TITLE:  River to Redemption
AUTHOR:  Ann H. Gabhart
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****

Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she'll face an uphill battle.

River to Redemption opens with tears, as young Adria watches her family die from cholera. Enter Louis, a strong man of even stronger faith, who serves his master and his God faithfully. He and Matilda, another slave, take care of little Adria and find her a home with the young widow, Ruth.

At the beginning, I assumed this story was about Adria; then it seemed to be about Ruth and Pastor Will. All three points of view are featured, including a great deal of introspection. I admired the spunk and frustration of Adria and the gentle goodness of Ruth, and hoped for both their dreams to find fulfillment. Louis, however, is the character I admired most, so I was thrilled to read the author’s note revealing that Louis’s story was true.
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I enjoyed River to Redemption—especially its factual base—and award it four stars. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Sulphur Mountain is named for two sulphurous hot springs near its base, and at nearly 7500 feet elevation, it is one of the tallest mountains in the area. There is a "moderate" trail to the summit, but since I'd barely handled the "easy," 2.2 mile (return) hike up Tunnel Mountain, I voted for the gondola ride. 

My husband and grandson wanted to face outward in the small gondola cabin. Fine with me--zipping all the way up the side of the mountain in eight minutes was enough of a thrill. The view from the top was absolutely amazing. I'm pretty sure my mouth hung open for a few heartbeats. And when I saw Tunnel Mountain from there... Oh. My. Goodness. See that little bump in the middle of the second photo? Yup, that's Tunnel Mountain, the climb that almost did me in. What a difference perspective makes!

Made me think about the mountains I face, complaining about how huge they are, huffing and puffing and feeling sorry for myself, when God's perspective reveals their true size and temporary nature. 
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"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." (2 Corinthians 4:17)

TITLE:  Accidental Guardian
AUTHOR:  Mary Connealy
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: *****

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes the hand behind the attack as the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he'd finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail, driving off dangerous men. He'd hoped those days were over, but the latest attack shows he was wrong.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace offers the only shelter for miles around, and agrees to take them in until she can safely continue. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing. 

Working to survive the winter and finally bring justice to the trail, Trace and Deborah find themselves drawn together--yet every day approaches the moment she'll leave forever. 

The gorgeous cover of this book drew me like a bee to nectar. Isn’t it beautiful? I’d read other books by the author, too, so I opened this one with anticipation.

The story begins with a bang. Several bangs, in fact, as the wagon train Deborah, her sis Gwen, and two toddlers were travelling with is massacred. They are the only survivors. But Deb won’t give up, and when she sees a man on horseback, she confronts him to ask for help. She doesn’t know whether he’s trustworthy, but does she have a choice?

The hesitant, growing relationship between Deb and Trace wove seamlessly with the tension of opposing goals of independence and revenge. Faith and forgiveness is a major theme of this story as they both have to deal with past pain in order to face the future.

I thoroughly enjoyed An Accidental Guardian and look forward to the next book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series. It earns five stars. Recommended!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
 

TITLE:  All My Tomorrows
AUTHOR:  Karen Witemeyer, Jody Hedlund, Elizabeth Camden
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: ****

“Three acclaimed authors offer for the first time in print three unforgettable historical novellas that celebrate true love.” (from back cover)

Worth the Wait, by Karen Witemeyer: Five stars
I’ve read two other books by this author and loved them, so I eagerly opened the book to the first story and wasn’t disappointed. Harper’s Station, the setting for this novella, is a sanctuary community for women. Victoria Adams (Tori) fled there with her young son and has grown in confidence enough to run a general store.

Benjamin Porter proved himself reliable and protective as a freighter for the community, but he wants more. Skittish Tori has caught his eye—and maybe his heart.

When the two travel together to sell the store’s goods, Tori must face her worst nightmare head-on. The unfolding relationship of these two, one brave, the other not realizing how much courage she has, enthralled me. Tori’s son, Lewis, adds even more heart to this captivating story.

An Awakened Heart, by Jody Hedlund: Three stars
I wanted to like this novella. I’d read With You Always by the author and enjoyed it in spite of its gritty setting. An Awakened Heart seems to be a prequel to the previously read novel, and through most of the story, the flicker of romance is overwhelmed by the atmosphere of despair. While the heroine, Christine Pendleton, sparked my admiration for her spunk and compassion, her hero, Pastor Guy Bedell remained a hazy outline of a character for me. Well written but disappointing.

