Quotes from "New Morning Mercies" by Paul David Tripp

I've been enjoying this daily devotional that I won. Here are some of my favorite quotes so far, which I hope will be a blessing to you. :) The whole book has been good.

"We were not made to live independent, self-directed lives. We were not meant to exist according to our own little self-oriented plans, living for our own moments of glory. No, we were created to live for [H]im." - From January 1.

"Your hope of enduring is not to be found in your character or strength, but in your Lord's." - From January 12.

"For the believer, harsh, critical, impatient, and irritated responses to others are always connected to forgetting or denying who we are and what we have been given in Jesus." - Jan. 19

"Whether you have realized it or not, [H]e is what your hoping heart has been searching for, because what you've really been searching for is life, real heart-changing, heart-satisfying life--life to the fullest, life abundant. People can love and respect you, but they can't give you life." - Jan. 23

"True lasting hoping is never found horizontally. It's only ever found vertically, at the feet of the Messiah, the One who is hope." - Jan. 23

"The [O]ne who is the final definition of love, wisdom, mercy, and power makes us [H]is slaves. He who alone is able to give us life enslaves our hearts to [H]im. His absolute rulership over every area of our lives is not a deadening law but a life-giving grace. He is freeing us from our slavery to what is not true and cannot deliver." - Jan. 27

"Will you deal with life based on what you assess you bring to the table or based on who you now are as a child of the King of kings and Lord of lords---the Savior who is always with you in power and grace? Will you live in timidity and fear or in the courage of hope? Will you avoid challenges of faith in fear or move toward the, resting not in your own ability but in the presence, power, and grace of the One who rules all and has become your Father?" - Jan. 31

"We can experience peace in the face of the unknown. We can feel an inner well-being while living in the middle of mystery. Why? Because our peace of heart does not rest on how much we know, how much we have figured out, or how accurately we have been able to predict the future. No, our rest is in the [P]erson who holds our individual futures in [H]is wise and gracious hands." - Feb. 6

"We argue to ourselves and to others that what looked like sin was not sin at all. It is all a function of the delusional self-righteousness of sin. It involves daily acts of self-atonement. It is us working to convince ourselves that we really don't need the amazing grace of a faithful, loving Savior. At street level, we all tend to back away from the radical message that we all say we believe. It is a shocking denial of sin and a minimizing of the grace that is a sinner's only hope." - Feb. 7

"Corporate worship really does confront us with the fact that we are worse off than we thought and that God's grace is more amazing than we ever could have imagined. We will continue to need that reminder until our sin is no more and we are with [H]im and like [H]im forever." - Feb. 8 

"Quit being paralyzed by your past. Grace offers you life in the present and a guarantee of a future." - Feb. 8

"You don't have to hide in guilt when weak faith gets you off the path, because your hope in life isn't your faithfulness, but [H]is. You can run in weakness and once again seek [H]is strength. And you can know that in zealous grace [H]e will not leave [H]is craftwork until faith fully rules your heart unchallenged." - Feb. 12

"Grace illumines our dank hallways and our dark corners. The Son of grace shines the light of [H]is grace into the darkest recesses of our hearts, not as an act of vengeance or punishment, but as a move of forgiving, transforming, and delivering grace. He dispels our self-inflicted darkness because [H]e knows that we cannot grieve what we do not see, we cannot confess what we have not grieved, and we cannot turn from what we haven't confessed.
   The light has come. Run to the light; it is not to be feared. Yes, it is the light of exposure, but what will be exposed has already been covered by the blood of the One who exposes it." - Feb. 14

"He has not unleashed [H]is power in your life only to deliver to you things that quickly pass away and that have no capacity at all to satisfy your heart.
   This means that often when you are tempted to think that God is loving you less because your life is hard, [H]e is actually loving you more. The hardships that you are facing are the tool of [H]is exposing, forgiving, liberating, and transforming grace. These hard moments aren't in your life because God is distant and uncaring, but rather because [H]e loves you so fully. These moments become moments of faith and not doubt when by grace you begin to value what God says is truly valuable. Do you value what God values?" - Feb. 19 

Sing! Conference, 2019 - Part 2

I decided a Part Two was in order so that I can give a few more specific takeaways from the conference.

On the first full day, Monday, I was busy directing people to the correct seats in the main session--my fellow volunteers helped out here, since the room was huge.  Then I joined them in sitting, and I was a bit sleepy and didn't have a paper to write notes on, so I forget much of what I heard at that time.

