The Nature of A Lady

 

The Nature of A Lady by Rosanna White is set in 1906 on the Isles of Scilly. Lady Elizabeth Sinclair is fascinated with microscopes and nature. Which sets her apart from society. She and her maid holiday for the summer on St. Mary's Island. The former cottage resident is also named Elizabeth, who has vanished. 

Oliver Tremayne, a vicar and brother of the missing Elizabeth, meets up with Libby. Which starts a hunt for Beth and the mystery surrounding her disappearance.

There are stories and legends about ghosts and pirates. Which appears to try to draw one in. There was an abundance of explanations that might have been shortened just a bit. But I really enjoyed the third part of the book, with a clear gospel message and enemies making peace with one another. 

I have enjoyed Rosanna's other books. Her writing style has always been very engaging. This one was nice, interesting setting, mostly good characters and sound faith message. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Net Galley and the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Detours

 

Detours

When Pharaoh let the people go, "God did not guide them by the road towards the Philistines, though that way was the shortest.... God made them go round by way of the wilderness towards the Red Sea" (Ex 13: 17, 18 NEB).

The direct route would save time as well as wear and tear on the people, but God had something infinitely more important than economics in mind--He wanted the people to be able to sing the song of praise of chapter 15--"The Lord is my refuge and my defence...my deliverer. He is my God and I will glorify Him; He is my father's God and I will exalt Him" (Ex 15:2 NEB). They sang this song because they had firsthand experience of God's power and deliverance. Pursued by all the chariots and horses, cavalry and infantry of Egypt, they had passed through the Red Sea in safety and seen the enemy drowned. They would have missed this glorious lesson if they had taken the short road.

When we are puzzled by delays and detours, let us think about the great purpose of life: to glorify God. The lessons He wants to teach us "in the wilderness" are priceless means of providing us with a song we could not otherwise have sung: "In Thy constant love Thou hast led the people!" (Ex 15:13).

~ Elisabeth Elliott

Shadows of the White City

 

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green is the story of a young single woman, in her forties, who raises a young immigrant orphan. Sylvie Townsend tends to be overprotective, almost afraid to let Rozella go. As Rose grows into a young woman, she is interested in her Polish roots.

When Rose mysteriously disappears, Sylvie becomes frantic. Girls have been disappearing throughout the city which leads Sylvie to search for her with her neighbor and friend, Kristof Bartok. 

We are guided through the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with many interesting facts. It was an adventure to learn about the historical aspect, with many details noted by the author at the end. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the publisher. All thought and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Trust in the Lord

 

Trust in the Lord When is it a good time to put our trust in the Lord? In Psalm 62:8 the Lord gives us the answer, “Trust in Him at all times.” Putting our trust in the Lord is not something we jump in and out of according to our difficulties or circumstances. Put your trust in the Lord when you are healthy and when you are ill; when you have a lot and when you have little; when things are going well and when things are going poorly; when you are settled and when you are in the midst of change; when you are getting a pay-check and when you are looking for a job; when you have understanding and when you don’t know what to do. Our trust in the Lord must never be seasonal or selective, optional or debatable, relative or arbitrary. Our trust in the Lord must be steadfast, constant, consistent, unwavering. We must completely trust in the One who is completely trustworthy. ~ Roy Lessin

Happy New Year

 

Merry Christmas

 

 

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 

John 3:16-17

Books

My home has always been filled with the aroma of printed paper. Ever since I was a young child, a book was a friend who would go with me and fill my life with entertainment. Books capture my imagination and take me to places I will never visit. I relish entering into the lives of characters who often defy odds. 

When we travel, I make it a habit of searching out places where older books are sold. I found a half price book store in Minnesota, and there's always a wide variety of books at the Goodwill or Hospice thrift stores. Have I found treasures? Yes, I often find out of print books or by some of my favorite authors. 

One thing has perked a question in my mind. With all of the ebooks on Kindle and other hand held devices, what is happening to the printed word? Will we still go to the library or book store to acquire a solid, page turning book? Maybe one day books will become obsolete, but for now I think not. I recently went into two thrift stores, and is my habit, went to the book section. As I stood there, head leaning to the right searching out titles, the whole section filled with people. It becomes a bit of a treasure hunt, mostly because the books are not sectioned. But oh the fun and thrill of finding that one special prize. A title, or an author that will take me away to places where my imagination will fill in the gaps. 

Let's not lose the love of books. I've passed that love on to my children. And I hope they will pass it on to the next generation.