You’re invited to my #teatime review of A DARE AND A PRAYER by Julie Lessman….plus photos of a recent hiking adventure and an easy summer camping dessert recipe!

Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

~~Psalm 82:3-4 (KJV)

MY REVIEW OF A DARE AND A PRAYER

A thrilling WWII romance! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Author Julie Lessman always brings faith and passion to her novels. Her newest book is no exception. A Dare and a Prayer provides insights into the wartime period….the strength, the bravery and the tragedy. 

A Dare and a Prayer continues the fascinating saga of the O’Connor family. Lieutenant Henry Dennehy has a bad-boy reputation. He lives on the wild side as a skilled fighter pilot assigned to night raids over the Pacific. Though he deeply loves his family, he rejects the faith of his heritage. He is attracted to cautious Amy MacArthur, a religious woman serving her country as a lieutenant in the Airforce Nurse Corp stationed in the Pacific Theater. How can these two opposite souls work toward a lasting relationship? Their interesting path to the sweet ending involves a crisis to save three abused orphans, the emotions of the final days of the war, and oceans of forgiveness. A completely engrossing story!

Since I’m an advocate for the protection and development of children, I applaud author Julie Lessman for touching on the tragic subject of child trafficking, an issue explored in the recent movie The Sound of Freedom. With her research into the topic, she writes emotionally about this travesty which did occur during the war.

If you’re interested in World War II history….and romance….I definitely recommend A Dare and a Prayer by Julie Lessman.

Favorite quote: “But when God’s in the middle (of a relationship), embraced equally by two people of faith, He is the Anchor for their souls……holding them secure and able to weather any storm…and all because of their deep faith.”

On a personal note……

Since my parents were a young engaged couple during this time period, I especially enjoyed the details. Though I know many of their stories, this novel brought up more questions I wish I’d asked of my parents about the emotions and reactions they experienced.

My father was a forward observer in the US Army, a Purple Heart recipient and a POW. My mother was his fiancée waiting on the home front, a strong woman and a patriotic supporter of our country. Together they overcame the challenges of my father’s wartime leg amputation and celebrated over sixty years of marriage until my mom lost her battle with leukemia.

I’m grateful for the authors who bring these periods of history to life for their readers so we can remember the sacrifices made by the men and women who lived through those difficult times.

IMPORTANT READER MESSAGE FROM JULIE LESSMAN

I admire author Julie Lessman’s faith-filled, servant’s heart. Read what she writes in her Reader Letter at the end of the book: “As a side note, I named the child-trafficking organization that Amy and Henry plan to volunteer at after an organization that I support myself—Project Eden. Project Eden is a Christian after-care home in the Philippines that provides long-term aftercare for girls aged 5-18 who have been rescued out of trafficking…..Partial proceeds from this book will be donated to Project Eden.”

ABOUT ROMANCE AUTHOR JULIE LESSMAN

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together. To learn more about Julie Lessman, her books and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: www.julielessman.com.

TRAVEL AND HIKING ADVENTURES

Stopping to smell the WILDFLOWERS!

My husband and I returned to New Mexico to hike more of the Continental Divide Trail. This time we hiked into the beautiful San Pedro Wilderness area in Santa Fe National Forest.

The trail, the wildflowers and the views were amazing.

We stopped for lunch by San Gregorio Lake. “Be still, and know that I am God.” This Scripture came to my heart as we felt the peace of His glorious creation in this place.

During stressful times, meditating on Philippians 4:8, as this water bottle sticker from https://theadoptshoppe.com reminds us, helps focus on the positive. (I love the shop’s faith-filled stickers!)

On our way home, we stopped for brunch at one of my favorite places…La Posada in Winslow, Arizona, a former Fred Harvey Hotel. The Turquoise Room serves a fabulous Southwest avocado toast topped with pickled red onions and pepitas…a perfect flavor combination. We enjoyed the view of the passing trains on the BNSF mainline from the tableside window.

And doesn’t the Turquoise Room coffee blend go perfectly with my short story? 😉http://www.Amazon.com/dp/B0BYXT5PP3

TREATS

Lime Cheesecake-easy and fuss-free for a camping or backpacking dessert

At home prep—mix well in a gallon-sized freezer bag:

1 box of cheesecake-flavored instant pudding (3.4 oz, Jell-O brand)

1 cup powdered whole milk (Judee’s from Amazon)

1/2 cup cream cheese powder (Judee’s from Amazon)

4 teaspoons lime juice powder (King Arthur Flour)

At camp, add 12 oz cold water to the bag and mix well. Divide into 4 cups and top each serving with a few Goldfish Grahams or Teddy Grahams and serve. Refreshing and sweet finish to a camping or backpacking adventure day!

THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME FOR A #TEATIME BOOK REVIEW!

What are your activity plans for enjoying the remaining summer days? Do you have book recommendations for a refreshing summer story?

With blessings and prayers,

Sherida

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