There was John Lennox, Kristyn Getty's uncle and a mathematician who had heard C. S. Lewis in person, there was J. A. C. Redman, composer for some Disney films, Avatar, etc. He said to him it's like any other job one might have in a secular workplace. He arranged and here conducted a song that Keith & Kristyn Getty had written, almost medieval-sounding yet with modern chords, I think surrounding the apostle's creed and/or Christ's incarnation. D. A. Carson spoke next, also on Christ's incarnation.  To wake myself up, I didn't stay for all of his talk, though I hoped to hear it later in a download.

I meandered through the exhibitors hall, buying some sale-priced books, such as John Lennox's book Have No Fear: Being Salt and Light Even When It's Costly, as well as some Christian postcards.

I ate lunch with strangers--but older sisters in Christ--outside.

The next day I heard Mark Dever teach on marks of a Christian church--and I actually took notes this time. ;)

1. Gospel preaching should be at the center of our corporate worship.

2. Gospel theology shapes our corporate worship.

3. Hearing from God/His Word is all a gift we don't deserve. Ez. 37 Deut. 33 - "Teach Israel Your law..."

4. Usually it is good for preachers to preach exegetically. Early teachers like Chrysostom preached through Bible passages.

5. Silence and reflection. Reading a Bible passage together (Mark Dever has his congregation read Psalm 95 together).

6. Prayers telling of God's greatness. Prayer of praise, confession, and intercession.

Allow time for reflection after the sermon.

Don't be afraid to read God's Word, even long passages!

7. Congregational singing--not overcome with accompaniment.

...So that was all very good. We had an interlude of hearing more music, including a guitarist who played a beautiful arrangement of "O Sacred Head Now Wounded," which we proceeded to sing.

Next John MacArthur taught on Christ's death. I missed the ending, but here are the sporadic notes I got:

How was Jesus' death different than others? God shows us without words in the darkness that came over the earth.  Mercy and love were in His words before that.

Jesus is the Light. Darkness for 3 hours. Supernatural. Passover Day.

Is. 13:9-11 - Fury & anger...punish the world....

Joel...Day of gloom and darkness. Great and awesome day of punishment.

Amos 5 - Darkness, not light; for your transgressions are many...

John 10:18 - A voluntary and sovereign sacrifice. He "gave up His breath."

Divine satisfaction is given without a word when the curtain is torn in two!

Haggai - He will shake the earth...

And there I left the room, thinking I had to be at a volunteer meeting to prepare for the Breakout sessions. They had changed the time on that, so I ate some snacks in the meantime, resting on a bench in the beautiful Opryland gardens, then getting some salad at the Quick Service Cafe'.

My "room host" assignment was thankfully not speaking in front of the group, as I had feared, but talking to individual people at the doors and making sure they were in the right spot. It was challenging enough for me, not known for my assertiveness.

I got to sit in on the session after it began, but was still to watch the side door and direct people to the back door.

Sandra McCracken sang and spoke, answering questions from the audience. Her music was soothing.

I stayed at the same place for the next two Breakout sessions.

The couple who spoke, the Michaels, talked about children's songs and literature, how it is often man-focused, not God-focused. They spoke with emotion and conviction, many good points.

I only stayed for the beginning of the next session, enough to get most people seated, then had to go to a volunteer meeting to prepare for our next assignment, which was directing people to the buses to go to Bridgestone Arena.

I enjoyed the concert/talks there very much, in general. It was quite awesome singing "Is He Worthy?" with Andrew Peterson and the thousands of people there, "Holy, Holy, Holy," and other songs. Joni Eareckson Tada talked about her thankfulness and wanting to kneel first thing when she gets to heaven. How often do I kneel in reverence? Not enough, though prayer, as she said, can still be done sitting, etc.

John Piper spoke about Paul in prison, after being beaten and put in chains, singing to God. And then witnessing to the jailer. What an example for us!

Next morning I got to listen in to part of a vocal trainer's talk, and she gave some good tips and demonstrations, even taking volunteers (or asking people to the front) from the audience.

In the last main session, we heard from Os Guiness about his family's mission to China--nothing deep stands out to me--more music, including the convicting, lovely "Give Me Jesus" sung by Fernando Ortega. Also heard a prerecorded interview with Anne Graham Lotz about singing and witnessing. We heard some beautiful, Classical violin, and a Skype video recorded earlier of a woman from China talking with Kristyn Getty--hard to hear, but a good reminder to pray for China.

