I'm Back..'Love and Cherish,' by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller...book review by Candace Duiker

It's been awhile since I've posted, it's good to be back:).  The book I'm reviewing is 'To Love and Cherish,' by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller. This story is a classic for both women and men in that dance that we all do which often involves finding love, losing love or thinking you've lost it and it comes back again.

The main characters are Melinda Colson and her love for a gamekeeper Evan. She's in love with him, but like many men he won't commit to her fully until he thinks he can support her.  The writing in this book is breath taking and believable. I really liked the way the Writers' of the book tied nature in with Melinda and Evan's love story.

In every relationship, in my mind love is made up of a 'sacred' language and geography that only the two people in that relationship can navigate and understand.  Melinda Colson longs for the love of her life to give her his heart fully, and what she isn't aware of at the time is that Evan needs to be away from her to really learn that he doesn't have to wait for everything to exactly the way he thinks it needs to be to have a successful relationship with her.  That in fact they can build a foundation together as real partners in life and marriage.
Real love shouldn't have to wait forever after all it should be nurtured and used to create a loving relationship day to day. That's the real lesson in this beautifully written story.  And who doesn't love a real love story! I recommend this book to everyone.  
 Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing.

www.grafmartin.com 
www.amazon.ca 
 www.chapters.indigo.ca

"The Way" by book review of this amazing modern day Bible by Candace Duiker

It's an amazing feeling to have this translation of the Bible come to life in your hands. In these crazy, sometimes chaotic times, with every other joe deciding what 'reality' is and then getting a reality show for saying so. This New Living Translation of the Bible called:  "The Way" ties together the bible stories we all remember growing up to now using black and white photos that really speak to today's generation and to those before and one below.  As well, as current stories of real people who struggling with issues that were similar in some aspect to our ancestors.  It speaks of hope, strength and resilience that real people have felt at the bottom of the barrel in luck, or just plain out and out forgotten.  The beauty of their spiritual reawakening and learning to love of self and others is awesome.  My personal favorite has always been Job in any copy of the bible.  Job is an everyday kind of guy who just cannot believe how so many negative things can keep happening to him.  We've all felt like Job at various times I'm certain of it.  However, he may question God on matters that our human hearts have trouble understanding, but he never stops loving God.  Even in my own Job moments, when I wonder the whys of certain things I do still love God. What's more the answers inevitable come forth in much better ways then I could ever have brought about by trying to force myself to understand and another point in time.  This Bible "The Way" I think is a wonderful way to make the Bible exciting and feel much more relevant to all of us.  It takes the fear factor out and deals with our hearts and minds in a deeper, yet gentler way, it's how I percieve God to be.  I've already had many discussions with my family about "The Way" and they are very curious to understand what I'm talking about.  So I am recommending this book "The Way," to whoever wants a current, easy to understand copy of the Bible.  It will really make you go hmmmmmmmmm.Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.By Candace Duikerhttp://www.grafmartin.com/
http://www.amazon.ca/
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

My June Book Review: "Hiking Through One Man's Journey to Peace and Freedom on the Appalachian Trail" by Paul Stutzman--review by Candace Duiker

 The book I read for June is called "Hiking Through: One Man's Journey to Peace and Freedom on the Appalachian Trail" by Paul Stutzman.  When Paul Stutzman's wife is diagnosed with breast cancer they are both changed and fight the disease hard.  He tells the story most candidly and you can tell this is the kind of man he is.  For the first while after he loses her to cancer he too is lost and is looking for answers.  Something in Paul is drawn and calmed by nature, particularly the Appalachian trail.  He decides to embark upon a 2, 176 mile journey on the trail, and documents his trip.  His story really spoke to me on many levels: Life is made of transitions and changes and it's not easy when things are going all backwards to know what the next step is.  They say we use 10 percent of our brain and I think that the other 90 percent is where God speaks to us in ways only we will understand subjectively.  Paul Stutzman was called out to the land and the tree-song to help heal him.  This book is a wonderful reminder of the strength of nature in reaffirming our relationship back to our ourselves and to God.  Paul does find his way and his wife's spirit can be found in his words and in the conversations he has along the way.  It is a book that is wise and pays the highest respect to his wife. I think from teenagers to seniors this book is a kind offering of hope and of strength and healing, we call all walk away with something from this most honest journal by Paul Stutzman. 
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.By Candace Duiker

http://www.grafmartin.com/
http://www.amazon.ca/
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

April Book Review: "You're Already Amazing"by Holly Gerth--Book Review by Candace Duiker

