That Certain Spark by Cathy Marie Hake

When Doctor Taylor Bestman, a woman, agrees to move to Texas with her twin brother, Enoch Bestman, a veterinarian, she had no idea of how her life and practice will change. Both of the Bestmans have signed four year contracts to serve the people of Gooding, Texas and while Enoch is readily accepted by the town, many leaders of the town balk at Taylor offering medical treatment to the men of the town. Taylor is not daunted by the opposition and quickly finds a friend in her first patient, Karl Van der Vort. As their friendship grows, so do the dangerous threats to Taylor's practice. Taylor finds she must stand her ground, but be willing to serve as God calls her to.

I enjoyed That Certain Spark by Cathy Marie Hake. The story was quite entertaining and I loved the Taylor Bestman's character. It was an easy read that kept drawing me back for more. The only think I did not care for was the way that Enoch and Mercy's relationship developed. Somehow, it just did not seem believable and it was just too convenient. At one point, Mercy develops breast cancer and one of her breasts is removed. I wonder why this was even in the book. It did not really have anything to do with the main plot or serve to enhance the story. I suspect that Hake may have another book coming on Enoch's character as there were some loose ends left open at the end of the book.

A trip to Barnes & Noble

Today I went to the local Barnes & Noble and wished I was a millionaire. If I was, I probably would have bought alot of books from there. But since I'm not, I just looked around and enjoyed being surrounded by books on every side.

While there I noticed a few fiction books that seemed to be about ghosts. I have to confess, I didn't realize there was really a market for ghost fiction. But recently, I read one myself, and I guess it makes sense with the popularity of series such as the Harry Potter books and the Twilight books, that people are interested in books relating to the supernatural.

It was just interesting to me.

Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury

Emma Landon and Brad Cutler shared a remarkable, beautiful love until a terrible mistake tore them apart, leaving them wounded and unable to heal. Years later, Brad Cutler has moved on with his life and is about to marry the love of his life when he realizes that he can not move on to the next chapter of life and until he has closure about his first love. When Brad announces he has to find Emma and close that chapter of his life, the wedding is put on hold and his relationship with his fiancée is jeopardized. Following what he believes is God's will, he searches for Emma and the healing that neither of them have ever known.

I have read approximately 10 novels by Karen Kingsbury and this one is by far my favorite. I could not put it down! I fluctuated with the characters. First, I wanted Brad to be with Emma, then I wanted him to be with Laura, back and forth I went. I cried with the characters as they worked through the deepest pain of their lives and I rejoiced as they found the healing they had needed for so long. This book is a great read and a gentle, healing story about the difficult topic of abortion.

GoodWill Bookstore

I have just discovered the GoodWill Bookstore! I've known it was there for a long time, but I have not visited it. I went on Christmas Eve and was pleasantly surprised to find that the had a large inventory and very reasonable prices. I was able to get 2 hardcover books and 4 softcover books for $21. It was an awesome buy.

The Mermaid In The Basement by Gilbert Morris

Viscountess Serafina Trent is not the typical high-society, well-to-do woman. She is a scientist who has learned to believe only in what she can see and trust only what she can prove. When her brother, Clive Newton, is arrested for the murder of an actress, all the evidence points to him. However, she believes with all her heart that he is innocent and attempts to use her brilliant, scientific mind to set him free. Dylan Tremayne, a superb theater actor, volunteers to assist her in her search for clear Clive's name. Reluctantly, she accepts help and finds his friendship to be a blessing to her life. Together, they work day and night, and an attraction grows between them despite Serafina's determination to never marry again.

The Mermaid In The Basement by Gilbert Morris is both a mystery and a historical fiction book. It is very well-written and the plot and characters were completely believable. I enjoyed how the author introduced the protagonist to Charles Dickens at one point. The romance between Serafina and Dylan was highly predictable; however, the ending was not. I intend to visit the library soon and see if the sequel to this book is available.

I Heard The Bells by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I Heard The Bells is a well-known poem that has been put to music. When listening to the song, sometimes it's easy to miss the meaning. I am posting it here because I love the words and the authenticity of the song. Too often our culture makes Christmas out to be a happy time for everybody. But it is not always a happy time filled with peace and joy. Families fight. Parents abandon their children. People go without the basic necessities of life.

However, when we encounter unhappiness during the Christmas holiday, we must remember that God is not dead, nor doth he sleep. He is alive and present and came to bring joy and peace for all men.


I Heard The Bells by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th'unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
'There is no peace on earth, ' I said
'For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.'

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.'

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.