LiteraryScape

Welcome back to another summer reading recommendation. Today I will give you the scoop on Celestre’s Song (affiliate link). This is the second book in Danni Roan’s Strong Heart Open Spirit series. (Read back cover copy)

            Danni starts off by bringing you a scene that breaks your heart for Celestre. Her first marriage was rife with suffering, and it has followed her even after her husband’s death. She takes on an unusual, yet hopeful mail order bride offer, in hopes of living quietly in the background for the rest of her days.

            Trevor is hoping to have a live-in maid and caregiver for his two young children as he takes on Celestre as his mail order bride. After losing his wife, his heart cannot fathom loving another woman. However, circumstances draw him to his new bride.

            This is a short and sweet romance that will have you falling in love with the handsome rancher, Trevor and his two darling children.

LiteraryScape gives, Celestre’s Song (affiliate link) 2.5 lassos! We are sure this book will have you hooked and semi-hog tied.

Element ratings for Celestre’s Song (affiliate link):

Adventure: Mocha

Romance: Mocha

Mystery: Espresso

(Rating Scale: Latte= A Lot, Mocha = Medium, Espresso = An Expression)

Celestre’s Song (affiliate link) is the second book in Danni’s Strong Hearts: Open Spirit series (affiliate link). All four books can be found on Kindle. Currently, they are part of Kindle Unlimited.

I am a big fan of reading paperback books, but I’ve recently enjoyed several books with my Kindle Unlimited subscription (affiliate link). If you find yourself traveling this summer, then Kindle Unlimited (affiliate link) is the best way to bring your library with you!

Until next time happy and blessed reading!

Matthew 28:18-20: Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always to the very end of the age.

Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels.

I don’t know about you, but those verses both inspire and intimidate me. We are to further God’s kingdom by sharing Jesus with others. However, it doesn’t stop there. We are also to train others up in the way of the Lord and help them grow in their spiritual walk.

The fear of rejection keeps us from sharing Jesus. It is the fear our enemy uses to keep us from furthering God’s kingdom and leading others from death to life. Most days I feel inadequate and unprepared to share Jesus. Yet his first disciples didn’t hold doctorates in theology and were not ordained pastors. They were everyday people like you and me.

In the novel Falling for the Cowgirl (affiliate link), Jericho witness to the criminal he has captured.

"From what I learned in the Good Book, we all have sinned and deserve to die."

(p. 259 Falling for the Cowgirl (affiliate link) by Jody Hedlund)

Jericho was your everyday man with a rocky past, yet he not only accepted Jesus as his savior, but he also shared Jesus with others. Even the most ruthless criminals he was charged with bringing in. Talk about intimidating!

I’ve heard it said that it takes a person, hearing the invitation to accept Jesus as their savior, seven times before they take the leap of faith. Just imagine the person whom fear is holding you back from, could be waiting for that seventh invitation.

I will leave you with this final thought: If we don’t tell others the good news, who will?

Summer is on our doorstep. Which means we have sunny days filled with relaxing in our favorite outdoor reading nook and diving into some great summer reads. For the next several weeks I will be brining you some inspiring reads to fill your summer days with reading!

We are kicking off Memorial weekend with a quick read by Danni Roan. Maggie’s Valley (affiliate link) is the first book in Danni’s Strong Hearts: Open Spirit series (affiliate link). All four books can be found on Kindle. Currently, they are part of Kindle Unlimited.

I am a big fan of reading paperback books, but I’ve recently enjoyed several books with my Kindle Unlimited subscription (affiliate link). If you find yourself traveling this summer, then Kindle Unlimited (affiliate link) is the best way to bring your library with you!

Okay, now let’s get back to Maggie’s Valley (affiliate link). Maggie Weston is one brave woman. When her husband passes away, she decides to move back to her father’s house out west in a remote valley. A place that sounds absolutely beautiful and peaceful. It soon becomes a sanctuary for Maggie and the many people in need who show up on her doorstep.

A teenage boy, a very old and very sick Indian, a U.S. Marshal with a bullet wound and let’s not forget the motherless mountain lion cubs. Maggie is a kind and fearless woman who extends God’s love to those in need around her. She ends up with unlikely pets, friends and family as God blesses her obedience to His calling.

As always things are not easy for Maggie and danger lurks around the corner. With the help of God and her new friends she’s able to bring about peace and justice not only for herself, but for her neighbors.

If you are looking for a quick inspirational read with adventure and romance, then Maggie’s Valley is for you.

LiteraryScape gives Maggie’s Valley (affiliate link) 2.5 lassos. We are sure this story will have you hooked and slightly hog-tied!

