A Tardy True Love Tuesday

First of all, I apologize for being late in posting this. I've been keeping busy with homework and such, so I didn't quite find time for it until now--and it's only 15 minutes until Wednesday! Talk about waiting until the last minute (or 15)!

I had been thinking about doing a post on North & South for today, but I think I might reserve that for another day. ;) I definitely need time to compose a well-thought out post for such a beautiful, grand movie as that!

So today (which will be Wednesday for most of you!) I thought we could talk about the examples of true love that we've seen in the books we've read recently or are in the process of reading right now.

*There might be spoilers in the next part of this post, so if you haven't read the books I discuss proceed with caution!*

I'll start with Love, Charleston. I finished this book last week, and as hard to read as it was, there was one especially memorable example of true love within those pages.

One of the main characters, Della, and her husband are going through a rough time. The country is in a recession, and both of them are "artists" (one's a writer and one makes sculptures) who don't make very much money. Della detests their home and the way they are forced to barely get by. She is especially concerned about the welfare of her daughter. And so, she finds herself giving attention to the man she had turned down years before--a man who can afford a comfortable, "normal" life.

The relationship between Della and her husband is put to the test. Will they remain faithful to each other? I think it's so important, especially for those of us who are still single, to consider the "happily ever after" part of the story--the part that comes after you say "I do." I haven't yet experienced marriage, but from what I can tell it can be both wonderful and at times very difficult. It is so important to have openness, honesty, and patience in any sort of relationship, especially in marriage.

For those of you who are already married, perhaps you can give some pre-marriage advice to those of us who have yet to experience it. ;)

One thing I really loved in Surrender the Heart was its reminder that true beauty lies in the spirit of a person, and true love will see beyond the outward appearance. What a valuable lesson for us to be reminded of in this day and age!

I also appreciated the reminder that true love doesn't judge. Perhaps true love will take time to fully grow to this point, but when it does it shows understanding and compassion, realizing that there is much that one doesn't know about the other. This can be applied to many different relationships, for sure, but it certainly is an important aspect of romantic relationships!

I think I'm a little over a third of the way through with Making Waves, and I've really been enjoying it so far! =)

The heroine and the hero are really fun, and some elements of true love that I've seen are the importance of caring for each other and the importance of recognizing each other's dreams and passions (and encouraging them!). This has mostly been on the side of Trip (the hero), as he has come to Marguerite's rescue, shown her that he is willing to stand up for her, and appreciated her apparent love for sailing.

As for Roger, the other potential love interest . . . let's just say that I've been reminded that true love isn't selfish and it respects the other person. (Take the hint, Roger!) ;)

So, what have you been reading lately? Have you learned or been reminded of anything about true love that you could share with us? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

A Wonderful Package!

I simply have to share with you what came in the mail today!!! My caring mom understood how much I wanted certain books that were coming to my home right after I left for college, so at the end of last week she sent them up to Corban University--priority mail! Today I got the box with three books I am very anxious to read:

A Hope Undaunted

There has been so much excitement about this book the past few months that I can't believe I actually have my copy! I know I will want to dive into this one as soon as possible! However, I've already been pulling a couple of late-nighters (into the wee hours of the morning), so I know I need to be sure and get some sleep. ;)

But I know that when I do read this I won't be disappointed! After all, it's a book by Julie Lessman!

A Memory Between Us

I haven't read the first in this series, but I've been hearing good things about this author! I'm excited about the time period of the novel, plus the romance, of course! Love that cover, too!




Petra: City of Stone

I've got to tell you--I am so happy to have an Advanced Reader Edition of this book! It's been about a year since her last novel, Guardian of the Flame, came out, and I can't wait to read another book by T.L. Higley. I'm looking forward to being transported to another time through the pages of this book!

Now, as I'm sure many of you have heard, Casey is having a contest on her blog for the best picture of the entrants holding their copies of A Hope Undaunted while imitating the cover model. Such a fun idea! Click HERE to check out the official rules for the contest.

I saw on Joy's blog, Edgy Inspirational Romance, that she was showing the pictures she had taken for the contest. And at my roomie's urging and due to my own excitement, I'd like to share my picture entry with you, too!

Thank you to my friend, Annie, for taking the picture for me! I tried to find the timer feature for the camera, but I was having trouble, so I just asked her to come up to my room and take it for me. I was so happy I had my blue dress with me, even if the necklace is not quite as long as it ought to be. We college students have to deal with what we've got, you know. ;)

Hope you all are having a wonderful Monday!

P.S. I'm sorry that I didn't do "Monday for the Military" today, but I do hope we will keep all those military men and women (and their families) in our prayers!

