The argument raged—symbolism or substance. Should we use allusions to familiar Biblical and theological truths, or should we be overt and forthright to avoid any chance that someone might miss an important lesson? How do people learn best? In my usual fence-sitting style, I agreed with both. I Continue Reading
Book Reviews
Dance of Shadows Review
I’ll never forget her voice. Deep, throaty, with a strong Slavic accent. She read to us of Mr. Tumnus, Lucy, the Beavers, Jadis. From her, I learned to love the world of Narnia. From her, I learned to see the symbolism of the Lion of Judah in the mighty, fierce, loving Aslan. Mrs. Elkins. My Continue Reading
Dare to Be an Anna in a World of Hurting Kings
“Dare to be a Daniel…” I loved the song as a young girl. That idea that one could stand firm in the face of life-threatening Danger. “Dare to stand alone.” Would I be able to do it? As a girl, I didn’t know. As an adult, I can only pray for the strength. “Dare to have a purpose Continue Reading
Some Books, Like People, Need Time to Grow on You
The email loaded in my inbox—a “friendly reminder” that I had a book due to review. One problem: I thought I’d done it. And, the one I thought it was, I had done. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t that book. Oops. So, instead of sending my Lara on a trip across the country, I sat in my Denny’s Continue Reading
What If Living The Dream Became Your Worst Nightmare
“The law is the law, and they’re breaking it. If I break the law, I have to pay the consequences—whatever that is. They should have to, too.” I have to admit. I agreed. Seated opposite us, the woman spoke with passion. “And what about loving our neighbor? What about the people who are Continue Reading
3 Excellent Reasons to Make Hymns a Priority in Your Life
Humming, "I love to tell the story..." began the questioning. “Are you like her? Do you sing hymns when you’re stressed or happy?” You know that old saying, “If I had a dollar for…” Yeah. I could almost pay the mortgage every month with that one. Or at least, it feels like I could. I also Continue Reading
Is True Crime My New Favorite Fictional Escape?
The picture stunned me. After a lifetime of riding Ferris wheels at county fairs, I saw an up close picture of the original—the first one shown at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Look, I knew that the ones I’d ridden were tiny compared to the “real thing,” but I was not prepared for that Continue Reading
Is Amish Fiction On The Way Out?
Mending Fences—the title could have meant anything, but I suspected it would be about the more psychological rather than the physical side of the saying. She picked up the book and eyed it with a skeptical look on her face. “They’re all the same—or at least, they start feeling like it.” Look, Continue Reading
3 Ways This YA Novel Will Challenge Your Perceptions
He held out a necklace with a pendant on it. It read, 90% angel. "They didn’t have one that said 100% angel,” he said. Usually, when one of the nicest, cutest guys in school gives you a gift, it’s a compliment. This wasn’t. And, thanks to my father totally not getting that, when I told him Continue Reading
The Best Kept Secrets of the Mighty Sword
Landers, California. 1984. I can still see the grass green shag carpeting as Dad said it. “If I ever write a book, I’ll use the name A.J. Josephs.” I’m not sure why pseudonyms hadn’t really clicked with me. After all, I knew how Samuel Clemens chose his. John Wayne was really Marion Morrison, and Continue Reading
An Unusual Way for Mothers to Be Intentional This Lent
Patty sat across from me at Denny’s in Bakersfield. Smiling, excited about her new release this week, telling me all about the book that inspired it and how it had become even better under the advice of another author. “When I shared the book, she told me that I needed to cut out the first Continue Reading
The Things That Change In 75 Years Will Capture Your Heart
“Whatcha readin’?” (said with a perfect imitation of Isabella from Phineas and Ferb). I passed the book across the table with great reluctance. "12 Days at Bleakly Manor." He gave it a cursory glance. “What’s it about?” “The author gave Charles Dickens a bit of writer’s block and had him Continue Reading
