To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
~~Psalm 30:12 (KJV)
The month of November provides a time to focus on gratefulness. I’m thankful for so many blessings in my life. As the weather cools here in the Southwest, we enter perfect desert hiking conditions…cooler temperatures, colorful wildflowers, and beautiful vistas. We are fortunate to enjoy great trails during this time of year.
Though it has been rainy, we were still surprised to discover water in a usually dry canyon on a favorite trail.
Hiking a river preserve trail, we’re treated to shaded walkways and colorful wildflowers.
We are thankful for the trails where we can hike and enjoy God’s amazing creation.
TWO BOOK REVIEWS
Heidi Ennis is a new-to-me author. Her historical romance book, A Father’s Dream, takes the reader on a journey to the Pacific Northwest of the late 19th century and blends Native American and Scandinavian culture in an exciting adventure. And what an evocative cover!
MY REVIEW of A Father’s Dream
An exciting love story of courage and fortitude in the rugged Pacific Northwest! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Father’s Dream takes the reader on an unforgettable journey during the 1880’s from Europe to New York City, then to the Pacific coast on a hopeful quest to fulfill the dream of owning a Washington Territory homestead.
The characters are wonderfully complex. I admired the courage and fortitude of Swedish immigrant Johanna Oman as she faced tragic situations to claim the land her father hoped would provide a new beginning for his family. Even with doubts along the way, her faith sustains her. Native American Mahkah “John” Haylaku, a member of a Columbia River tribe, is a worthy hero, handsome and strong, who overcame childhood abuse to become a compassionate protector.
Their relationship begins when he reluctantly agrees to be Johanna’s guide to locate her property. Their travel through the rugged wilderness is fascinating…immersed in the vivid landscape, dealing with the treacherous trail conditions, and facing the dangers of criminal elements. As they encounter many heart-stopping challenges, their commitment and love for each other grows.
I enjoyed the cultural details of the native customs of John’s people and the Swedish heritage of Johanna’s world. The ending is absolutely amazing….leaving me with tears and smiles…the best kind of romance! If you enjoy epic historical tales, I highly recommend this faith-filled story!
Favorite quote: “The strength of women. We are strong when we are connected. We give all to those we love, but we do it with the strength of those who have gone before us, those who have loved us and sacrificed for us.”
Click to purchase from Amazon: https://www.Amazon.com/dp/B0CQ15XMJF
For more information and to learn about the next book in the series, releasing in December, check out the author’s website: https://atthefootofmountains.com
MY REVIEW of A Christmas Inheritance
A perfect set of faith-filled Christmas novellas with the connected themes of inherited treasures and second chances. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
His Christmas Refuge by Tanya Stowe
Kurt Worley receives an unexpected inheritance from his uncle…a trailer park located back in his Arizona hometown…a place he left behind because of his dysfunctional childhood. He expected the property to be given to his high school girlfriend, Trish, who spent many years helping his Uncle Chris run and update the trailer park into a fun resort community, while raising her two children after her husband passed away. In this story, I enjoyed the characters, the revelations of secrets, and the themes of forgiveness and doing the right thing. What a fun group of individuals at the RV community….creating a “found family”…. taking care of each other…in the spirit of Christmas!
A Montana Christmas Promise by Myra Johnson
Since he’d worked for many years managing his benefactors’ apple orchard, Andrew Norwood had expected to inherit the farm after the widow died. However, it was surprisingly passed on to city girl Eleanor McKnight. She reluctantly arrives in the small rural community after the aunt she’d never met bequeathed the property to her. The untangling of emotions between the couple provide an interesting road to romance. I loved the details of the Christmas festival preparations, including all the delicious apple treats, and the lovely Rose of Sharon ring mentioned in the story. The warm ending fills the heart with the holiday spirit of the season.
The Prodigal Preacher’s Christmas Homecoming by Delia Latham
When Kale Mitchell returns to Sweetsong, Oregon to the house he inherited from his parents, he is greeted by his childhood friend, Dia Monday. As the prodigal preacher takes his father’s place as pastor, “Diamond” helps him reintegrate into the community he left in disgrace. I enjoyed their discovery of the inherited wooden chest which moves their relationship toward a sweet and satisfying ending.
If you are like me and enjoy reading holiday stories which uplift the heart, I highly recommend this set of Christmas novellas to fill you with the feel-good spirit of the season….plus make you excited to prepare for the special time with delicious treats and festive decorations.
You can purchase from Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLZ56KQ5
TEATIME TREATS
For our treat today, I’m going traditional Thanksgiving with a slice of pumpkin pie and a spiced orange tea I found at a Fred Harvey shop. Enjoy!
I’m thankful for you stopping by my blog during this busy time….for a spot of refreshment. What are you especially thankful for this month? I pray you are blessed with gratitude and contentment as we prepare for the celebration of our Savior’s birth in December.
Blessings and prayers,
Sherida
To purchase Healing Hearts from Amazon: http://www.Amazon.com/dp/B0DHJG6HZC
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Sherida Stewart 