My Review of Surrender the Heart

Here's a description of the book from Barbour Publishing: "Relive the rich history of the War of 1812 through the eyes of Marianne Denton and Noah Brenin, who both long to please their families but neither one wishes to marry the other. Noah is determined to get his cargo to England before war breaks out, and Marianne is equally determined to have a wedding so that her inheritance can be unlocked and her destitute family saved. When their stubborn games get them captured by a British warship, can they escape and bring liberty to their country—and growing love?"

My Rating: Summer

My Review:

Ever since reading the Legacy of the King's Pirates series, I have been enthralled with MaryLu Tyndall's books. I anticipate each new one because I know that I am guaranteed a thrilling and inspiring story! Surrender the Heart more than lived up to my expectations.

What was rather different and wonderful about this book was the heroine. I found myself able to relate to her in her self-consciousness about her looks and her feelings about being "ordinary." Tyndall's dedication at the beginning of the book is both moving and motivating: "To everyone who has ever felt ordinary."

Marianne and Noah's journey is powerful, and I loved seeing the growth in their relationships with each other and with God. All of the characters were so real, and it was a humbling experience to see in part how the War 0f 1812 affected both the British and the Americans. Neither side was exempt from the hurt and sorrow that affects all of mankind.

And oh! the romance of this story was beautiful! I was touched by the love that came slowly and unexpectedly between the two main characters at first, until it finally shone forth in utter adoration and devotion. There are certainly many moments in this book that set the heart to fluttering!

Ultimately, the main message of the story is a grand one. The connections to Esther's story from the Bible are wonderful, and as the story progressed I felt encouraged to trust in God and in the plans He has for each of our lives. I loved the depth and the clarity of the lessons Marianne and Noah learned, made all the more vivid through Tyndall's excellent storytelling.

Surrender the Heart captivated me and reminded me of my need to surrender to God's will and let Him work through me to do extraordinary things for His glory. I look forward to reading the rest of the "Surrender to Destiny" series!

*With thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Sunday by the Sea

"Fear ye not me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?" ~ Jeremiah 5:22

It can be hard to trust. The verse above fits so well with what I have read so far in MaryLu Tyndall's book Surrender the Heart that I wanted to share it with you. Marianne Denton, the main character of the book, is afraid of the sea. Her father died in the sea, and she is fearful that it might take her, too.

In the very first chapter of the book, Marianne looks out the window of her home as she finishes preparing for her engagement party. This is Marianne's observation:

"A bell rang in the distance, drawing Marianne's attention to the maze of ship masts that thrust into the sky like iron bars of a prison. A prison that could not constrain the ravenous indigo waters from feeding upon the innocent--an innocent like her father."

What a contrast to the verse from Jeremiah! Marianne struggles with trusting in God, and she imagines that the sea cannot be controlled. And yet God tells us in the verses above that the sea cannot cross the boundaries He has made for it. He is in control of the sea and all of Creation.

No matter how frightening the sea or any of the situations in our lives appear to be--tossing and roaring--God is sovereign and He is in control of it all. We have nothing to fear because God is eternal and He is omnipotent. We can trust in Him.

I'm not quite halfway through Surrender the Heart, but already I can see the growth in Marianne's character. And I am certain that she will continue to grow in her faith as the book progresses, through all of the hardships she must face. In her story I am reminded of my need to trust God in all things, because He is indeed in control of all things.

I think a wonderful conclusion to these thoughts is a verse that was on my calendar for today. It reads:

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." ~ Isaiah 43:2

Marianne finds herself on different ships out on the sea. Perhaps some of us feel that we are also out upon the sea of our worst fears. But we must remember that not only can we trust God's sovereignty, but we can also trust that He will be right there beside us through it all.

(The picture above is of my sister and I several years or so ago, looking out at the bay in our home county.)

Bliss

First, I will announce the winner from the 150th Post Celebration! The winner of Love, Charleston is . . .

Ariel!

I'll be sending you an e-mail soon! Thank you for all those who stopped by to join the discussion and the party! I hope you had fun!

Now, I must say that I cannot write anything more. I know I ought to do my "Sunday by the Sea" post, which I think I still might because I've been inspired by what I've read of MaryLu Tyndall's book Surrender the Heart, and I think I have a verse that I would like to share, too.

However, I just finished watching North & South, and I am in a state of bliss. The movie enthralled me, moved me, and drew me in so deeply that I simply want to savor the last memory of it and the last strains of haunting, beautiful music echoing through my mind. Perhaps I will be able to write more later . . .

150th Post Celebration!