Outside my window, the trees are coming back to life they are shining with possibility and it's how I'm feeling after having read this book.  Holly Gerth in her book "You're Already Amazing" She is encouraging in her guiding words, using many examples.  I really liked how she talks about love and that how God brings and shows up as in love in one person is going to look differently to another, but no less, never that.  She is gentle in her approaches, gives helpful exercises to help a person see things from a new set of eyes.  Gerth's focus is to stay in motion, she never blames, it is forward 'faith' oriented momentum all the way. This book is highly practical, yet has the rightful feel of some of the wisest thoughts you may come across, pages may become all dog-eared that's what I mean.
Gerth's writing is poetic, and poignant it's like she reaches inside your heart and speaks strength to it. I like that, everyone needs to feel love in a way that they understand, so they can pass it on.
This book happens to me at just the right time, I met a nice guy a couple weeks ago and I felt so at home with him. We met on a beautiful day, wandered the Farmer's Market together. We only had talked a few days before meeting, but somehow ,his quickness to smile and calmness of spirit, really made an impression on me.  Sometimes it isn't even how many words are spoken between people it's just that you kind of get what their spirit is about. The man I met loved fishing and people watching among many other things. I think why I liked him so immediately was that he was open to good things happening to him, inviting it in fact.  We talked about nature a whole lot and how much it teaches us.  We were supposed to meet up again and I wondered why I had not heard from him.  Well, this evening I received a text message from his ex girlfriend saying that he had passed away.  I was saddened about it, as I was just getting to know him.
The parallels between how I felt after reading this book and after meeting my new friend were so similar.  When I met him I felt warmer having met him, wiser.  Gerth's book does this too, she encourages us to ask questions to search for meaning.  The theme of meeting my friend and to of this book are we are each here for a reason, that we each have many things to offer and to receive.  To let the grace of that flow in is by saying yes to being open, asking the hard questions, and having faith when we don't know or see the next chapter.  I'm thankful to have met him, though it was a short time I learned a lot from him about life, about myself.  This book too has me looking at myself with a whole new light. I'm thinking yes, yes I choose yes to new moments of a sweet smile and to the new leaves ready to bloom! I recommend this book to certainly women, but anyone who wants to work on their relationship with themselves first, conversely with those close to them. You'd be surprised at what you don't know about yourself!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
www.grafmartin.com
http://www.amazon.ca/
www.chaptersindigo.ca

My February 2012 Book Review--"Words Spoken True" by Ann H. Gabhart Review By Candace Duiker

Spring is almost here and how happy that makes me.  As happy as this book made me to read.  The book I read for February is "Words Spoken True" by Ann H. Gabhart.  Moxy, is what I think of regarding the lead character in this book: meet Adriane Darcy.  She grew up around the printed word that being her Father's newspaper office back in the Civil war era.  I loved Adriane's iron clad will that shines through in her most challenging moments.  Yet she's not so beyond reaching, and that's exactly what happens when she meets a certain Blake Garrett an Editor from a different, competing newspaper who finds ways to push Ms. Darcy's buttons, as does happen in one way or another in most potential relationships of that reader I'll leave to your musings, until that is you read this page turner of a book.  The story is emotional and well told, it doesn't falsely draw at your heartstrings, every raw feeling you feel is well earned and not spoken down to you which is a delight.

All in all I loved this book because it is about something dear to my heart, writing, communicating and love.  Not to mention, standing up for something that you believe in.  The culmination of these things, well let's just say the civil war may have torn down a lot of structures and people, but not these lead characters no way, they follow that road on down and it goes about where you might think..with a few curves a long the way, I smiled and I cried.  Let's just see if you don't do the same very thing Reader.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
www.grafmartin.com
http://www.amazon.ca/
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

"My Favorite Bible" by Rondi DeBoer, Christine Tangvald, Ilustrations by Ariel Pang, Book Review By Candace Duiker

  Such a sweet and colorful first bible for children "My Favorite Bible" is by Rondi DeBoer and Christine Tangvald and illustrated by Ariel Pang.  I loved the pictures so much I was running my fingers over them.  The stories are written in an easy to understand way.  One of the things I loved most about this bible is that it interactive activities mixed in to create meaningful parent/child discussions, as well as, alone time moments of contemplation.  I cannot think of a better way to start a child off then with delightful bible.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

By Candace Duiker
www.grafmartin.com
http://www.amazon.ca/
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

