A Net in Time

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slow growth equals strong roots

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (slow growth equals strong roots) through Nuts about Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and is so much appreciated. 🙂

Mary Marantz has put together a gorgeous book of encouragement to focus our purpose and find grace in a world full of overachievement.  35 readings to help us think through the why of what we do, and the hope to see a better tomorrow.  A tomorrow containing rest and grace.

slow growth equals strong roots

Highlights

Mary Marantz has put together a beautiful book that draws you in with slow growth equals strong roots: finding grace, freedom, and purpose in an overachieving world.  With full-colour images, prayers, scripture, heart-felt reading, a fantastic feel to the cover, and a ribbon place holder, you will want to dive in to learn more.  Published by Revell and running at 304 pages you’ll discover 35 readings divided among 4 sections. 

  1. breaking ground
  2. digging deep
  3. anchoring hope
  4. standing tall

Walking you through

Scripture infuses the pages of this tome.  From start to finish, each reading draws you into the word of God.  Most of the scripture passages are drawn from the New Testament.   I would have liked to see a list of the passages used at the close.  It could be that I was lacking attention (it’s been known to happen) but I didn’t find any of the chapters to reference the scripture passage highlighted. 

Closing with prayer, reminds the reader they are not on this journey alone.  The prayers are very much linked to each reading. 

You will find beautiful pictures throughout. Most of the time they had thought-provoking quotes overlaid on them.  The pictures immediately drew me in.  I love the bright colours and activity.  It’s so nice to read a book of encouragement that is also beautiful. 

All in all, it’s a gorgeous book.  Each reading is an encouragement to do things differently, to consider another approach, to take time to rest, refocus, and look for God in the process.  I’m not going to say I agreed with every reading, or everything Ms. Marantz has to say, but most of the readings were an encouragement to my heart.   And I haven’t even finished it!  🙂 

I’m not going to tell you that any of the readings are in-depth treatises, but more like a gentle leading to try something different if you are feeling rushed or pushed through life.  Rather like a sit-down with a friend, mulling over life choices, and gleaning bits of wisdom. 

Should you add it to your reading list?

This is actually a hard question.  I struggle with the need for these growth mindset type of books. BUT this book is, in many ways, better than the other I reviewed. 

For people with good friends, with lots of chances to hang out and have a cup of tea, and exchange wisdom over life and the decisions to be made, I don’t think this book would be necessary.  Sitting down with a friend is so much more fun too!

But, if you are like many women, too busy for tea or in-depth conversations with people who matter to you, you just might find a friend in the pages of slow growth equals strong roots.  You’ll find a restful read that quietly encourages growth. A read bent on helping you find grace in your journey.  A reminder that the trip isn’t a speed race, but a growth journey.

Stir the Pot

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Oh, it’s a Thursday night and I’m wide awake at 11 p.m.  So I thought to myself, why not check out the Five Minute Friday word for the week. It’s Stir.  Of course I immediately think of Stir the Pot, but hmmm… Do I really want to?   Then I started thinking, perhaps maybe I can…  Just differently than my first idea. 🙂  Trust me, a much better idea!

Stir the pot

Stir the Pot

Mom, why?
Why do you want this?
Don’t we have perfectly good
pots at home?
This makes no sense,
and look, they are expensive mom!

Ah, my boy, you don’t understand.
The pots at home, they have
met their end.
Losing their protection,
it’s peeling away,
a new pot is needed,
it’s a brand new day.
AND LOOK! They are on sale!!!!

And so home new pots went
from an annual “Pot Sale”
at Canadian tire.
One big, one medium,
this new stone ware stuff.
But I’ve heard good things
so willing to take a chance.

Made a stew,
the pot a mess,
cause you got to stir the pot.
Soaked in water
then the lad exclaimed!
MOM! Look!
This is a good pot!
Just soaking, and I dumped it
It’s totally clean!!!!

It was fun to hear
the lad’s shock
and delight
in a new pot for the house.
He’s now a fan,
and has plans of his own.
When I get a place,
I’ll wait for this sale,
and get pots like this for my own!

stir the pot

I dunno what you think, but I’d much rather stir the pot making some stew or soup, or even a simple bowl of mac and cheese.  Stirring the pot and creating trouble is really not my gig.  Though there are times when it might be fun a bit…but in the end, I always reconsider. 

But I think I will long remember my son’s complete look of shock when just a simple soaking and the pan came out spic and span.  Such a complete difference from our previous set of pots, even with thier 
“non-stick label”.  These pots come out pretty every single time.  It’s amazing. 

