One Plus One by Jojo Moyes

An enjoyable read about a "down on their luck" entirely dysfunctional family with an eternally optimistic "Mum". An English author, Ms. Moyes writes convincingly of what it is to be financially strapped and not being able to get your head above water -- with 2 kids, and a husband who has walked out. The characters are authentic, though a bit unique, and Jess, the mom, has the same deep love and fiercely protective feelings for her kids as any mom. Unsure how the story would end, I was pleasantly surprised -- as I love happy endings. My only difficulty, as often is the case, is the very common usage of language that I feel could just as well be left out.

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

Because the book wasn't available, it was a great listen on audio book! An excellent reader shared the story of Vivian (originally Neve), currently a 91 year old living in Maine. Her life has been tragedy after tragedy, becoming an orphan at 9 and traveling in 1929 with other NYC orphans on a train to the midwest where couples take the children in -- sometimes because they want to have children, sometimes because they need workers on their farms, in their businesses or as nannies to their many children. The reader tells Vivian's story via a young teenager named Molly, who gets "thrown together" with Vivian --doing community service at the old lady's home. Little do either of them realize that healing will take place in each of their lives because of their unusual friendship. They bond because of the many shared emotions and experiences that they have each had in their lives. This is a story of resiliency and hope, one which I want to believe in; in this day and age of so many hurting children and families. I want to believe that even one person can make a huge difference, simply by kind words and acceptance of the other, that a wounded person can come through and be healed. My faith tells me that Jesus is the ONE who truly transforms; yet I also believe that God puts strength and determination in the hearts of wounded people, who come through their struggles and make a better life than the one in which they are born. The other element that I loved was the author's great phrases at the ends of the chapters, such as "As I walked away, I left my childhood on the dirty floor of that cabin." She had many such sentences that encapsulated a deep thought.

Echoes of His Presence by Ray VanderLaan

I began reading this to remind me of our Israel trip last year, and to corollate with my reading of Acts. It has been a great reminder: insulas, the Jewish holidays, the Jericho Road, Gethsemane, the Eastern Gate, the journey into Jerusalem. Ray uses different characters during Jesus' day who encounter the Master in different places and in different ways. He is a great storyteller, but more than that - he creates his stories in the context of Jewish culture intertwining with the Roman government. Stone-masons, shepherds, fishermen, Zealots, women, Essenes - all come to the Rabbi and see in Him the Way, to salvation, to purpose, to heaven. Thoroughly enjoyed this journey back to Israel in Jesus' day.

Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers

Great story of redemption, so like Francine Rivers. Abra is left by her mom under the Bridge to Haven as a newborn. Pastor Zeke hears God's voice as he is out walking and praying, telling him to head towards the bridge, where he rescues the baby. Abra is loved by many, but never "feels" it--she always feels like the one who was not wanted --especially by God; so she travels down a path of destruction. God continues to woo her with hymn melodies that she learned as a youngster at the piano, by other believers she meets along the way, and at rock bottom, Abra finally surrenders after a 5 year hiatus from the hometown people who love her. Filled with many funny Christian characters who exhibit God's mercy, rather than judgement, is refreshing. I also like the way Rivers shows how God whispers words to His kids, via her use of italics. One of my favorite characters is Zeke, who reminds me so much of Bill- just hanging out with the townspeople, loving them into the Kingdom; a faithful pastor who is not about new programs and success, but about serving his congregation and community.

Together: Reclaiming Co-Leadership in Marriage by tim+anne evans

What a great time Bill and I have had discussing this book! The Evans' premise is that God created marriage in the Garden in Genesis 2--pre-fall; advocating that we should enter into our marriages as He first intended it, as co-leaders. For so many years I have struggled as I observed the way our conservative churches have treated women: help in the nursery, teach children, serve in the kitchen, play the piano -- but don't be a "strong" leader or too outspoken as that is the men's roles. This book gave me a longing and a framework to understand that perhaps God has something more in mind for women. It gives me a theology to understand and accept women's leadership roles in the church-- as board members, teachers and even pastors. My background still makes me cautious about a full fledged Senior Pastor, but I am willing to be open! Another great concept is IOTL - Inquire of the Lord. My teaching and how Bill and i handled this in our marriage was to talk/discuss/share and determine decisions together --if we could not come to an agreement, the man---who is the "cover" and spiritual leader over me, would make the final call. Tim and Anne suggest that a married couple should continue to IOTL until they both have a green light - true co-leadership. They also review and refute many of the passages of Scripture that have been used to support the male hierarchy position of marriage, and discuss how God has uniquely gifted women in many different ways that have been stifled in the church, and yet used in work and para church organizations. Because Bill is a servant-leader, who has modeled well how to truly love and respect me in our marriage -- it makes me realize that he is much like Jesus' example in how he treated and uplifted women, which in turn makes me wonder where the church got the idea of women as subordinate to men. This book is a good challenge to study and learn more; but in the meantime, I am excited about being involved in a ministry that views women in a different way than how I have been trained.