All in all it was a great conference for the refreshing of the soul and pointing us to do something worthwhile to the glory of Christ, for He died for us and is forever worthy!

With Love, Wherever You Are - Book Review

What would you do if you just met a man and he persisted in asking you to marry him? What would you do if your parents thought you were crazy to think of accepting--and you had to agree with them? What would you do if you had to separate shortly after marrying, with a war tearing you apart?

Written with all the verve of most novels, this story is more poignant because it is based on true people (the author's parents) and includes actual letters from the author's parents. Their service was amazing among the horrors, fear, and the longing for their spouses or sweethearts. Though the book is somewhat long--460 pages--they go by quickly as the dialogue and characters pop with the tenor of the 1940s.

I find it interesting to see so many words blocked out by sensors in the letters. And the code used by the main characters is too fun!

The main characters fall in love almost from the beginning, at least on the man's side. This may seem unrealistic, but it apparently happened. I knocked off a star for a bit of shallowness in the romance, but overall it's a fascinating look at wartime romance, nursing, and more! You may also feel a touch of conviction over the kind treatment of "enemies"--both of the German variety and of the coworker variety. The characters are Christian and pray occasionally, but it is not a preachy book.

The end of the book tells the story behind the story, and how the author came up with it all.

I received this book from Tyndale.

They Say We Are Infidels - Book Review

It took me a while to get through this book, partly because I lost it, and partly because it is not as riveting as I was hoping for. With a subtitle like "On the Run from ISIS with Persecuted Christians in the Middle East," how can one not find it interesting?  I did find parts of it interesting, but the author herself was not really on the run. The stories of many of the people were so quick and news-like that I could not enter into their lives. Statistics and numbers are good sometimes, but I prefer a deeper look into people's lives, like a biography or autobiography, and with more quotations. We get that with a few of the people, and I did feel the horror and sadness oft-times for their troubles . . . but it was simply not enough to keep me reading non-stop. Maybe it's just me and my over-stimulated mind.

However, I do believe it is a worth-while book to read--sad, informative, inspiring. We should be praying for our brothers and sisters in other countries, who are often being persecuted, run out of their homes, and more, simply for being Christians, or non-Muslim. Even some Muslims are persecuted for not adhering to ISIS principles.

There is a mixture of Catholic, Othodox, Baptist, etc., and while they can be mentioned and provide useful examples, I would not be so careless as to put them all under a Christian banner, as the author does on occasion. They may in some way all believe in Christ, but Catholics usually mix faith and works for a different gospel.

I did not know of what to make of the politics, but I believe the author mostly lays the facts out without giving too many of her own opinions, and that can be a good thing.

I was given this book in exchange for a fair review. Thank you, Tyndale House!

White Wolf and the Ash Princess - Book Review

{My apologies for posting a day late!}

Where to start?

Izzy, the main character, leaps off the page with her quirks, insecurities, and inner voice. I can relate to her insecurities, her feeling weak and helpless. She grows considerably over the course of the book, however--maybe a bit unbelievable at times, but inspiring.

Miss Margaret is straight-laced but kind, and hides a different side. She is a mother-figure to Izzy, who does not remember her birth mother.

Jonathan is a sweetheart; though a bit over-protective and secretive, he loves and gives time after time. He has a temper, as does Izzy, and that's where it threw me a bit. *slight spoiler ahead*  I don't quite understand Izzy's sudden anger and distrust of him--it seems incongruous with the deep friendship they have, even though she learns seemingly negative things about him.

Tubs is also a fun and sweet character: chatty, sunny, and adventurous. . . . He pulls her into the mystery surrounding Jonathan, but he has no evil motives. 

I love the old castle and all that it contains! I wish this section went on longer. The inventions of Jonathan are fascinating.

The story shifts gears midway and American Indians are introduced, as well as people from Jonathan's past. Izzy journeys because it is required of her and to find belonging. There are wild animals, cold waters, snow, legends . . . and the power of forgiveness and God's Word bundled into the story.  

