North America.) 

Share the following TO ENTER: What is one of the prayers God answered for you? Leave your email address if we don't already know you well. 



26 January 2013

God's Image by Teresa Mathews


 
     Before the world was, I was there
And in my heart you were.
I could see the child that you would be
And the things that would occur.

I made you in my image

So you are precious in my sight.
Your very being I gave to you
When into your body I breathed life.

No matter where you go

I will always be there.
Watching out for you
Keeping you in my care.

No one will ever harm you

I will keep you near.
My angels will watch over you
To make your pathway clear.

You are my dear beloved

I will hold you in my hand.
Until that day in Heaven
Before me you will stand.

Teresa S Mathews 01/20/2013



23 January 2013

Noela Nancarrow Reviews No Safe Haven by Kimberley and Kayla Woodhouse

No Safe Haven

NO SAFE HAVEN
by KIMBERLEY AND KAYLA WOODHOUSE
(B&H Books, 2011)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

A Peril filled Page-turner!

This story starts off with a power-packed punch with Marcus Gray sitting in his car and suddenly seeing an unmanned car racing toward him in his rear view mirror. In his last moments, the images of his beloved wife and precious daughter fill his thoughts along with the knowledge that the remote-controlled car was undoubtedly filled with explosives...

Jumping ahead to one year later, the intense drama doesn’t let up at all! Marcus’ widowed wife Jenna Tikaani-Gray and twelve year old daughter Andrea (Andie) are on a small plane flying from out of their town Anchorage, Alaska, and headed for home along the Chena River. But disaster strikes when their pilot friend Hank, unexpectedly pulls a gun on the last-minute passenger travelling with them! Unbelievably, Hank also shoots the plane’s radio. This unfamiliar passenger on Jenna’s plane is able to knock the gun out of Hank’s hand as well as the knocking out Hank too, but their lives are in grave danger with the plane having no radio, working controls, or fuel left, and the very remote and treacherous Mt. Sultana rushing is towards them!

Cole Maddox, the mysterious man on the plane is the only one that Jenna and her daughter Andie can rely upon to help them stay alive in this freezing and hostile environment that they’ve crashed in to. But who is he and why was he even on the plane? Clearly a man with some secrets, can he even be trusted? When a fierce winter storm rages, along with alarming injuries to some of the survivors, elevation sickness, and Andie’s rare neurological disorder, everything seems against them. In addition to this, there are people that want to kill them no matter what it takes. Can they all manage to possibly survive?

No Safe Haven is a relentless tale of suspense, danger, and intrigue. From jaw-dropping moments to tissue-grabbing occasions, this story is an undeniable page-turner that will be near impossible to put down! Add to all that a sweet romance and you’ve got yourself a story you’ll cherish.

Woven throughout this story also is the eloquently explained message of salvation… movingly expressed and perfect for those who could benefit from this important message without being too preachy.

The characters are all well-developed, interesting and unique, and I fell in love with the bright, feisty and charming Andie straight away! She had a heart of compassion for others and a deep love for God. But this enchanting child unfortunately suffers from HSAN (Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy), an extremely rare nerve disorder where she cannot sweat or feel pain. What were hazardous situations already, became even more dangerous for this courageous young girl.

And what made this incredible story even more so amazing and real, was when I discovered that Andie was based on co-author Kayla Woodhouse who suffers from this disorder in reality. I remain deeply inspired by this beautiful mother and daughter duo and thank them both for this exciting and brilliant story while bringing awareness to this very rare condition!

Kim & Kayla's books can be purchased through CBD, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores.
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GIVEAWAY: Kimberley is graciously giving away a bunch of books this week! Leave an answer to the question to enter.

QUESTION:  Do you or have you ever suffered from a condition where you have felt alone in your experience and if so, what has helped you through it?


22 January 2013

Marian Baay reviews Denali Dreams by Kimberley Woodhouse & Ronie Kendig

Denali Dreams


Reviewed by Marian Baay

Mountain Wishes by Kimberley Woodhouse

Karon Granger is a 32-year-old cancer survivor. God gave her a second chance to live and now she’s planning to really live her life. It is her wish to climb the highest mountain in North America—the Denali in Alaska. Her other wish is to fall in love, get married and have children.

