I told you I'd get better about going after those interviews...and I will. Cut me some slack. I was on vacation, people. No internet. It was fabulous by the way: ). So I missed Fabry and Bunn (who's latest book will be appearing in the next couple of days, but I promise, I'm back on track. Besides, Fabry will no doubt be writing for adults again.
You can read the first chapter of Dogwood, here. And visit Chris at his blog. As always, click on the book cover for even more info.
My Review:
Chris Fabry's debut adult novel, Dogwood, is a mosaic of humanity, God's grace and the power of love.
Solidly literary fiction with deep, flawed characters and beautiful prose, Dogwood also contains a mystery within the story that adds tension and a deepening plot. Twists and turns fill this multi-first-person POV novel.
The spiritual elements run deep and into moments that teach, however, the characters who do the teaching end up being so compelling that it doesn't feel preachy, but instead feels like wisdom that needs to be savored and pondered and maybe even considered in the life of the reader.
Sensitive readers may want to use caution because the themes in this book are PG-13 and intense.
Days after finishing the story I'm still mulling over and wondering how I feel about situations and information that I was given in my journey to Dogwood. Haunting may be too strong, but I think there will be a shadow that follows me for awhile as I continue to process what I've read.
Even though the characters had great depth, I struggled with finding sympathy or even like for a main character. But I think this is a back-handed compliment because that means this paper and ink "person" got under my skin.
Those who love literary or general fiction, especially the stories that are infused with a touch from God, may find Dogwood to be a very satisfying read. Fabry is a wordsmith and quite a storyteller. I'm looking forward to his next novel.
...regular scheduled blogging to announce that I'll be an infrequent or absent blogger for a really long weekend.
But because I don't want you to go through any sort of withdrawal, I'm going to open myself up to public humiliation by sharing this link with you.
Click here and you'll go to a magic page with many, many short stories and devotionals I've written over the months and years since I began posting my "stuff" aka thoughts, words, drivel on the internet. Hopefully, you might see a progression of my "talent." All snarky and sarcastic comments are welcome. Feel free to talk about me while I'm gone. And while I'm away from the computer, I'll be cultivating memories that no doubt will end up here.
And here is a picture my daughter-in-law took of that amazing lightning storm a few weeks ago. Spooky-cool.
Behave. And have a fabulous, restful "weekend." I will.
My Thoughts:
I haven't had a chance to read The Healing Choice and the companion guidebook. I did page through and glanced at the chapters. Half the book is Brenda's (with comments from her husband Fred from The Every Man Series) story of time spent in a spiritual wilderness of grief. Susan tells her story of her own experience with betrayal in marriage.
Book Summary :
In the wake of betrayed intimacy, you may feel nauseated, angry, humiliated, desperate. Why am I not enough for him? Can our marriage be saved—and do I even want to try? Will this unbearable ache ever go away?
Amid the devastation that follows a spouse’s sexual disloyalty, you need to know that you are not alone. God walks alongside you, offering comfort and a promise to transform the pain of the present into hope for the future. In addition, there is a community of women who know firsthand the agony caused by a husband’s sexual compromises and who offer the compassion, strength, and biblical wisdom you need to make healthy decisions for yourself and your family.
The Healing Choice reveals the hope-filled stories of two such women, authors Brenda Stoeker and Susan Allen, who draw on their own experiences and those of many others to offer step-by-step advice for rediscovering intimacy with God and finding the support you need to move toward genuine spiritual and emotional restoration.
Their down-to-earth insights light the path toward help and healing for every woman who longs to move beyond the pain of broken trust and experience God’s promise of hope.
17 things I love about you....
Happy Birthday, Shibbie Baby.
You are 17...How did that happen?
17) You have a style all your own -- that's a good thing.
16) You make me laugh and... sometimes you mean to...: ).
15) You are creative -- very creative.
14) You take sweet pictures.
13) I have lots of pretty entertaining memories where you are in the starring role.
12) You are willing to work hard.
11) You have terrific focusing skills.
10) And fish-raising skills--in spite of the stupid "friends."
9) Your enthusiasm is contagious.
8) You have a sweet, sweet smile.
7) You are so good and kind and patient with little kids and older people.
6) Your obsession with Eileen's sugar cookies makes me laugh.
5) You still listen at church -- even though you don't always want to be there.
4) You apologize when you're wrong. Are are quick to forgive when I'm wrong.
3) You treat us with respect even though you don't always like our decisions.
2) You have so much potential -- no matter what you decide to do with your life, you'll succeed.
1) You are my little girl and I love you. I'm so glad you belong to me.
Happy Birthday 17!!!!!!
Find out more information on Painted Dresses by clicking the book cover. Click here to read the first chapter. I love this new feature. I always know within the first chapter if I'm going to enjoy my time in an author's world. Here is my review. I didn't even contact Patricia for an interview. The past couple of weeks have been crazy-busy. Sorry, Dreggies.
My Review:
I recognize Gaylen and Delia. Unfortunately, that means there are families so touched by deep, dark secrets that members of those families become unable to function in a normal relationship. We all have those broken spots in our lives...can we swing in a circle and not bump into someone who is scarred?
Delia is flighty, rebellious and out of control. She peppers her surroundings with emotional buckshot. Gaylen spins like a toy top, bouncing and whirling elsewhere (anywhere) attempting to do what she knows is right. Her crippled past guarantees that those right things will fail.
This novel is a very gritty read. Not your traditional inspiring Christian fiction. If there are categories of Christian fiction...one being sharing the hope and light of Christ and His power, the other showing how desperately hope, light and power are needed, Painted Dresses falls in the second category. You won't feel warm and fuzzy after reading it. You may find hope, it's not a hopeless read, but it is a very long look into lives of people who spend weeks and months grasping, gasping and trying to protect their view of themselves, regardless of the cost.
I applaud Patricia Hickman's desire to open a closet door, and if you love fiction that goes to the dark place in a human's soul, you definitely need to read the first chapter. Those who've been there may find healing by opening up and peeking in.
I spe
nt some serious time looking up recipes last week and was inspired to do a bit of baking with a twist. Can you make a chocolate chip cookie that tastes great and might be good for you (or better....)? I think I found one. And the benefit of all the fiber is that if you gorge on the little buggers you will be sorry, sorry, sorry later so that's a serious deterrent to those who can't control themselves around chocolate chip cookies.
These even passed the family test. The salt/soda is half of the Tollhouse recipe, the sugar is decreased by 1/3 to 1/2 depending on how serious you are about packing your brown sugar. The fat is cut in half by replacing 1/2 a cup with a cup of flaxseed and decreasing the flour to one cup and adding one cup of oatmeal for extra fiber.
Chocolate-Oat-Walnut Yummos
1 stick (1/2 cup ) butter (don't use trans-fat product) (I plan to experiment with peanut or cashew butter)
1 and 1/3 cup brown sugar (not packed)
1/2 teasp baking soda
1/2 teasp salt
1 teasp vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup ground flaxseed
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup flour (I used all-purpose, but next time will try oat)
1 cup chocolate chips (cocoa nibs or a 70% + dark chocolate bar -- chopped)
1 cup chopped walnuts
Soften butter (or use room temperature butter), add brown sugar and blend. Add baking soda and salt and stir. Mix-in vanilla and eggs, stir until completely blended and add the flour, flaxseed and oats and stir until completely mixed in. Finally toss and mix-in chocolate chips and nuts.
Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes (depending on your oven). Cool. These have a great nutty taste from the flaxseed and are soft and fluffy with a bit of crunch.