The writing itself is first-person present tense and a sometimes wordy and confusing, but also often lyrical and delightful, such as comparing a man's sideburns to two bushy squirrel tails.  The first setting in England seems slightly out of its time period, and occasionally the present tense awkwardly shifts to past tense, but for a first novel, it's well-done, and truly a moving story of complexity and character.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tammylashauthor/
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Link to Author Central:

https://www.amazon.com/Tammy-Lash/e/B06VY326DT/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Link to White Wolf on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073D93YZ6

Author Bio

Tammy lives in Lower Michigan with her husband and her three children. Izzy's
home in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (Munising) is where she and her family
enjoy exploring. Tammy enjoys hiking, kayaking, beach wandering, "hunting"
for birch bark and hopes to someday find a porcupine quill. White Wolf and
the Ash Princess is her first novel. She is published in Keys for Kids and has
been in children's ministry for over twenty years.

Book Description for White Wolf and the Ash Princess

Eighteen year old Izzy's limited world begins to feel cramped after she completes
her self-appointed book dare. After reading two-hundred and fifty books, a
thought that had been once tucked away as tightly as the books on her library
shelves becomes too irresistible to ignore..."Who am I?"

Memory loss prohibits Izzy from remembering her life before age seven when
she was injured in a fire. Jonathan Gudwyne and his head housekeeper rescued
her and took Izzy in as their own, but who did she belong to before they took
her in?

Crippling panic keeps Izzy from wandering beyond the stables but Tubs, the

Gudwyne's young stable boy, encourages Izzy to go beyond the property's rock
wall to a world that promises possible answers, but also great danger. A scorched
castle in the woods and a mysterious cellar filled with secrets sets Izzy on a
path to the New World, where she will not only have to face her own terror
but face the people responsible for her scars.

It is here, in the untamed wilds of the seventeenth century that she finds love
and a home in the most unexpected of places.

London in the Dark - Book Review

I wasn't expecting too much from this new and young author--and, while there is room for improvement, I greatly enjoyed the story!

Cyril Hartwell, P.I., has new and unwanted responsibilities in the form of his younger sister, Olivia. She is puzzled and hurt by the change in his character. When they were children they played and laughed together, but now he is an iceberg, shutting her out.

The characters seem alive and varied: sensitive, aggravating, funny, sweet . . . and with often complex emotions and motives. There were times I questioned the reality of their behavior, but overall I was impressed. Cyril, in particular, stood out with a cold shell hiding a tender heart. When some of his demeanor began to thaw, I was moved to tears.

Toward the end of the book things picked up speed and suspense--I was practically biting my nails as our heroine, Olivia, was drawn deeper and deeper into trouble.

There is a gospel message included, and the Christian characters pray but are not perfect. Dr Dudley (a sort of Dr. Watson sidekick) comes the closest to that; he is almost too good to be true, sensitive to his friends' every need.

All in all a rollicking-good tale, and I am looking forward to the author's next book!

Pray About Everything by Paul Tautges

Pray about Everything: Cultivating God-Dependency by Paul Tautges
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This short and convicting book points us to thankfulness and reasons for prayer--as well as reasons for suffering. There are reasons listed for hindered prayer. Details are given on some Scriptural word meanings, and sometimes a quote from classic theologians. But perhaps the most lastingly helpful are the appendices, where outlines for prayer meetings and Bible studies are given, including songs and Scriptures. If these are applied, they could effect the way a church runs, how fellowship grows, and how hearts are changed.

Here are a few quotes from the book that I like:

'Just as the expansion and contraction of our lungs in necessary for the continuance of our physical life, so regular fellowship with God in prayer is essential to our spiritual well-being. Without prayer our spiritual lives will shrivel up and return to an infantile state.'

'As long as the eyes of our faith are fixed upon our troubles we will not find joy. Until our minds consciously move the Lord from our peripheral vision into the narrow corridor of our focus, joy will elude us.'

'When we find ourselves praying for something that we want, perhaps more than anything we've ever wanted before, can we honestly pray, 'Lord, do what will bring you the most glory"?'

'If we regularly ponder the depth of our own sinfulness, like the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears, and consider the greater depth of God's forgiveness, we will grow in our love for him. It is when we forget God's benefits that our hearts become proud. If we are not careful, we who have been forgiven much can act like those who think they have been forgiven little and, consequently, become slow to forgive others who sin against us.'

The Secret Slipper Blog Tour & Giveaway!

I have the privilege of being a part of Amanda Tero's book tour.  Her stories are quite unique and lovely!

About the Book

Being a cripple is only the beginning of Lia’s troubles. It seems as if Bioti’s goal in life is to make Lia as miserable as possible. If Lia’s purpose is to be a slave, then why did God make her a cripple? How can He make something beautiful out of her deformity?