"The Christmas Shoppe" by Melody Carlson Book Review by Candace Duiker

  With Christmas freshly in our minds the book I read: "The Christmas Shoppe" by Melody Carlson really made me smile. It is about a woman named Matilda Honeycutt who moves to the small town of Parrish Springs to open a special shoppe.  Many people are close-hearted to this gypsy like woman at first.  She eventually opens her shop and that's when everything changes.  People are searching, aren't we all really?  Well after they come into Matilda's shop they end up leaving with answers to things they didn't necessarily know they were looking for.  I loved this book and I think you will too.  Christmas isn't too far gone for you to not still enjoy this gift of a story.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

By Candace Duiker
http://www.grafmartin.com/
http://www.amazon.ca/
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

"Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me A Memoir of Sorts" by Ian Morgan Cron Book review by Candace Duiker

 My second review is of "Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me A Memoir of Sorts" by Ian Morgan Cron.  Wow, this book is an emotional, biographical offering of the Author Ian MOrgan Cron's life.  Cron documents his Father's fight with the bottle and his own hurt it wrought in his relationship with his Dad.  It's a real dance, but God does show up too.  There are moments in this book when Ian Morgan Cron in his teenage angst leaves your heart haunted for him.  His words make you feel like those boys who were walking by the railroad tracks in the movie "Stand By Me," as he struggles with whether to drink or smoke pot.  He makes it with the strength of his beliefs, even though he finds out his Dad works as a CIA agent. This book is one to be reread and you want to really 'go' it with the Author.  It's real, honest and you just gotta know the how and why his Dad was a CIA agent.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
By Candace Duiker

http://www.grafmartin.com/
http://www.amazon.ca/
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

"Chasing Sunsets" by Eva Marie Everson Review by Candace Duiker

  Welcome to 2012! I am catching up one some book reviews.  The first book of my year-end reviews is "Chasing Sunsets" by Eva Marie Everson.  This book is perfect for your mid-winter beach getaway.  The lead character Kimberly Tucker's marriage has ended.  She is in a painful transiton, caught between her old married life and learning to know who this new single woman that she trying to become.  The author Eva Marie Everson tells the story so naturally and easily that the reader in you is going to fall away and will become Kimberly Tucker.  You can't help but cheer for her in her journey to become whole again. 
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

www.grafmartin.com

http://www.amazon.ca/

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

October Book Review: The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller-Book review written by Candace Duiker

 The fast moving dance of the yellow, gold, scarlet leaves and Autumn is one foot out this season's door.  I couldn't think of a better novel to curl up with then my October 2011 book review:  The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller.

The civil war has always been a favorite thing to read about and this book delivers.  It's 1867 and it's where the red-headed main character Katie Calloway is first introduced to the reader.  She is living in the deep Southern State of Georgia on a burned out plantation with her younger brother and her brooding husband Harlan who has just returned from the civil war.  Katie's existence is a lonely one and she walks on egg shells never knowing when or what will set off her half-crazed husband.  One day, when her husband is away, she takes her brother Ned and runs for their lives as it would seem.

She lands in one of the most unexpected places a Southern girl could end up, a logging camp in the north in Michigan where she finds a job as a camp cook.  Everything about the place makes Katie doubt her decision to work from the hardened loggers she first meets, to the owner of the camp Robert Foster who harbors his own deep hurt and secrets he'd just as soon keep close to self.

Katie Calloway early in the book doesn't recognize that she has a voice and that she has power and choices.  True to the times, most women would have been subservient it's the way things were.  As the story moves forward she learns to know the loggers as men and they in turn learn the soul of a woman isn't just made of cleaning and cooking it's a reflection of the lives around her.  The fights, the struggles that go on in her and around her make the soul of a woman or man stronger.  Katie Calloway is feisty and finds a way through the strife.  She cries sometimes, and that's good it frees up space in us for the good feelings that anchor us to come rolling on back.  I know exactly how it feels when I made the decision to return to school this past Fall for Business Management I didn't know if was the right decision. When I have to struggle with the occasional math question or have a lot of homework to do I wonder about my choice.

Katie also learns about matters of the heart.  The camp owner Robert Foster teaches her through his actions that there are kind men that can be trusted.  It's a wonderful gift they give each other.  In the giving they both open up in such pleasing ways, the reader can become part of.  And isn't it like that in life too when someone is good for you, I do believe you become more of who you are meant to be.  You're deeper, funnier, certainly wiser, the smile on their face tells you that the same thing is happening to them.  This book is funny, it's smart you will learn technical things about log-rolling should you ever decide to do it!  One can't ask for better then this for a cold weather read, and you're going to want to snuggle with someone after you put this book down.  It makes you thankful for all the blessings in your life and yes even for the struggles that bring you unseeing into better places.  It's the trust factor here at work on a practical level, another word if you like is 'faith'.  Life really is a wilderness, but finding your way isn't just putting one foot in front of the other it's also letting the wind blow the voices of loved ones into your hurt places and knowing you'll pull through.  It's letting the happy times take hold and knowing that another sunny day is just around the corner. I recommend this book to anyone who loves believable characters and empowerment with some history thrown in.  Oh and for the record, for every other wrong answer I may get sometimes in my homework, I find the answers to a whole bunch more! Which means my spirit is being stretched a whole lot right now mathematically speaking!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
http://grafmartin.com/
http://amazon.ca/