After a year of preparation, she is leaving for Alaska to climb the Denali, together with her brother. While she is in Alaska she meets a handsome mountaineering ranger named Zack. She is attracted to him and he also shows interest in her. But Karon is afraid that he will turn her down when he finds out that she had cancer.

While climbing the mountain they get into a dangerous situation and Zack and his crew must go out to their rescue. Will they get to them in time? Is Karon strong enough to stay on her feet while waiting for the rescue team?

I love adventurous stories and I love mountains, so this story was right up my alley. I really liked Kimberley’s writing style. The only regret I have is that the story was so short.

Daring Heights by Ronie Kendig

Jolie Decouteau is a rich heiress and someone wants her dead.  She’s going on a trip to climb the Denali with some friends to be away from the assassin, but will she be safe? The Denali took her brother’s and his girlfriend Mariah’s life.

David Whiteeagle—one of the rangers at Denali—was Mariah’s brother. David blames the Decouteau family for his sister’s death. When Jolie and David see each other again old hurts rise. David is determined to avoid Jolie as long as she’s around Denali. But when Jolie gets sick and disappears on Denali David has no other choice than to go after her. Soon they discover that the assassin must have followed Jolie, but who is he? When spending time together they speak about their feelings. Can David ever forgive Jolie for being a Decouteau? And is there a chance to find love for them?

Taking Flight by Ronie Kendig

Deline grew up in Talkeetna. Her father has a restaurant where she’s helping when she’s not flying tourists around the Denali in her Otter.

Logan started working with the Denali rangers two years ago. He has liked Deline from the start, but Deline is a tough girl who doesn’t need anybody…so she thinks, so Logan never had the nerve to ask her out. When accidents start to happen and Deline’s life is in danger, Logan and David are trying to help her and a special friendship grows between Deline and Logan. Who is after Deline? Why is her life in danger?

Denali Guardians by Kimberley Woodhouse

Josh is one of the newest rangers. He has set his sights on Deanna—a fellow ranger. Deanna has lived in Talkeetna for some years now. She is friendly and has a smile for everyone, but she has a secret she can’t share with any of her fellow rangers—she has been hiding in Talkeetna from an assassin who murdered her sister and parents. After years of hiding in Talkeetna she receives a letter from the assassin that he has found her. Deanna calls the FBI for help and they ask Deanna’s fellow rangers to guard her. Josh is also one of the guardians. They get to know each other better and are falling in love. Can Josh and the other rangers keep Deanna safe? Will they catch the assassin before he can hurt or kill Deanna’s guardians/rangers?

Four love stories in one volume—what a feast! I’ve been a fan of Ronie Kendig’s writing since her debut novel. This is the first work by Kimberley Woodhouse I have read and I love it!

*Thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy through NetGalley.*

Kim & Kayla's books can be purchased through CBD, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores.

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GIVEAWAY: A book by Kimberley Woodhouse of your choice.

QUESTION: Have you ever been to Alaska or would you like to go?

20 January 2013

Interview with Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse is the author of Mountain Wishes and Denali Guardians in the DenaliDreams novella collection, and of Welcome Home, A Life That Matters, No Safe Haven, and Race Against Time.

Kimberley, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers.
 Woodhouse Family Welcome Home!
 
Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?
That would have to be the diagnosis of my daughter’s rare neurological condition, and then again, when she was diagnosed with another rare condition and had to undergo brain surgery. Those were the toughest days of my life.
When Kayla was a baby, we noticed there were some things “not right.” We immediately started searching for answers only to find out two years later that there would be no “cure,” no easy fix. The Lord worked on me in a huge way. Through this process, I realized not only that I didn’t control anything, but I didn’t want to be in control anymore. God is the Great Physician. He made Kayla, He understood her—even when all the doctors were baffled. And I found myself no longer searching for answers because I knew the One Who had the answers.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?
James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, knowing that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
It’s hard to face trials and tough times, but through each and every one—I’ve learned precious lessons. I’ve leaned on the Lord wholly and completely. And I’ve been able to praise Him through it.
Our faith will be tested, but we must persevere. I’m looking forward to heaven and being mature and complete. Aren’t you?
No Safe Haven

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?
I know No Safe Haven is available in large print/hardcover.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
That the joy of the Lord is real. It’s always there. No matter what. It’s our job to grab onto it and hold on!
Denali Dreams

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
Oh, each project has taught me so much. Mountain Wishes taught me a lot about cancer survivors and my dear friend who passed away.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  
Cancer, cancer survivors, stalking, and many others issues including fear. I know books can be used in healing in so many ways.