Toward the Sunrise, by Elizabeth Camden: Five stars
Julia Broeder is easy to admire—expelled from medical college in her final year, she ends up helping birth kids, the goat kind. But she does so with enthusiasm, compassion, and dedication. Her long-held dream of becoming a medical missionary in China seems an impossibility.

Ashton Carlyle, lawyer for the Vandermark corporation, Julia’s benefactor, is pressured to convince Julia to apologize for her action and outburst at the college. How can he, when she won’t leave the goats until all sixty have given birth. And time is running out.

This novella is great fun, with its spunky heroine and stalwart hero, and I loved watching them grow closer together through their shared trials. It easily earns five stars.
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This collection of historical novellas was (mostly) a pleasure to read and is recommended. Four stars for the collection. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.


 

Elk roam freely in Banff--the park areas and town. They're not tame and must be respected, but it's a thrill to watch them wander past the camper. Majestic animals!

Our little group hiked up Tunnel Mountain, and I found out just how out of shape I was. Whew! The younger ones slowed down for this old grandma several times, and we were all overjoyed when we reached the top. What a view! Our grandson Gavin even found a fossil. (That's him in the gnarled old tree.)

The awesome beauty in Banff National Park brings to mind verses from Psalm 36: Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!

Have you ever been to Banff National Park? One of Canada's most popular tourist destinations, its rugged mountains, variety of hiking and biking trails, and an enticing town site draw more than four million visitors every year. No wonder the town felt crowded! But take a trail or even a drive, and you may think you're all alone in God's wilderness. That's no surprise, either, as the park covers over 2500 square miles. 

We spent a week there a few years ago, and it's our favorite stopping point between Saskatchewan and British Columbia. I'll share more tomorrow, and I hope this little taste has you waiting impatiently. :)

I'd love to hear your thoughts and favorite memories of this beautiful part of creation.

Ah, the Riviera Maya on Mexico's eastern coast--what a wonderful place to soak up some sunshine! We spent a week there last January, and the only negative, we decided, was that one week was simply not enough! 

The resort where we stayed was comfortable and beautiful, and the kids' play area made us wish we'd had our grandkids with us. Wouldn't that be fun? 

Hubby got to kayak and catamaran while this non-swimmer relaxed on the white sand beach. We even met some folks from home--fun! 

I'm ready to go back; just give me a few minutes to pack my bags. How about you? What's your favorite place for a vacation?

Vancouver Island has always held a special place in my heart, with its lush gardens and awesome water views. If only my husband didn't mind the threat of earthquakes... Our younger son lives there now, so we have even more reason to visit, and I love exploring the island.

When we visited Milner Gardens and Woodland last year, the rhodies were past their prime but still beautiful. This "magical seaside retreat" on 70 acres of lush landscape and surrounded by old growth forest has been visited by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Visitors are invited to, like royalty, enjoy high tea in the dining room or the shaded veranda overlooking the expanse of lawn and gardens. What a treat!

I hope we can visit again soon. Want to join me? 

Have you ever been to the Cedar Cathedral on Vancouver Island? It's well worth a visit.

The parking lot was packed when we arrived, but as soon as we entered the grove, silence reigned except for whispers. And no wonder--this is a God-made cathedral, awesome in every sense of the word, not a place for rushing but for unhurried meditation. The cycle of life, death, and new life displayed on every fallen tree pointed to the Creator and His plan for His creation. Breath-taking!

The puzzle? Look at the sixth photo. How did two trees whose root balls exceeded the space between them fall in opposite directions--or even grow there? Still makes me wonder. Any ideas?

Ixtapa, Mexico--what a beautiful place! From the open-to-the-elements hotel lobby, the sweet talents of the housekeeping staff, superb meals, gorgeous beach and unbelievable sunsets, our trip there created many wonderful memories.

We did learn one difficult lesson, however. When red flags are posted at the beach, don't risk playing in deeper water! One moment my husband was body-surfing, the next he got smashed by the waves into the ocean floor. One doctor visit later, he had a sling to wear and painkillers to ease his pain--and the red flag was replaced by a black one. No swimming allowed. His torn shoulder still reminds him of that day.

Afterward, we heard several stories of much worse outcomes of getting rolled by the waves, so we thanked God for His protection. The remainder of our holiday continued to be enjoyable if not as adventurous, and we hope to visit Mexico again soon. 

Have you had an unexpected incident while on vacation? What happened? I'd love to hear your stories.