God Whispers Nudges, Fudges, and Butterfly Moments

God Whispers
Nudges, Fudges, and Butterfly Moments
by Liz Thompson

We've all had those moments, that "gut" feeling when it comes to making decisions, whether they be big or small. The subtle whisper, the slight nudge, all could be God's way of leading us in a new direction. Listen and the rewards may be worthwhile.

For those that believe in chance, this may not be the book for you. For those who believe in the power of a Greater Being, I would encourage you to read the words of the many followers who have heard the whispers from Him in their hearts and souls.

This book is a compilation of stories, short essays and poems written by those who have experienced overwhelming peace and joy from recognizing what they believe is an inner voice leading them through both the good and bad times in life. The "butterfly" moments in our lives can occur at any age; times when we break out of our cocoons to finally realize our full potential. They often happen unexpectedly when we think that life has passed us by. The encouraging and moving words of those who have found an inner strength from their faith is uplifting and reassuring. Overcoming obstacles and forgiving ourselves and others are themes reiterated throughout this inspirational book.  

This is the second book written by author Liz Thompson, a columnist featured in 23 suburban newspapers across the Columbus, Ohio area.  I reviewed her first book  Day by Day  in August, 2015, which described her struggles and challenges in overcoming progressive hearing loss. Much like that book, this second one offers spiritual hope and guidance to those who believe in a higher power. Filled with biblical passages and personal testimonials and quotes, I found myself reading a few pages at a a time to contemplate the thought-provoking material.

Listen closely for the "whispers" and savor the "butterfly" moments. 

The Mistletoe Promise

The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans

Elise Dutton dreads the upcoming holiday season. When your husband cheats on you with your best friend, it's difficult to find joy and contentment even at the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas is just another day, a time to reflect on the past year; a time to reflect on past sins, a time for forgiveness. Unfortunately, Elise can never forgive herself.

Sitting alone in the mall  food court, as she is every day at lunch, a stranger approaches her with an intriguing proposition. She's noticed him before with his disarmingly good looks, but now he is actually sitting at her table introducing himself as Nicholas Derr, a partner in a prestigious law firm. Much to her surprise, Elise agrees to his unorthodox contract.....she has nothing to lose anymore.

For eight weeks they will pretend to be a couple and abide by the rules of The Mistletoe Promise. No drama or probing into deep personal issues, just an all expenses paid game of pretend for two lonely people. The contract expires on Christmas Eve and they'll go their separate ways.

As the charade continues, Elise finds her heart beginning to melt for a man she barely knows. She realizes the fairy tale will end when he learns of her secret and the devastating sorrow she carries with her each day. Perhaps Nicholas carries monumental secrets of his own.....

Written by the master of spiritual inspiration, Richard Paul Evans once again creates a short book that will fill your heart with hope and joy at this time of year. Healing begins with forgiveness, but we first must learn to forgive ourselves.

Wishing my readers Happy Holidays wherever you may be.....looking forward to a promising 2015!

Forever Christmas

Forever Christmas by Robert Tate Miller

"Only those who forgive earn the right to be forgiven".

Beth Farmer waits patiently for her husband to arrive so they can pick out the perfect Christmas tree. As the minutes tick by, she knows he won't come. He will disappoint her once again, as he has so many times before.

It's crunch time for Andrew Farmer, a successful literary agent who hesitates to tell his loving wife that he's leaving for Chicago to seal a coveted deal with a new author. He won't meet her to choose that perfect tree Beth dreams of; she'll be disappointed like so many times before.

Beth watches her husband rise the corporate ladder with mixed emotions. Their move from River Falls, Pennsylvania to New York City is difficult, but love involves sacrifice. However, when she suspects Andrew's infidelity, her aching heart can take no more. As she flees into the snowy streets of Manhattan on Christmas Eve, a tragic accident occurs; an accident that Andrew witnesses in horror.

Much to his disbelief, Andrew is given the opportunity to turn back time by an angel named Lionel. Second chances are rare. He has three days to relive with Beth, even though he knows her fate cannot be changed. Seventy-two hours are all he has to make her realize that she is his world, his life.

This is a short, heartbreaking yet warm story reminiscent of classic Hollywood movies like It's a Wonderful Life. Hope, forgiveness and prayer are central themes throughout the book. Perfect for those of you looking for the magic in the holiday season.

Perfect for those of you who believe in angels.

The Prayer Box

The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate

The written word.  So powerful.  Letters, diaries, and journals that reveal our private innermost thoughts not meant to be read by strangers.  But when  a young woman, struggling with demons of her own, discovers the insightful words of an old woman, she cannot resist the temptation......and so the story begins.

Tandi Jo Reese, her teenage daughter Zoey, and son J.T. are back on North Carolina's Hatteras Island living  in a rented bungalow.  Fond memories with Meemaw and Pap-Pap linger, but unfortunately, so do those days with her abusive, troubled parents and sister.  Desperate to escape her sordid past and  nearly destitute, she barters with the local church to clean out the massive, crumbling Victorian house next door in exchange for free housing.  While tackling the grueling task ahead, Tandi is inexplicably drawn to a room upstairs where she finds the body of ninety-one-year old Iola Anne Poole.  She also discovers the first of eighty-one prayer boxes that Iola filled every year with heartfelt words; her fears, secrets, disappointments, loves, hopes, dreams and so much more.  In the days and weeks that follow, Tandi learns by bits and pieces that Iola was a recluse, and many of the locals fostered a distaste for her. Why?  Little by little, as Iola's life enfolds before Tandi's eyes, the realization that this deceased woman's words of wisdom will begin to shape lives proves to be beyond anyone's wildest imagination.  Most of all, Tandi's.

With the turn of each page, Tandi realizes that the truth of this unselfish woman's life needs to be revealed.  Can a stranger's words heal Tandi's strained relationship with her own children, help her discover her own self-worth, and make redemption a reality?  Tandi begins to understand that perhaps a greater force is taking her life in a new direction-maybe there is a hidden reason why she feels an affinity to someone she never knew.  

This is a soothing, inspirational novel; one that lifts the spirits.  Hopefully, we learn lessons as we pass through the seasons of our lives, and good still prevails in this world.

For some of you....that's the power of prayer.

The Chance

 The Chance By Karen Kingsbury


Now for a change of pace...it has been a long time since I have read this author.  Years ago, I read her series about the Baxter family and found it to be heart-warming and uplifting in many ways.  Yet I grew tired after a while of her stories-just too predictable.  Kingsbury's books always have Christian values at the heart of the story.  This book is no exception.  It tells the story of two teenagers-she an aspiring author, he a basketball star.  They part ways due to her fractured family, but agree to meet in eleven years at a certain date and location.  Years pass.  One finds success, the other,  many heartaches and failures.  I won't tell you who finds what!  Add in other characters in the family  who have their own issues that become an integral part of the story.  I read this book in one day.  Not one of my favorites, but if you want a feel-good book, this could be it.   It does emphasize that hope springs eternal and maybe, just maybe, good things really do happen to good people.