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/home/

August Book Review--A Confident Heart by Renee Swope-Review By Candace Duiker

The book I reviewed for August was A Confident Heart by Renee Swope.  It's a breath taking book where Renee in the beginning of the book is searching for meaning in her life as she struggles with depression, she turns to alcohol as a way to numb herself from all her nagging self doubts.  Like many of us she has always 'believed' in God, but didn't necessarily let God actively live in her actions all of the time.  There's a section in the book where on her road of 'spiritual discovery', she describes how we all have spiritual gifts that can guide us into the kind of service God would loves us to be part of as a life choice, not just a career goal.

One of my favorite things in the book is how the author makes us part of her awakening.  She makes God more real with the way she says things.  One of her messages that really struck me is that God doesn't expect us to be perfect.  He wants to be needed.  If we were all perfect how could he come to work within us?  God knows we are all works in progress, and in that we can turn to him all of the time, he's never going to turn you away or say he's on a lunch break.  He knows what we need even before we do.  It's a powerful thought.  

Another wonderful aspect of this book is that through Renee's sharing we come to see that God does not want us to fear him, he wants us to know and live in him.  Certainly, she gave me lots to think about when she says in the book that we can back over our old hurts in the past and process the pain with Jesus.  I love this in that, we don't have to continually keep hurting ourselves and keep ourselves stuck in the past.  We can't change what was, but we can 'own' in the here and now the understanding God and Jesus give us by asking questions and reading the bible in a practical manner, the answers will come and in ways you'll never expect.  I used to struggle with understanding why my own Dad didn't have it in him to show me affection or to have the Father/Daughter relationship I saw all around me.  It took me years to understand it and not to punish myself and to grow with God in it.  Here's what I found out: that I have to give my Dad love in the way he would understand it the most.  And I have ever since, not in the biggest of ways, but I will sometimes get him a doughnut, or a coffee or something small I know he will like. He knows I love him and I can't ask for more than that.  When the answer does finally come it's in a whisper and something really big opens up in your soul.  It's like your heart gets just a little bit bigger, so I have my Dad in my heart now in exactly the way that God longed to have him there.

This book is a real road map to knowing God, Renee offers up another great idea is that she has a 'Jesus' chair that she sets up when she wants to have a conversation with him.  It's an excellent idea if you have trouble visualizing you can certainly use a real chair.  I've done that, as well as I've had a round table discussion sometimes where God and Jesus and me will sit and discuss some of my challenges.  A kind of brain-storming session, and it really helps not only to have God hear you need to set your spirit up to listen. 

Each chapter has discussion questions you can ask yourself or share with others.  I whole-heartedly recommend this book to everyone.  It's more like a road map that Renee Swope has set up for a life long walk with God and Jesus.  And the beauty of it is we can stop as many times as we need to along the way and talk to God.  He wants to know us and us to know him.  Once you read this book, you're certain to be changed, there will be a deepening in your understanding of God, he's waiting there with his big hand wanting for you to hold his too.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

By Candace Duiker,

September 5, 2011

http://www.grafmartin.com/

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

Father's Day Review: Project Dad by Todd Cartmell-Review by Candace Duiker

I'm doing a special book review for Father's Day.  The book I reviewed was Project Dad by Todd Cartmell. 

Reading this book was so much fun.  The author takes a charming nuts and bolts approach to the idea of parenting.  Though, Todd Cartmell is a Clinical Psychologist by trade you wouldn't know it from the way he writes. 

One of my favorite chapters, is when he talks about being your child's coach.  Cartmell basically says to notice what is bothering your child, sit down with them.  And then to brainstorm some 'flexible thoughts' that your child can use to self-talk during rough times.

Todd Cartmell makes it easy for Dads to follow his suggestions, he gives many practical exercises in each chapter where you can practice the skills he's described.  

Many of his ideas remind me of a close friend I had who was also a Dad.  Like the author, my friend Vince taught by example.  He never expected his employees or his children to do a job that he wouldn't do himself.  When sharing a thought or idea, you could see the light of listening in his eyes.  First, he would pause, as he was thinking and then he would share his insight/s.  Embracing the crazy every day things that would occur and make a positive spin on the situation. He put breath into life and those whose lives he flowed through.  Vince's children have turned out to be strong, amazing people.   