Decrypting Cryptocurrency

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Decrypting Cryptocurrency) through Jenkins Group, Inc. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and is so much appreciated. 🙂

So my hubby has been learning about cryptocurrency from one of his co-workers.  This fellow has been kind enough to gift him with some crypto.   He’s been having fun learning and so has encouraged me to learn a bit as well.  So when Ascot Media asked if I’d like to review Decrypting CryptoCurrency I said sure!  I find it difficult to learn about blockchains, tokens and such, it’s a whole new language and I’m not as young as I used to be.  Magnus Carter takes his time helping new people understand the terminology and it is good!

Magnus Carter's Decrypting CryptoCurrency

Discovering more about Decrypting CryptoCurrency

Decrypting CryptoCurrency: Riding the data path to financial freedom was put together by Magnus Carter.  Magnus Carter started to work when he was 12 years old. As he matured, he discovered that not only do you need to work for money, you need to have your money work for you. And so he shares with us, some of what he has learned about working with Cryptocurrency. 

Running at 177 pages, you won’t find it a long hard read.   Legendary Products & Services, LLC in publisher provides lots of white space and clear headings to make the reading easier.  Nine chapters round out the pages, along with a big bibliography (149 entries).  This enables the reader to continue researching this fascinating field of currency. 

Don’t you just love when an author breaks down educational text into smaller segments?  Each chapter has many smaller sections often closing with a “fact” section.  This section brings clarity to specific concepts presented. 

Mr. Carter makes a point of telling us frequently to not invest money we aren’t willing to lose.  You need to carefully consider not only the possibilities but also the risks.  Crypto could completely take off and you could get a fair amount of money out of it.  BUT, just as with stocks and bonds, you need to consider, what happens if I lose my money?  Crypto really is just another way to make money. 

Magnus Carter takes his time helping new investors learn the lingo of cryptocurrency.  There really is a lot to learn about how blockchains work, what a token is, and what the different styles of crypto are etc.  Crypto is all digital and the different types are developed to solve problems or do specific tasks. Take your time reading, go over it again until you have it straight, and then consider if you want to invest. 

I use Wealthsimple and Coinbase.  One of the things I love about Coinbase is that you can earn crypto simply by doing their learn-to-earn activities. But for ease of use, I like Wealthsimple better.  🙂   I have risked very little!  🙂 

Add it to your shelves?

As I’ve only done a wee bit of research into cryptocurrency I can’t tell you if Decrypting CryptoCurrency is a fantastic book or not.  I can tell you that Mr. Carter has helped me gain a broader understanding of this new financial tool.   He walks the reader through everything he can think of and has therefore given me more peace of mind. That’s worth something yes? 

Just as with any method to making money, only risk what you can afford to risk.  Just as you’d take your time buying a house, investing in a business, or finding stocks and bonds.  Take your time.  There are a fair number of scams out there, so research, study, and then make a wise investment. 

I will most likely have my lad read this book for grade 12 just so he has a firmer understanding of this new market.  Part of preparing him for adulthood eh? 

Along the Rio Grande

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Along the Rio Grande) through Nuts about Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and is so much appreciated. 🙂

Tracie Peterson takes us back to 1899 when the Sante Fe Railway ran through San Marcial, New Mexico.   She shows us hard-working men on the railway, the struggle of balancing faith with life, and the drudgery of running a hotel.  We are introduced to new foods, and get to see the grace of God at work in Along the Rio Grande. 

along the rio grande

Learning the facts about Along the Rio Grande

Tracie Peterson brings together history and a tale of romance in Along the Rio Grande.  At 304 pages this softcover is an easy read.  It is book one in the series Love on the Sante Fe.   The story tells the tale of Susanna Jenkins, her parents, and her brother and how they were caused to run a hotel for her uncle.  You’ll see God in action in the lives of Susanna and her family.   Bethany House is the publisher and you’ll find copies in kindle, audio and paperback.

I am reviewing on behalf of Nuts About Books. 

Digging Deeper

Along the Rio Grande is a Christian historical romance bringing us back to the days of the Sante Fe Railway.   We’ll read about the men working in the yards, and the hotels and restaurants set up along the way to serve both the traveler and the working man. 

Susanna and her family are sent to run a brand new hotel in San Marcial in New Mexico.   They’ve never run a hotel before and have much to learn.   This book is heavier on the romantic details than it is on the history, but never-the-less we do learn about the population of San Marcial and the challenges of working the line.  