Raoul never questioned the death of his daughter until someone reports her whereabouts. If Ellia is still alive, how has she survived these ten years with her deformity? When Raoul doesn’t know who to trust, can he trust God to keep Ellia safe when evidence reveals Bioti’s dangerous character?

As time brings more hindrances, will Raoul find Ellia, or will she forever be lost to the father she doesn't even know is searching for her?

Buy on Amazon

Buy a signed copy of the book here! 

Buy the Prequel, “Befriending the Beast”

About the Author

Amanda Tero is a homeschool graduate who desires to provide God-honoring, family-friendly reading material. She has enjoyed writing since before ten years old, but it has only been since 2013 that she began seriously pursuing writing again – starting with some short stories that she wrote for her sisters as a gift. Her mom encouraged her to try selling the stories she published, and since then, she has begun actively writing short stories, novellas, and novels. If something she has written draws an individual into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, it is worth it!

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Connect with Amanda

Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com

Website: http://amandatero.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandaterobooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandateroauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amandaruthtero/

Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTero

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero

My Review

The Cinderella story as you've never before seen it!

Lord Kiralyn believes his daughter has died in a plague...but years later hears that she is likely still living. The search begins, and the impatient father forgets for a while that he should be seeking God's guidance. His faithful servant and friend, Jolin, lends gentle wisdom.

Will Ellia, on her own journey of hardship and bitterness, find rest for her soul?

This is a well-done story, with emotional twists, suspense, godly lessons, great characters, a refreshing lack of romance, and a satisfying ending. 4.5 stars.

Interview with Amanda

When did you begin to write stories and why?

I was definitely under ten when I began writing, just little scribblings that my sisters and I would put together for fun (or exchange in a secret sister mailbox). It is really hard to explain the “why.” It is just something that I’ve always enjoyed.

What was the inspiration for your current series?

Ah, “The Secret Slipper.” As funny as it may sound, it was just a question. I had finished “Befriending the Beast” (a spin-off of Beauty and the Beast) as a stand-alone when an author friend asked, “Hey, have you ever considered a father/daughter Cinderella story?” And that is exactly where the inspiration started. I prayed about it, and the Lord supplied the full story for book two of this series I hadn’t planned on.

Tell me a bit about your family. How do you schedule your time in order to finish your stories?

I am happily child #5 of an even dozen (ten of which are still home). We go around singing as opportunities arise (our sorely out-of-date blog: http://www.terofamilyministies.com), so that makes life quite busy. I’m also a music teacher (I currently have 30 piano/violin students), so writing is definitely more of a hobby. Some weeks I am able to write for several hours, other weeks, I can’t write at all. So scheduling time for writing is a hit-and-miss. As much as I’d love to be a full-time writer, it’s just not that stage of life for me right now. So I write when I can and by God’s grace, I’ve published three novellas in the past year.

Are your stories more plot driven or more people driven, or are they equally both?

Hmm…my stories are changing as I’m learning more about the writing craft. Initially, I would say that my stories are people-driven, though “The Secret Slipper” has a little more plot drive in it.

If you use outlines, how so?

I use a very loose outline—basically, I get a general idea of the storyline and go from there, changing it as I go. I’m more of a pantster than a planner.

How many books do you plan to write in the Tales of Faith Series?

Ah, THE question. Honestly, I have no clue. As I earlier mentioned, a few months ago, I hadn’t planned on anything more than a cute little stand-alone story, but God led me to continue with a book two. I have a book three mulling around in my mind, but I have absolutely no clue how many will follow. We’ll just see where the Lord leads!

Video chat with Amanda Tero, answering some of the same questions--and more!

Giveaway (Ends Soon)!

Click here to enter a giveaway for 1 paperback set of Befriending the Beast and The Secret Slipper.

Click here to enter an international giveaway of her two ebooks, Befriending the Beast and The Secret Slipper.

