Always a Wedding Planner Guest Devotional by Davalynn Spencer

 

A Spiritual Aftertaste

So happy to have Davalynn Spencer here to share her

Guest Devotional 

Welcome to my Blog, Davalynn Spencer!

 

Aftertaste. Sometimes it’s pleasant, sometimes it’s not. But with novels, aftertaste can be what a reader carries with them after they read the last page and close the book.

Authors like to call that the takeaway.

Tomorrow is release day for Always a Wedding Planner, a contemporary romance collection from Barbour Publishing that has four takeaways – one from each of the four authors who contributed a novella.

As one of the four authors, I know I speak for the others when I say we hope you take away an idea, new thought, or word of encouragement from our stories, something that you can apply to your day-to-day life.

Following is our overview from the spiritual side of this light-hearted romantic collection.

Toni Shiloh: In my story Finally a Sweetheart, Felicity Edwards is a wedding cake baker who dreams of having a family one day. She deals with the conflict of knowing when to be vulnerable, feeling like she’s worthy of love, and opening her heart to new possibilities.

The biggest takeaway I hope readers will leave with is that you can trust God with it all. He’ll see you through the trials and tribulations. He’ll strengthen you when you’re weak. Bless you with wisdom when you’re conflicted on an issue. I hope that people see the humanity in Felicity and the desire to be better as a person.

RL Ashly: Hemmed In focuses on God’s relationship with the individual and the individual’s relationship with others. When I was writing the story, I chose the following verse as the theme. “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” (Psalm 139:5 NIV)

As a professional seamstress, the New International Version’s use of the word “hem” appealed to me. A garment or project without a hem looks sloppy and is unfinished. The fabric unravels and deteriorates over time. The item lasts longer and is more serviceable if it has a hem in it.

 

Recognizing God’s protection and leading in our lives, reminds me of a finished seam.

The words “You hem me in” demonstrate God’s active participation in the believer’s life. Behind, before, and above denote the surrounding presence of the Lord in our lives. God stitches the broken places making them whole. 

 

Not only do stories seek to instruct and encourage, but they are also created for fun. Novels take the reader on many kinds of adventures. Entertainment serves its purpose when the one being entertained can forget about life’s struggles for a while and rejuvenate. My happy place would be a library with floor-to-ceiling shelves stuffed with books and a hammock. 

 

Leeann Betts: The theme for The Worst-Kept Secret is that we can’t hide anything from God. He already knows. Yet we spend so much time making excuses, taking unnecessary detours, and simply avoiding the truth.

If, instead, we invested our energies in deepening our relationship with God, He would point out those areas that need to change so we can deepen our relationship with Him and enjoy the fullness of His gifts of grace and mercy which He extends to us each day.

My goal is that readers will finish reading this story with a better understanding that God wants to be the center of our entire life, not just our prayer life, our Sunday or church life, or our private thought life. He longs to be included in every decision we make, in how we vote, in how we spend our money, and in how we treat the disadvantaged and disenfranchised in our neighborhoods and the world. We are all weak, broken vessels in dire need of a Savior, and presenting Him—and us—in this light is my heart’s desire.

Davalynn Spencer: The scriptural connection for “Taste and See” came to me immediately upon deciding that I would write from the chef’s perspective. The verse is found in one of my favorite Psalms, and may, at first, sound like a contradiction:

 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good:

Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

(Psalm 34:8)

Taste and smell are the two physical senses so closely connected, not taste and see. Why are these two paired in this passage? Perhaps the verse could be interpreted as meaning “try God out and discover how good He is,” but I’ll leave translations up to the scholars.

My heroine, Ronnie Fare, had to choose to swallow the second half of the verse as well as the first half. Her back was against the wall. Would she trust God or would she not? Would she use the unusual provision God had supplied, or would she let fear take over?

The unexpected is something we all must face, and how we respond is a choice that each of us must make. It’s the letting go and trusting that is so hard because trust comes at the great, bloody expense of self-will.