The chapter headings are simple with little ornamention. 

Character development was great.  Oh my, but I disliked her parents and numerous times wanted to give them a good shaking.   God’s intervention in their lives felt a bit too “pat”.   Not really sure how else to put that.   But suffice it to say, they both learned important things about themselves and that was fantastic to read about. 

Is this one to read?

If you love the writings of Tracie Peterson and/or love reading Christian historical romance, or just plain love reading a romance without the steamier side of things, Along the Rio Grande will be a perfect fit for you. 

I thought for sure I had reviewed some of her works before but found zip on my blog, but her writing feels so familiar.   Perhaps it is due to some of the other historical romances I have read. 

The Danger is Hidden

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I saw the word danger and it took me a while to figure out what I could write about.  Sometimes, relief from difficulties in life is promised.  And admittedly that promise is kept!  Relief is delivered, but then sometimes, and this doesn’t always happen, but sometimes… and it’s those sometimes that catch you.  Sometimes that fix has unexpected repercussions.  We need to be aware that occasionally, the danger is hidden. Being alert to that possibility will save more oft than not! 

The danger is hidden

The Danger is Hidden

The promise was relief,
a numbing agent
promised
no more burning,
no more pain,
just a deadening sensation
nothing more.

And yes, it worked
it seemed a good thing
and then
it started
a worsening of pain
but in a different area
why?
What caused this change?

And then one learns
about related nerves
and how
relief in one area
can cause
a deadened, numbed
feeling in a related area.

So this promise
should have carried
a warning
a caution to
consider how nerves
in a body can be
connected, and a
simple promise might
not be so very very simple.

Makes me think
of how other promises
are made. And might
seem wonderful at the time
but overtime, you’ll
discover nerve connections
that will cause
discomfort beyond
proportion to the
original pain.

So what to do?
Be alert!
Read the warnings.
Consider, your options.
Is this pain
temporary, can it be endured?
Is the promise worth it?
Is there any way
a promise fix
can be compromised?

The Danger is Hidden

God has things to say

1 Peter 5:8-9

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Genesis 3:1a

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made.

Ephesians 6:11-16

11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

The Souls of Lost Lake

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (The Souls of Lost Lake) through Nuts about Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and is so much appreciated. 🙂

Oh, in The Souls of Lost Lake you’ll find the past and present colliding in a mystery that threatens the lives of souls across the decades.  Can Ava and Wren come to some sort of peace with their pasts and their presents?  Can they figure out how to stop the bloodshed in this mystery in Tempter’s Creek?

The souls of lost lake

What I am reviewing

The Souls of Lost Lake was put together by Jaime Jo Wright.  Ms. Wright is a Christy Award-winning author.  She has also written books such as The House on Foster Hill and Echoes among the stones among others.   Running at 384 pages, 46 questions, and discussion questions at the close.  Bethany House is the publisher of this mildly faith-based suspenseful mystery book with a touch of romance in both timelines. Faith matters more in Ava’s timeline than in Wren’s.  This book is creepy and the connected history between the two timelines makes it all the more plausible to believe in ghosts.

I am reviewing a softcover version for Nuts About books. 

Learning more about The Souls of Lost Lake

The story alternates between the lives of Ava Coons and Wren. Ava’s history was so hard and the people who should have tried to make it better failed to do so.   I found myself connecting well to the pain this young lady suffered, and admiring her decision to fight against it. 

Wren has a mystery in her life and doesn’t even know it (at least at the start).  Over time her search for something more leads her to discover this mystery.  I had a harder time connecting with Wren’s struggle, but loved her determination to help solve one of the mysteries of Lost Lake. 

This is a straightforward fiction read, filled with pain, determination, and hidden thoughts.  It is not an easy-going mystery, but one filled with intrigue and some down-right nasty behaviour.  Sometimes as part of mob rule and sometimes just individuals knowing how to be mean, particularly in the time of Ava Coons.  In Wren’s time, you just know well her sense of loss and not quite belonging.  And the question is why?  Why does she feel alone?  Yet, despite all this, Wren persists in her search for a missing girl.

Should you read it?

The Souls of Lost Lake is honestly one of the few books that I read the last chapter before I was 2/3’s of the way through.   I had to know who to be wary of as I was finding myself growing too tense as the story went on.  It’s funny because I like mysteries, but this one I just needed to know to settle my heart.  And I tell you…. the answer was not what I thought so I had to go back and finish the book.  I had to figure out how they got to that conclusion!   Isn’t that what a decent read does?  Makes you want to finish it even though you already know the answer? 