Element ratings for Maggie’s Valley (affiliate link):

Adventure: Latte

Romance: Mocha

Mystery: Mocha

(Rating Scale: Latte= A Lot, Mocha = Medium, Espresso = An Expression)

1 Thessalonians 5:15: Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels.

Have you ever been tempted to serve revenge? The overabundance of crookedness, wickedness, and injustice that has invaded our world, can push you towards revenge. I have on more than one occasion been tempted to mete out my own form of justice, yet in the end it would hurt me more than the guilty party.

In the novel Falling for the Cowgirl, Jericho retrains himself from serving revenge rather than justice.

As much as Jericho wanted to make the man suffer for all he'd done, he couldn't let revenge have a greater need inside him than justice. After all, revenge had to do with payback for selfish satisfaction. But justice was about righting wrongs for the good of everyone.

(p. 256 Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund)

Justice is for the good of everyone. I love the way Jody Hedlund worded this. Revenge is payback that brings self-satisfaction, for a fleeting moment. That satisfaction never lasts and ends up eating away at you. However, when justice is served, it rights wrongs and brings peace and goodness to everyone.

If you’re like me, it feels like justice is nowhere in sight these days. However, I believe it lies within the hearts of those of us who serve God and call Him our Lord and Savior. Because of our relationship with Him and His word, which is our standard of truth and justice, we can bring justice back into this world by standing up for what is right in the eyes of God.

Our flesh will always desire revenge, but when we serve justice it points others to Christ. Remember Deuteronomy 32:35 It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them. God will avenge his people.

In the meantime, find peace and strength in 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. Trust me the enemy doesn’t know what to do when you turn around and show them kindness.

I will leave you with this thought: Revenge never leaves you feeling good, yet just justice brings goodness to everyone.

In this episode Tiffanie, Jamie, and Melissa take on trivia for Tracie Peterson’s series Brookstone Brides. The winner of this match may surprise you.

I will caution you; we try really hard not to give away any spoilers. However, in this episode I accidently the spill the beans. I do apologize, but if you haven’t read the series yet you may not want to wait to watch or listen to this episode.

Here are a few trivia questions for you!

1.     What are the names of the horses Lizzy uses in the show?

2.     Who did Lizzy’s uncle bring in, to improve the show?

3.     What did Lizzy name the horse her parents gave her for Christmas?

4.     What color is Mary’s hat?

5.     What fruit did Mary shoot off Chris’s head?

6.     Chris grew up just outside what city?

7.     Who is Ella’s maid and childhood friend?

8.     Who said, “Yes, but not my woman and not my baby.”?

9.     Where did Chris and Mary get married?

10.  Who kidnapped Ella?

I hope you enjoyed this short, but fun filled trivia episode. Don’t forget to buy your Brookstone Brides books either from us or using our amazon affiliate link here.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode as I share some sweet novellas to kick off your summer reading! Until next time happy and blessed reading!

Matthew 6:33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels.

How often do you find yourself saying I will get to God once I get this, this, and this in order in my life? We get so caught up planning our lives out that we plan God right out of it. When in reality He’s the one we need most and the only one who can truly help us live our lives in a way that honors him.

In the novel Falling for the Cowgirl, Ivy struggles to place God first.

She didn’t doubt she’d disappointed God too. He was probably sighing and throwing His arms up at her antics, especially lately. She had to do better. And she would, once she had a place, she could finally call home. (p. 190 Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund)

Have you ever been in Ivy’s shoes? I have sometimes, even on a daily basis. About the time I hit my tenth roadblock of the day I finally realize I’ve tried doing things without God. And let’s be honest, life gets frustrating and messy without Him! I am so thankful He loves me and welcomes me with open arms mess and all. I can say God is the best picker upper of our messes. No one can heal and restore us like He does. So, stop waiting until you’re perfect to seek Him, He wants you now!

I will leave you with is final thought: God doesn't want you after you get your life in order,

but now as you are.

The story that ends them all! Tracie Peterson brings the multiple storylines in her Brookstone Brides series to an unforgettable end.

In this episode Tiffanie, Jamie, and Melissa give you the scoop on What Comes My Way, by Tracie Peterson. We won’t give away any spoilers, but you’ll learn enough about this adventurous story to want to read it yourself!

If you’ve kept up with our episodes for this series, then you know there are A LOT of storylines that started in book one, When You are Near. And all those storylines are ready to get their ending. Tracie Peterson will bring you surprise and satisfaction with each ending!

As usual we dive in and give you are reactions and much more! Be sure to check out our podcast on your favorite podcast platform and don’t forget our Rumble channel where you not only get to hear our reactions, but you can see them too!

LiteraryScape gives What Comes My Way, 3 lassos! This book will have you hooked, and hog tied!