Blurb for Always a Wedding Planner:

 Love Is Only Business for 4 Wedding Planners

Discover how keeping secrets from each other threatens four women’s friendships, wedding business, and ability to find love in Loveland, Colorado.
 
Business partners Felicity Edwards, the cake baker; Kiki Bell, the seamstress; Cassie Blackthorn, the coordinator; and chef Saffron Fare are best of friends in a town that is a romantic wedding destination for many couples. They work together at Weddings by Design to make every bride’s special day perfect. Could each falling into their own romance be the key to working out their differences and learning to trust each other–and God–with their futures?

 Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Always-Wedding-Planner-R-Ashly-ebook/dp/B08MX4QZZS/

Short link: https://amzn.to/3kTvAge

 

 

Samuel Sailing: The True Story of an Immigrant Boy by Karl Beckstrand

Loved this book of Samuel, an immigrant boy and his early life, his travels to America and the story of his family and their love for one another.  The book shows beautiful historical photos and even some interesting documents!  All of this was loved by the professional genealogist in me.  I think it is so important for children to learn of their ancestors and the struggles that they dealt with to help their families enjoy a better life, serving their Church and God as they desire.

This is a great teaching book for children and even enjoyable for adults.

I received an ebook copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.
 

Agnes's Rescue: The True Story of an Immigrant Girl by Karl Beckstrand

 Little Agnes is from Glasgow, Scotland and finds herself coming to America to join a group of religious refugees as they travel west to what eventually becomes the state of Utah.  

Being a modern-day immigrant and a genealogist, I just loved this children's story as it told a story that is dear to my heart, finding a path to what is hoped as a better future, although the going isn't easy.  In fact, things were very difficult.  

I loved the art work in this book which is richly and beautifully illustrated.  It is an enjoyable read even for an adult!  Loved it.

I received an ebook copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Caught by the Cowboy Dad by Melinda Curtis Book 8 The Mountain Monroe Series

 Book 8 is just great!  I love this series and so happy to see it continue!  The Monroes are quite a family and they seem to keep growing, one way or the other!

This book was a clean second chance book and since I love the Monroe series, I am always happy to see a new book come out!

When Holden finds out he is about to be a dad for the second time, he wants to try it again with the baby's mom, Bernadette but she has serious doubts as to his sincerity and is sure that things won't work out.  

The book will make you smile and I think you will enjoy it!

I received a copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

The Widower by Jennifer Spredemann (Amish Country Brides Series

 As Titus and Emily meet, they quickly made a connection.  Titus, a widower with children, is very attracted to Emily.  But deep within his heart is a fear that may cause a rift in their blossoming relationship and keep him from moving on with his life.  A heartwarming romance, this book is sure to  keep you reading.  It's a charming, enjoyable and Christian read that holds your attention to the end.  

This sweet romance is another book from a growing series of sweet and lovely romances.  The author has a way of bringing in Christian values that are not only important only to the Amish of whom she writes, but to all Christians alike and helps all to realize that our faith can help us overcome all fears.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Along a Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart

 

If you enjoy historical fiction then this book should be high on your TBR pile!  In some ways it reminds me of a book I recently read by Suzanne Woods Fisher entitled "The Moonlight School" yet very different.  So if you loved this book, you will also love this one, as well!

In this new book by Ann H. Gabhart you will find Tansy Calhoun who travels through all kinds of weather, on horseback, to deliver library books to those living far into the hills of Kentucky.  It is an amazing story, which details the hardships she endured in her job and the hardships of the mountain people she diligently serves.  And she serves in more ways than simply delivering books, she truly ministers to them.

I found this to be a very interesting and thought provoking book.  This was a book of  historical life that you rarely, if ever, hear about.  I loved this book and highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts are my own.

