Agonizing over a decision?

/ Dora Hiers / 7 Comments
Stand at the crossroads..ask where the good way is, and walk in it..you will find rest for your souls. Jer 6:16 NIV
Do you ever reach a crossroads in your life and agonize over which way to turn?
Whether it’s a relationship issue, a major purchase, selling your house, a move, retirement, or a career choice.

Crossroads aren’t restricted to age or inexperience.
I’m over fifty (that’s still young, isn’t it?), and I still experience crossroads in my life.
I’m facing one now with my writing.
Nothing life-threatening, but still a major decision with long-reaching consequences.

What do you do?
Do you close your eyes, pick a direction, and continue along on your own?
Or do you beg God to hold you by the hand and lead you, to give you strength for the journey?

Over the next few weeks, I’ll share more about a door that God has opened for me, an answered prayer, but an opportunity that both thrills and worries me.

I can choose to close my eyes and continue on my own, or I can beg Him to hold my hand, to alleviate my fear, to provide the strength and peace only He can provide. 
I choose God’s way.
  
So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Is 41:10 NIV
What about you?
What crossroads are you facing?
How will you respond?

/ Dora Hiers / 2 Comments
Introducing  
When Truth Whispers…
 
After a humiliating breakup, best-selling romance author Teal Benning flees to Promise Lake to complete her current novel, minus paparazzi and flashing cameras. Suffering from writer’s block and a broken heart, Teal accepts the offer of help from neighbor, Hunter Miciver. 
Hunter longs to be more than the friend who picks up the shattered pieces of Teal’s heart. When Teal finds out his secret, will she see him for the man he is, a man of faith and devotion, a man who would cherish her for the rest of her days? Or will she lump him into the same category as all the other men in her life, including her father? Will Teal recognize when truth whispers her name?

Coming soon with White Rose Publishing.

A PATH TOWARD LOVE by Cara Lynn James

/ Dora Hiers / 2 Comments

A Path Toward Love
Katherine came home to forget her past. The last thing she expected is a hopeful future.

Young widow Katherine Osborne returns to her family’s rustic camp on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. She’s determined to live a quiet life, but her socialite mother is equally determined to push her into a new marriage while she’s still young.

Andrew Townsend has known Katherine since they were children. An attorney who is successful, but not wealthy, he knows she is socially out of his reach. But he’s curious what changed the free-spirited girl he once knew into this private, somber young woman.

Katherine has kept hidden the details of her unsuccessful marriage. When past sins come to light, she must turn to God for the courage to be honest. But how can she trust the God she feels has let her down? When she confides in Andrew, their relationship takes a dramatic turn into uncharted territory.

Amid impossible obstacles, two young people must learn to trust enough to walk the path that God has cleared for them. A path that leads to healing and restoration. A path toward love.

My Review: 
Disillusioned after a disastrous marriage, Katherine no longer trusts her judgment regarding men and love. Although she has no intention of remarrying, Katherine’s parents operate with an entirely different agenda, with no regard for her feelings. Initially, Katherine vowed not to conform to their plan, but then they ramped-up the pressure. Her mother schemed and her father threatened, leaving her with little choice. Andrew doesn’t have the social standing to strive for Katherine’s affections, but that doesn’t stop him from loving her.

This is a book rich with colorful characters, both main and secondary, and what seemed like impossible obstacles weaving a beautiful tapestry of forgiveness, restoration and truth. Wonderful imagery settled me right into the sweltering heat of the Florida orange groves and then the rustic atmosphere of the family’s lake camp. 

Have you ever read a book where the author kept you guessing until the last page if the hero or heroine would eventually make the right choice and find their path toward love? Pun intended. 🙂 Not being familiar with Ms. James’s writing style, I was a little worried about getting my happily-ever-after ending, but the author delivered. That doesn’t mean the romance between Andrew and Katherine was lacking. Not at all! I found the romance to be sweet and subtle, tender and emotionally satisfying. Nicely done, Ms. James. I’m a new fan and look forward to reading all your books. This book is a “must read” for historical romance lovers, but contemporary lovers will enjoy it, too.

Purchase Link: Thomas Nelson or Amazon
  
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.