I can't get enough of Dan Walsh's novels; my review of his newest, The Longest Road

 

The Longest Road (Epic Journey Series Book 2) ** Long-Awaited Sequel to Dan’s Award-Winning Novel - The Deepest Waters **by Dan Walsh

Since The Deepest Waters was one of my all-time favorite novels, I was so excited when this book, The Longest Road came out. Dan Walsh NEVER disappoints, and his characters and the story setting in this book are some of his best.

The setting is 1857, and we saw some of what John and Laura's lives were like after The Deepest Waters book. Their friend, former slave, Micah's youngest daughter Hannah has been sold to a slave owner from the South, who has ulterior motives for buying her because of her beauty. John, Laura, Micah, and Micah’s son, Eli come up with a plan to rescue Hannah. You don’t want to miss this story.

We do hope for more about these characters, Dan.  In the Author’s Notes Dan said that Micah was his favorite character and I have to add an “amen” to that for myself, also. Dan has taken historical fiction to a new level with this book. I read it months ago, forgot to post a review, but now feel Black History Month might be the perfect timing to introduce it to people.

I wish somehow both novels could be combined and made into a movie. Intriguing through and through!

My review of Murder of Cowboy Gene: Florida Murder Mystery Novel 5 by Jay Heavner

 

Murder of Cowboy Gene: Florida Murder Mystery Novel 5 by Jay Heavner

 

I have to say, this novel by Jay is the best I’ve read so far in the series. His writing is getting better each novel, in my opinion. I hope some of that is because of your joining us at Word Weavers Volusia County Group, Jay.

It’s really interesting to read a book that gives the “total male” perspective on life. Jay’s characters always remind me of somebody I know or used to know. I like Roger, glad he looks like Sam Elliot, and the donkey addition made me smile, plus the dog’s dislike of his friend, Bill made me smile, too. Some of Jay’s writing, I admit, make me laugh out loud and that is much welcomed in my life, especially in the days we live. He interjects history and places that either I knew nothing about or reminds me of the area in Brevard where a lot of this novel takes place.

I like the characters and I’ll not give a spoiler alert about Cowboy Gene, but the story surrounding him, and the care he gives to his mother are admirable. Sometimes we all just do the best we can with what we have and although it might not have been the right thing to do, the story was believable.

I loved the cover picture, it not only reminded me of Jay but during the pandemic my husband grew a beard and he is looking remarkably similar, now.

Jay, you strike me as a man who is enjoying his life writing novels, and I’m very happy for you. Your laid-back manner must do with your family roots and where you grew up. When I got to a certain point in the book, I made sure I kept reading to the end. Readers will, too.

WAKE THE DEAD by Victoria Buck will rock the world as you know it.

 I realized I'm behind on some book reviews for some awesome writer friends. I read this book a while back, so I may need to reread it again to refresh my mind, but for now here's my review.

WAKE THE DEAD by Victoria Buck

Chase Sterling is a creation of the wonderful, imaginative mind of Victoria. I was already a fan of her blogs and had known that she is a wonderful, insightful writer. Not really normally being a fan of science fiction, I was on the slow side of buying but now that I have, I will definitely finish the trilogy.

I believe the book is fueled by a passionate faith. I liked the part about the “town of old vans” and also about Chase’s eleventh birthday. Doctors, data, drama, robots and more are in this book. The story is intriguing and I just am not sure about the how the world is advancing, but I think it is worthy of a movie, if Hollywood is listening.

WAKE THE DEAD by Victoria Buck will rock the world as you know it.

Keep writing and we’ll keep reading, Victoria.

Praying for those who grieve

 

Lord, we thank you for Your many blessings to us and the healing that comes as we pray for each other. We thank You that You are all we need, that You are our all, our everything. If I had no voice to sing my spirit would call out to You because You are the hope we are needing.

   “You can be too broken to be.” Ann Voscamp also talks about grief here:

 “There is no fear in letting tears come. Sadness is a gift to avoid the nothingness of numbness, and all hard places need water. Grief is a gift, and after a rain of tears, there is always more of you than before. Rain always brings growth.”

For me when there has been a recent death that affects someone I know personally, it seems a bit harder to post, because I know their pain and grieving will take time, much time. But it’s Saturday and the day we focus on those families who’ve lost loved ones, maybe recently, maybe it’s been a while but grief has its own timetable. We pray for strength for the journey, comfort from the Lord and His people and for love to surround you through the numbness of coping with what must be dealt with. Jesus, lover of my soul, bind our wounds and make us whole. Praying for those whose loss is so new and tender especially.

Show us how to live, one day at a time, giving You glory. Your love never fails, though sometime our faith does. Help us to remember that the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in us.

"In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you."

  Jesus is not telling us that heaven has compartments or that we will have little places in which to live.  In the ancient culture, a father's house was where the extended family lived.  Rooms were often added on as the family grew through birth and marriage.  What Jesus was doing was using the present day illustration of a loving, tight, family community.  So, Christ is saying that He is preparing a place for us in heaven where we will dwell with God in close communion with Him and that there is room in heaven for all whom God calls to salvation. (by Matt Slick)

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=You+Are+Dancing+in+Heaven&&view=detail&mid=A40B4D29A872FFCACDE3A40B4D29A872FFCACDE3&&FORM=VRDGAR

Quote of the day from YOUR WORDS ARE POWERFUL, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SPEAK by Suzi Yelvington: “ The enemy will want you to pay attention to your feelings; Jesus wants you to pay attention to His truth.”

Augustine said it stunningly: "In my deepest wound, I see Your glory and it dazzles me."