Adventure Level = Mocha

Romance Level = Espresso

Mystery Level = Mocha

(Latte= A Lot, Mocha= Medium Amount, Espresso= An Expression)

Check out more books by Tracie Peterson here.

            Be sure to sign up for our newsletter below and follow us on your favorite podcast platform! We have more amazing historical Christian romance novels to come.

Psalm 37:23-24: If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels.

How much peace does Psalm 37:23-24 bring to you? I love the image of God upholding me with his hand.

Recently my husband and I faced a decision that most people would not consider difficult, but for us it was. We spent weeks in the throes of indecision to the point we were ready to put the sheepskin out on the deck. Sometimes the waiting and trying to discern God’s will can feel like you are in a constant state of tug-of-war.

Our church has been studying the life of Joseph and what others call the Joseph Factor. The series has been very enlightening. If you’re interested you can watch the sermons online here. In the most recent sermon, we were reminded that Joseph waited 13 years before the dreams God gave him came true. During that time God was preparing him for what he would be called to do. God’s preparation is tailored made for your future. (Pastor Jon Rauch)

Pastor Jon Rauch gave these 4 tips when you find yourself in the waiting or in the throes of indecision as you seek God’s will.

1.     Don’t rush to gain a position that is beyond your character development.

a.     Develop your personal relationship with Christ.

2.     Recognize that God’s delays are God’s perfect timing.

a.     Our lives are under the loving hand of God.

3.     Hold on to God’s promises.

a.     He is good on His word. You can trust Him.

4.     Serve God wherever He has you.

a.     God blesses your work.

In the novel Falling for the Cowgirl, Jericho resists God's direction when it comes to Ivy. Judd offers him words of wisdom.

The pages of Judd's Bible rustled as he flipped through them. "Good thing for us, we ain't alone in the slogging. The Lord says in Psalm 37..." (p. 78 Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund)

I just love Jody’s character, Judd. We all need a Judd in our lives. Someone who is constantly pointing us back to God and speaking truth, in love.

I will leave you with this thought: Consult God daily, in all things and walk in His perfect

will.

The adventure and mystery continue in Wherever You Go, the second book on Tracie Peterson’s Brookstone Brides series. Sharpshooter Mary Reichert takes center stage as her love story with journalist Christopher Williams unfolds.

            Their relationship is built on trust as Christopher finally shares his family’s deepest, darkest secret. Not to mention, he volunteers for her shooting act, literally trusting her with his life. Mary doesn’t bat an eye while shooting at Chris or at discovery what his family has done.

            Let’s not forget the other players in this series, Wes, Lizzy, Ella, Phillip, and many more continue their journeys alongside our star couple. There is no doubt you’ll be a shocked as we are by Jason’s actions!

Tracie keeps her readers turning the page with a sweet romance filled with adventure and mystery. The twists and character changes will drop your jaw as you travel with the Brookstone Brides!

LiteraryScape gives Wherever You Go 3 lassos as we are sure it will have you hooked and hog tied!

Adventure Level = Mocha

Romance Level = Espresso

Mystery Level = Mocha

(Latte= A Lot, Mocha= Medium Amount, Espresso= An Expression)

Check out more books by Tracie Peterson here.

            Be sure to sign up for our newsletter below and follow us on your favorite podcast platform! We have more amazing historical Christian romance novels to come.

Prayer and Temptation

James 4:7: Submit yourselves then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels.

Prayer is our open line of communication to God. How often do you use it? Do you have a healthy prayer life? When do you find yourself turning to God in prayer?

I was recently challenged by our pastor when asked these questions. It’s easy to fill our schedules and push our prayer time to the back burner. In some cases, it becomes non-existent. When we pull away and stop communicating with God daily, we drift away from Him allowing temptation a foot hold.

Prayer not only connects us with God, but the power of the Holy Spirit.

In the novel Falling for the Cowgirl, Jericho pushes Ivy away to resist temptation and turns to prayer.

Her frigidness would keep him cooled off, and that's what he needed. That, and a good dose of prayer for resisting temptation. (p. 78 Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund)

If you’re like me and need to reboot your prayer life, I have a few suggestions for you.

1.     Start with setting aside 15 minutes a day to read your Bible and pray.

2.     Write your prayers down in a prayer journal.

3.     Find a quiet space to spend time in prayer.

There are a couple of books on prayer that I would suggest for you to read. These books helped breathe new life into my prayer life.

1.     Praying for Your Elephant: Boldy Approaching Jesus with Radical and Audacious Prayer by Adam Stadtmiller.

2.     Just Ask: The Joy of Confident, Bold, Patient, Relentless, Shameless, Dependent, Grateful, Powerful, Expectant Prayer by J.D. Greear

I will leave you with this final thought: When temptation strikes lean into Jesus. He will give

you the strength you need to resist!