Welcome to the party and book discussion, everyone! Since there has been so much excitement about Julie Lessman's books recently, I hope that it's alright if we discuss the last book of hers that I read: A Passion Denied. I think many of you have read it, and if you haven't, then feel free to join in the party anyway!

Before we get started with the book discussion, though, let's get the party started! I'm sure many of you have either read or heard of the book Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad. I'm not too far into the story, but I'm really enjoying it so far! Anyway, in honor of this book, how about we go sailing?

The weather is just right, don't you think? I love the warmth with a slight breeze surrounded by blue skies! Ashley, dear, don't lean out too far! Don't tell me you're trying to get Trip to rescue you? ;)

After sailing, perhaps we can play some miniature golf! Each person pick their favorite-colored golf ball. Oh, Renee, I think I found a black one with gold spots for you!

Julia, I had no idea you were so good at this! ;) We can all chat about Julie Lessman's books while we wait for our turns.

Now, after all of the fun and games, wouldn't it be great to find a nice place for an elegant meal, with comfortable chairs set up for our book discussion? What do you think of this?

Pretty neat, huh? I think it's just the right atmosphere for our party/book discussion! As far as food goes, there's some fresh fruit (grapes, sliced oranges, and strawberries), cheese, and dainty sandwiches. And of course we have dessert! Help yourself to some "Death by Chocolate" cake, lemon cake, vanilla ice cream, and more strawberries (this time dipped in chocolate!).

Go ahead and pile up your plates while I tell you about the giveaway! I recently read Love, Charleston and one of you can have a chance to read it, too. =) Since there will be various comments not pertaining to the giveaway, remember that you must let me know you want to be entered in the drawing, you must leave your e-mail address in your comment, you must be a follower, and you must have a U.S. mailing address if you want to enter the giveaway. The drawing is for today only, and a winner will be announced on Sunday! Be sure and read my review of this book first, just so you know what sort of book this is before you decide to enter the giveaway.

Is everyone settled in now? Casey, you can get more food than that--there's plenty for everyone! And Bluerose, you are going to have a piece of the "Death by Chocolate" cake, right? Now, let's get the discussion of A Passion Denied going!

--The verses at the beginning of the book are Psalm 104:1-4 (NLT), which read, "O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and with majesty . . . You make the clouds your chariot; you ride upon the wings of the wind. The winds are your messengers; flames of fire are your servants." What parts/ideas of the book really stood out for you as reminders that God is majestic and sovereign? And do you think the last verse describes Brady well? Why or why not? Or do you think it describes another character better?

--Who do you feel you relate to more: Brady or Beth/Lizzie? Whose struggles and hopes most fit your own?

--Do you agree or disagree with Lizzie's pursuit of Brady? Do you think she could have handled her feelings for Brady better or done (or not done) things differently to get his attention and convince him of her love for him?

--What did you learn from Marcy and Patrick's story in this particular book? Were you left encouraged and moved by how it all turned out?

There is a lot more to discuss from this book, so feel free to offer your own questions or only answer a few (or all) of the questions above. Whatever you would like to do! =)

Enjoy the celebration, and thank you for continuing to make blogging such a treat for me! You readers are wonderful!

(Pictures above are from my trip to Nevada this summer. The first is from Lake Tahoe, the second is from a golf course near Lake Tahoe, and the third is from a building--part of a former "Cider Factory"--near where we ate breakfast outside during our stay at Edith Palmer's Country Inn in Virginia City.)

My Review of Love, Charleston

My Rating: Fall/Spring

My Review:

Although the back cover can be a bit misleading, the characters mainly focused on in this story are Roy, Della, and Alisha (Lish)--all three of them going through their own real struggles and learning some powerful lessons. Each of their stories feel very authentic, but can also be very hard to read.

I had a hard time buckling down and finishing this story, not because the writing was bad, but because this is not a fun book. The ending does indeed give the reader hope, and the title fits in nicely. However, reading about the hard times of these characters--their sorrow, their inner turmoil, and especially Lish's depression--was, well, really hard.

I feel like this book served to open my mind in some way and guided me through thinking deeply about certain issues. Being aware of the pain of others and being reminded to reach out in love, compassion, and patience is important. And now that I'm planning on taking a class called General Psychology, I am also reminded of how much there is to learn. And yet, we can be assured that God is omnipotent and knows each of our unique struggles, and He will be right there to help us and walk beside us.

All in all, the depth of this book should get a higher rating, and I would recommend it for that reason. But I don't recommend reading this book when you're going through some transitions in your life or when you're not ready to be drawn into an often troubling and rather painful story.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze program in exchange for my honest opinion.*