So… if you like a good mystery and don’t mind a bit of a thriller aspect go ahead, read Ms. Wright’s book.  You’ll discover moments of thought-provoking faith, healing, and hardship. You’ll witness mindless hurt, and behind-the-scenes plot-making.  Some mob mentality was real and somewhat alarming, so just be alert to that!  It was a tad bit too creepy for me in places and not an author I’ll pick up again I think. 

Books read in May 2022

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Continuing my progress from April, I thought I’d talk about the books read in May 2022.  A good variety I think this month.  Some are better than others for sure! 

So I’ll be doing a number of links in this post.  Some will be to reviews, others to amazon affiliate links.  Just trying to make it easy to you to find your next read. 🙂 

books read in May 2022

Physical Books

The Dragon Prince – I like Melanie Rawn, and this book, I’m really hoping I can find another!  I love the world and the viewpoint of the main protagonist.   Dragons, kings, deserts, division in society, people making their own way occasionally against the grain.  Well written.

Skander and the Unicorn Thief.   I got stuck at Costco waiting forever for a prescription to be filled so I did what I always do when waiting… started to read.  I got hooked and ended up buying it!  🙂   It’s a middle school read and says it’s about unicorns… but these aren’t any unicorns I’ve heard of before.  A Facebook acquaintance pointed out they are actually alicorns… which explains why they didn’t seem like typical unicorns!   But good characters, lots of action, and an interesting twist.  A middle school read.

Gentle and Lowly – still slowly making my way through this step into the heart of Christ. Absolutely recommend.

More than My Scars – a good book that I reviewed that left me feeling like there’s got to be more to the story.   About a young lady who got badly burned, and how she developed her faith throughout her healing process. 

Along the Rio Grande – a romance set back in 1899 in San Marcial, New Mexico.  A family needing to learn a new way of living.  Life is a bit of a challenge, and it was great to see growth and the love of the Lord blossom.    The first in a series of two.  

An Encounter: Easter – this is the third in the series and the first one of the series in which I came across a roadblock in recommending.  I have a hard time when people force an idea into a scripture passage that doesn’t belong there. This happened once too often. 

The graphic novel Lowriders to the rescue, has a decent environmental theme, but the style wasn’t my cup of tea. 

On Kindle

Dream of Empty Crowns – GAH… I felt compelled to get the second book just to learn more of the story. The first book ended in such an odd spot… usually a series will stop a book in a logical spot.  This book didn’t do that!  I suspect they’ll force me to buy a third book too.. which I might depending on how much it costs.  🙂

And the second book The Trials of Boy Kings, which surprisingly I enjoyed more than the first book.  This series is definitely growing on me.  I happen to like middle school/young adult literature though.   Such an interesting concept of electing a 13 year to be your leader with good advisors in the background.  And seeing how other systems operate (evils of communism, how kings can be bad rulers as well as good, and letting people govern themselves however they want). 

OH!   I should probably mention where I find some of my kindle books.  I’m part of a list called book bubs.  This is a list (and you can choose what books you’d like sent to you) where they send you books for free or cheap.  I’ve never seen a book over $4.99 and some of the books are pretty good.  Others.. well you know, not all books are great!

I’ve just started one called Bond of a Dragon: Zahara’s gift, which overall is pretty good, but some characterization is poorly done.   It is the first in a series of four books so I may be making additional purchases…..  It’s so far about a young man whose uncle was killed in front of him and he’s running away to rescue people taken captive (including his cousins).   Along the way, he befriends a young dragon, Zahara.  And that’s about as far as I’ve gotten. 

On Audible

High Noon – an interesting look at the life of a hostage negotiator.  The problems with being a woman in a man’s world and how that impacts life.   A Nora Roberts book, so you know there’s going to be a romance involved, and you may want to fast forward through the love-making parts.  I listened to this one as part of the Audible App. 

I continue to work my way through Women in White Coats.  It’s a drier read, more of a history, so I do not listen to it all the time.   But it is fascinating to hear the history and grasp the dedication of those early women doctors. 

Redemptor is part of the Raybearer series.  It’s an interesting blend of African drums, mythology and fantasy.   This would not be a read for everyone I think.  I just found the world and culture building so very interesting and figuring out the connections between the different parties. 

How About You?

Have you read any interesting books lately?   What type of books draw your interest?  Share with me your books read in May 2022.