Silver Lining at Mustang Pass by Cindy M. Amos (The Men of Mustang Pass Book 1) Audible Version

 This was a very enjoyable book to listen to.  I am starting to like Western historical fiction more and more.  This story of the time of settlement in Montana and mining adventures will keep you spellbound until the very end.  It has some mystery, adventure and just a touch of romance to make for a well-rounded story.

I liked the voice of the narrator, Paul Curtis, who seemed to be perfect for this story.  It's a clean and sweet book and I enjoyed it very much.

I received an Audible version of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Amish Friends Healthy Options Cookbook by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 This is a very nice cookbook.  I went through the book twice after I received it making notes as to the ones that I really wanted to try!  I found so many recipes that looked really delicious and not too complicated.  

There is a section with home remedies that sound interesting and easy to do. Even directions to make cottage cheese, brick cheese and homemade yogurt.  There are dairy-free, egg-free, Gluten-free, low carb and sugar free recipes and each recipe is marked as to which it is making it easy for the cook to determine the appropriate recipe for their needs.  I am really delighted to have this amazing book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts are my own.

Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar

This book was excellent.  I don't know how the author manages to carry everyone back in time to a story so lifelike you feel you are living in that very time.  I really have enjoyed her writing and this is a wonderful example of her work.

As Chariline searches for her father, I could totally relate as I searched for my grandfather for over 40 years.  As she comes to find out that her father is alive despite what she thought all along that he had died, her search stops at nothing to connect with him.

As the author weaves Biblical history into the story and trust in God and life lessons to be learned.

An excellent book that I recommend!

I received an ebook copy through NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.
 

Always a Wedding Planner by R.L. Ashly, Leeann Betts, Toni Shiloh, Davalynn Spencer

 These four novellas made a great collection and blended together so well.  The four ladies each has a part in their wedding planning business enterprise.  They are all sweet romances and each woman has her story to tell.  The stories flowed so well together, it actually just seemed like one book.

The story was of good friends and some obstacles that sometimes stand in the way.  The stories were are sweet and had some humor.  The book will draw you in and you will enjoy it.

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Return to the Big Valley by Wanda E Brunstetter

 

This book contain three stories each of which is unique and a sweet read taking place in Amish communities in the Pennsylvania hills.  Each story is by a different author and all are enjoyable and make for a very entertaining book.  I have enjoyed all of the Brunstetter stories, either from well-known author Wanda and her daughter-in-law and granddaughter.  Their writing style is somewhat similar and so the stories blend well together as a book.

I enjoyed the book very much and although there is a previous book, which I have already read, it can be read as a stand-alone book. These Amish stories are about three different young women, each unique in their own way who have felt sorrows in previous relationships.

I received a copy of this book by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing.  All thoughts are my own.

To Soar With Eagles by Gerald N. Lund

 This is an excellent historical fiction in the Monticello area of pioneer Utah days.  The trials with cattle rustlers and all that goes along with it.  This author knows how to research and tell a great story that you can visualize in your own mind as you read all the details.  

Based on real events, the fictional characters truly come to life and feel like people you know.  This book has lots of emotion and action.  Can't fail.

I definitely don't want to miss any of his books.  They draw you in completely.  One of my favorite authors for sure.

At Lighthouse Point by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 There is no way you can go wrong with a book written by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  I am being totally honest when I say there hasn't yet been a book of this author's that I didn't absolutely love reading and wouldn't highly recommend to everyone.  She is easily one of my favorite authors. I enjoy her Amish and historical books and am so amazed at how easily she can transition to different genres.

I loved the characters in this book.  This was Blaine's story and I loved accident prone Jean-Paul and the "little bit of a mystery" as to his connection to Blaine. I loved the problem-solving aspects and trust in God as to the outcomes of our lives.  There were so many sentences that I would totally love to quote in this review, but I am leaving it to the readers to discover for themselves.  

And I must add that I love lighthouses as they simply fascinate me.  This book was all that and more.

I am sad to see the end of this series. But will be watching for any future book this author writes.  I would never want to miss a single book!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.