Dust to Flesh by R. L. Stoll

I heard about this book in the local paper because it was written by a young author in the Plainwell area. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it. Awkward dialogue, kind of a sci-fi them and I plowed through because of my determination to finish it. She has targeted juvenile youth so perhaps she might get an audience in her future books in this series---but not from me.

Bound South by Susan Rebecca White

Interesting, but difficult, read from the perspectives of three Southern females, mostly the story of Louise - the "proper" Atlanta wife and mother. As I usually feel, too much course language--always wondering why it is needed; aren't there other words to express the feelings and anger? My biggest takeaway was that every family walks through journeys that are unexpected: rebellious teenagers, marriage discontent, in-law issues, dysfunctional pasts, friends who divorce, unwed pregnancies……. Louise attempts to walk in the best way she can, with candor. I never really knew what the author was presenting spiritually; she covered the gamut of religions with some sarcasm thrown in, but in the end -- inclusiveness prevails in the final scene; a young Jewish man, an Episcopalian mom, a Presbyterian dad, two gay men and a daughter who finds God in serving the homeless at a Catholic mission. I think the author wanted to bring the issues out in the open rather than carry on the myth in the South (and many other places), that appearances matter more than real relationships.

The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe by Mary Simses

FUN! Perfect read over a rainy Labor Day weekend! Love story triangle -- Ellen leaves Manhatten to discover more about her recently deceased grandmother and falls in love with small town, good looking Roy. Problem: she has a wedding planned in 3 months to her high powered lawyer/politician fiancé. It made me appreciate the small town we live in, the desires for "smaller", simpler goals in life rather than money, success and power. I also loved that Ellen finally realizes that all of her original goals were really her mother's ideas of what she should "look like". Ellen's trip to Beacon was a gift from her grandmother, encouraging Ellen to re-think what was most important: photography and blueberry muffins, and family legacies.

Taylor's Gift by Todd & Tara Storch

The Storch's daughter, 13 year old Taylor, dies in a Colorado hospital after fatal injuries in a skiing accident. This is the heartfelt and triumphant story of a family who turned their deep grief into a cause -- organ donation. Most gripping were the stories of the different individuals who benefited from Taylor's organs, the ongoing support of Christian friends and family when Tara fell into depression, the amazing miracles that led Todd to leave his job to start the Foundation and the honest revelations of parents who handled grief in totally different ways. This story challenged me to face the many positives involved in organ donation--and to determine to make my decision on this very important issue.

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

An enjoyable read, as the Civil War/ Slavery era intrigues me. Kidd introduces her theme of women's abolition with a Charleston slave-owning family; with some daughters who identify deeply with the plight of their slaves. Both Sarah and Angelina at young ages, witness punishments to their slaves by an overbearing, cruel mother--who had been taught that she needed to exert great authority, short on mercy or compassion. The chapters are presented by Sarah, then Handful, her personal maidservant; each voicing her own hidden angers and fears and dreams that were planted in each at young ages. Some criticisms by reviewers felt that the story did not present enough conflict between Sarah and Handful; that they did not reach a full "sisterhood" of understanding or shared angst. But it was understandable to me that the full trust factor was not there- too much tension from hurtful experiences in Handful's past. I loved that this story was based loosely on a true historical character, Sarah Grimke, a Quaker women's right crusader. I find it amazing that she boldly went against her parents and Southern roots to fight valiantly for what she believed. It once again makes me wonder what I would be passionate about--standing against evil, instead of shrugging my shoulders and shaking my head over injustice and current moral issues.