Also Touring with The Secret Slipper

May 25, 2017

Amanda @ With a Joyful Noise | Release Day, Giveaway

Leila @ Leila Tualla's Bookshelf | Spotlight

Faith @ Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections | Review, Giveaway

Leona @ Great Books for God's Girls | Review, Interview

May 26

Emily @ Zerina Blossom’s Books | Interview

Kendra @ Knitted By God's Plan (Spotlight) and O'Scarlett Reviews (Review) | Spotlight, Review

Alicia @ A Brighter Destiny | Review, Giveaway

May 27

Anika @ This Journey Called Life | Spotlight, Review, Giveaway

Katie @ His Princess Warrior | Review, Giveaway

Sarah @ The Destiny of One | Spotlight

Heather @ Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Spotlight, Interview, Giveaway

May 29

Kate @ Once Upon an Ordinary | Review, Interview

Sarah @ Penumbra Reviews | Review

Dary @ Peculiar Miss Darcy | Character Interview

Julia @ My Joyful Journey with Jesus | Interview

May 30

Kenzi @ Honey Rock Hills | Review, Giveaway

Anita @ Christian Author: A.M. Heath  | Review

Judith @ JudithWNicholson  | Interview

May 31

Jesseca @ Whimsical Writings for His glory  | Spotlight, Review

Raechel @ God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae  | Spotlight, Review

Esther @ Purposeful Learning | Review, Interview, Giveaway

June 1

Kellyn @ Reveries Reviews  | Review

Victoria @ Victoria Minks Blog  | Spotlight, Review

Kelsey @ Kelsey’s Notebook | Spotlight

June 2

Hanne @ RockandMinerals4Him | Spotlight, Review, Giveaway

Erica @ Roxbury Books Blog | Spotlight

Janell @ Views from the Window Friend  | Review

Crystal @ Crystal’s Adventures for Christ  | Spotlight, Review, Interview

June 3

Alexa @ Verbosity Reviews  | Spotlight

Faith @ Chosen Vessels  | Review

The Missing Matisse - Book Review

I really enjoyed this book, and am tempted to give it 4 stars, but there are a few things that bring it below my normal 4-star rating, which I will touch on later. There is a fresh and lively feel to the book, as it is written in the first-person (as you'd expect), but also in the present tense. There are tidbits about art and famous artists, making for interesting reading to myself, as an artist. There are stories about WWII that are written not in a heavy, deep way, but in a boyish sort of way, with adventure around each corner--though with some sadness and shock, as well. There are illustrations in each chapter, as well as a section of photographs in the middle, which add a whimsical flourish and familial intimacy. The author, grandson of more well-known Henri Matisse, has quite a fascinating boyhood, with mysterious family ties and underground activity (and the occasional theft). He knows God exists, and prays to Him when in distress, but it isn't until near the end of the book that he actually develops a love for Jesus. He is baptized, interestingly enough, by Willie Robertson, of Duck Dynasty fame. This is explained near the end of the book, too. There are a couple of instances of the "h" swear word. The author marries (his fourth marriage) a woman without a ceremony at first, which I don't believe is a good example--plus she married him while she was a professed Christian and he was not. There is also a strange sort of dreaming and Spirit-led painting that makes me question a bit near the end of the book. Oh, and the talk of nude paintings/sculptures. These things are reality in his life, so I understand, but they need not be prominently or favorably included (and they aren't extremely so). I received this book from the Tyndale Blog Network for my honest review.

The Revolt: A Novel in Wycliffe's England - Book Review

Five of five stars!

With vivid and tumultuous words, you are thrown into 14th century action. The story spans part of the life of John Wycliffe, but starts out with another character, a scribe, Hugh West'all, who is reporting on-location about the battle between France and England. He sees one of the archers with a father, worry creasing the son's brow, and the two young men's paths cross various times. Willard, the young archer, is full of bitterness and anger toward those of higher birth, and seeks revenge against greedy friars.

Hugh, meanwhile, becomes a scholar at Oxford. He and his friend Alfred are not much alike, but in one case Hugh and the new scholar, John of Wycliffe, turn the tables on prankster Alfred. The results are most humorous.

You get a slice of life as it might have been back then, with places, smells, characters, and jobs portrayed clearly, yet not ad infinitum. . . . It was not such a great thing that I happened to be eating while I read about the sheep being slaughtered. 

Hugh begins to hear of new things from John Wycliffe, of grace through Christ alone being able to save. Willard, also, hears the preacher and is amazed to hear him speaking against the friars who sell indulgences. 

The dreadful Bubonic plague spreads, and Willard's mother and sister are caught in its grip.

There is a bit of romance toward the end, but it is carefully done.

This is a story that teens and adults, male and female, will most likely enjoy--from battle to archery competition, from a woman tenderly caring for others (including a cat) to Wycliffe teaching and living out his gracious words with little fear of consequences.

Buy from bondbooks.net or amazon.com.