Race Against Time




Thank you Kimberley for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!
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GIVEAWAYS this week: Kim is giving away 2 copies of each of her books!!! THANKS, Kim!

TO ENTER the contest, you must 'like' Kim's author page on Facebook, and leave a comment here. When you have 'liked' Kim's page then put KW in your comment and you will be entered.




19 January 2013

Sanctity of Life



UNBORN LITTLE ONE

Wow Oh Wow Where Am I Now?
It’s so nice, warm and cozy, I really like it here.
I wonder what that noise is that I always hear?

I wonder if that’s my Mommy,
Could it really be true?
Jesus told me I would have one, I hope Mommy that’s you.

I like it when I’m rocked,
I wonder why that’s true?
Could it be Mommy I already love you?

From the moment I first came here
With a little beating heart
I knew that I loved you right from the start.

Pretty soon I’ll leave here
From my cozy little place
Then I’ll finally get to see Mommy’s pretty face.

She’ll hold me in her arms
And say she loves me so
It will be so nice, maybe she’ll never let me go.

Mommy I love you with all my heart
I know you love me too
‘Cause you let me stay here and spend this time with  you.

I once heard of a Mommy
Not so very nice
She “threw away” her baby and didn't think twice.

Thank you my sweet Mommy
You cared so much for me
You decided it was great to have me in your tummy.

Dear Jesus thanks so much
For looking out for me
Thank you for my Mommy who decided to keep me.

©Teresa S Mathews 1-20-2008


In honor of Sanctity of Life Sunday tomorrow I wanted to post this poem. I am not trying to condemn anyone so I hope no one is offended by this. I am only sharing what is on my heart. This blog is about Overcoming With God and no matter what we have done in our past we can overcome it with God's help.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9





17 January 2013

Teresa Reviews Beth Vogt's "Wish You Were Here"



Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt
Howard Publishing, 2012
4.5 Stars****


In this fun tale of “nothing like waiting ’til the wedding to realize I don’t want to marry you” Beth K. Vogt takes us on an exciting, albeit sometimes, upsetting adventure in the life of Allison Denman.

Allison Denman for years has wanted nothing out of life but to feel she is worthy of love. As a small girl something happened to Allison that has had devastating and lasting effects on the way she sees herself. She just wants someone to love her and make her feel safe. So when in high school Allison meets Seth Rayner she thinks her dreams have come true. But is he exactly what Allison needs or is she missing what God really wants for her life? Allison convinces herself Seth is safe and safe is what she wants, so when Seth asks her to marry him, she says yes.

Since a young man Seth has always played by the rules, he never caused his parents any worries, he went to the college his father picked out and now he is in line to become the owner of the family business. But if Seth is so perfect why does Allison have all these doubts days before the wedding?

When Seth’s older brother, Daniel shows up at Allison’s door five days before the wedding to help her move, Allison thinks nothing of it. There’s nothing to be concerned about, Daniel is like her big brother too since she has known him just as long as she has known Seth. Just because he is so ruggedly handsome and lives an adventurous life and her heart does funny things when he is near, it doesn’t mean anything. When Daniel goes to leave after helping Allison, somehow he finds himself kissing her. What is he thinking? What is Allison thinking? What could possibly come of this? Nothing good if Seth finds out.

On the morning of their wedding Allison is trying so hard to be in a happy mood but somehow nothing is working. She has to go through with this, Seth has planned the perfect wedding she can't ruin it by not showing up. As Allison is walking down the aisle to marry Seth she is still torn by doing what is expected of her and what her heart feels is the right thing to do. Can she do this, can she marry Seth or does God have something much better in store for her life? 

Beth took a “runaway bride” story and added a lot of depth, it was what I expected and even more. Beth takes us through a lot of Allison’s emotions during this conflicting time in her life; she even has to deal with an issue she thought she had overcome as a teen. When I was given a copy of this book to read I honestly thought this would be a quick, quirky, fun read that I would blow through in a couple of days. Boy was I wrong! Thanks Beth! I can't wait to read more of your work!

You can find this terrific book by Beth at Amazon, CBD, Books A Million, and other stores.


Giveaway:  Leave a comment to win a giveaway of Beth's book! She may even autograph it!







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