Dandelions on the Wind: The Quilted Heart Novella One by Mona Hodgson

Tattered relationships and broken hearts, like a quilt, can be pieced together by God’s love.

 

        

Dandelions on the Wind

by Mona Hodgson is a sweet, romantic story of two hearts grieving from loss and what it means to find love and hope again. A well written and touching story filled with true-to-life characters and fascinating historical details. Dandelions on the Wind is a heartwarming story of second chances in the turbulent days immediately after the Civil War

                                                                           
             Ms. Hodgson did a great job of creating an enjoyable story in this short novella. I liked the characters and overall setting of the book set during the Civil War and looking forward to reading the other Novellas in the series.

             Overall this little novella was an inspiring book, with lessons on grace and forgiveness throughout the book.  Short and sweet, a well-paced story, bringing us to a lovely conclusion, a great book to read away the afternoon on the patio.

            I received a free copy of this eBook from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing through their Blogging for Books program for my review.

A Bride for All Seasons: The Mail Order Bride Collection

It all started with an ad in a mail-order bride catalogue . . .

Here are the stories of four couples who owe their wedded bliss to creative editing by The Hitching Post publisher. This charming bouquet of novellas introduces you to four Hitching Post Mail-Order Bride Catalogue prospects in the year 1870, all eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they’ll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.

1.      “And then Came Spring” by Margaret Brownley

Mary-Jo has traveled halfway across the country to meet her match, arriving just in time for his funeral. Returning home seems like her only option until her would-be brother-in-law proposes a more daring idea.

2.      “An Ever After Summer” by Debra Clopton

Ellie had no idea she’s not what Matthew ordered. And what’s wrong with being a “Bible thumper” anyway? She’s determined to show him she’s tougher than she looks—and just the girl he needs.

3.      “Autumn’s Angel” by Robin Lee Hatcher

Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn’t come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. ­ The trouble is, there’s no money to send them back . . .

4.      “Winter Wedding Bells” by Mary Connealy

David’s convinced he’s not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he’s gone—nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?

            This collection of four novellas by four different authors was a delightful read. The common thread of all four mail-order bride stories are tied together by the common matchmaker, Melvin Hitchcock of The Hitching Post, a mail-order bride catalogue with the highest rate of successful marriages. None of the couples that were matched up in this book got what they expected because Melvin edited their letters. This makes for some intriguing twists in these entertaining tales.

            This book is fun and entertaining a great summer read. There are also three discussion questions for each novella in the back. This would be a great discussion for any Book Club.

            I received copy of eBook from Thomas Nelson Publishers in their Booksneeze program for my review.

Let go of performing

Daily Reflection: What gifts and passions can you use to glorify God?

Kingdom life thrives also in the beautiful ordinary, not just when we’re doing ministry or working at a church.

If you’re a writer, let God use your interests and abilities to grow His kingdom in you and through you. That doesn’t require that you write only about Jesus or put a fish symbol on your manuscript. It means that you write as one who lives for and in another dimension.

If you’re a businessperson, don’t bow your knee to fame, money, or making a name for yourself. Instead, excel in your area of expertise so that people can see what good, true, and beautiful business looks like.

If you’re a musician, architect, stay-at-home mother, or the guy with the burrito cart in Pioneer Courthouse Square, the kingdom of God is here and is inviting you to collaborate with what God is doing in your real world.

You have the necessary permission slip. You can let go of performing and achieving and striving. You can invite the life of God to rise up all around you. You can sing it into your everyday world.”

Excerpted from This Beautiful Mess by Rick McKinley