I have a Father, who I love a whole lot who has taught me strength, unexpectedly.  At the same time, it's good to know that there are men like Vince who with listening and humor share another side of what it means to be a Dad.  Recently, I found out my dear friend Vince passed away, and that for the rest of my life, I'll take the self belief he instilled in me and flow it on.  I whole- heartedly recommend this book to all Dads and Dads to be.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

By Candace Duiker

June 7, 2011    

http://www.grafmartin.com/

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

 

May 16, 2011 Book Review of 'Unsinkable' by Abby Sunderland Review by Candace Duiker

The book I reviewed for May is Unsinkable by Abby Sunderland.  There can be no doubt that Abby Sunderland who comes from a family of nine children all home-schooled, has always listened to her 'inner' voice.  Following her inner voice led Abby to the pivotal date of January 23, 2010, where at sixteen years old Abby set forth to become the youngest person to sail around the world.  She set sail from Marina Del Rey on this very day. 

It was hard to put this book down, the rolling seas and Abby's wise words on handling her different challenges kept me glued to this adventure narrative.  One of the things, I love the most about this book is how Abby built up her confidence and character and offers sage advice that we can all relate to such as: "It seems like people my age are over-protected today.  Even to the point where a lot of parents refuse to put their kids in the position to make important decisions, to aspire to great things, because they don't want to put them in a position to fail."  Listening to your child's voice is important to instilling confidence in their decision making skills even from a very young age.  On a practical level to most of us, that means giving your child the power to choose what they may want to wear in the morning. 

Abby's most unexpected end to her odyssey, I believe is the beginning to her next adventure.  I recently, happened upon her website where she says she wants to learn to fly.  This world needs more female, adventurous souls who say "Why not world?" and "Here I come!!" 

I think that one of the best statements she makes in this book is:  "When you're in a sailboat, especially on a nonstop attempt, your whole purpose in life is to find wind and make way." So should we all!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

By Candace Duiker--May 16, 2011

http://www.grafmartin.com/
amazon.ca
chapters.ca

Book Review by Candace Duiker: When Life's Not Working by Bob Merritt

For this review I reviewed Bob Merritt's book: When Life's Not Working. 

Bob talks about the value of discipline in having a better life.  His strategies are practical in approach.  For example in this fast-paced society we are pulled in so many directions.  Merritt talks about listening to your spirit to really reacquaint yourself with you values and goals.  Next he suggests prioritizing and using what your spirit tells you to free yourself to what and where you desire to be.  You'll find yourself at ease with the world and using your energy to give in a more intentional, guided manner.  As a result, you'll have more time for yourself and your family.

One of the curious things Merritt brings forth is the idea to stay the course no matter what you're doing such as school, a job etc.  Certainly I agree that what choices you make today can lead you to your desired life.  However, I think that the author is missing some vital information.  Sometimes you need to go off the beaten path for so many reasons.  And that sometimes that's when the deepest spiritual learning and awareness occurs.  Life is not a clear cut yellow brick road all of the time.  When we detour it can build character, broaden faith.  Making your road isn't always a bad thing as long as your listening to your spirit and to God.

All in all, I think this book has many great, practical ideas.  Merritt has a unique way of using nature in his teaching which I like.  I would recommend this book.
By Candace Duiker

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

http://www.grafmartin.com/

My Book Review of Larkspur Cove

From the beginning sentence, I was intrigued by Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate.  It is a story of faith lost, faith gained and healing.  The community of Moses Lake sees the characters of Andrea Henderson a 38 year old divorced Mother and Social Worker and her teen son looking to make a new life.  The other main character is Mart McClendon the town's Wild Life Officer running away from something in his past.  Their paths collide when they must work together to help a mysterious little girl who is seen with the town recluse.

One of the aspects of the book I liked most is how the author uses nature to connect the characters to themselves and each other.  The result brings a deeper understanding for the reader of each character.  Some examples of this are:  Andrea Henderson comes from a background where she always felt sheltered and that she couldn't take risks.  "A visceral shudder ran over my shoulders-pathetic for a girl whose favorite childhood place had been the lake shore, where I could run barefoot all day, dig in the dirt, and let the wind and the water turn my hair into a giant knot, which my mother would spend hours combing out later.  What happened to that girl, anyway."
Later in the story, as Andrea's feelings for Mart McClendon grow: "Freedom, life, exhilaration swirled through me as I dashed down the hill in the moon shadow of pecan trees.  An owl hooted and I stopped short, then laughed silently at myself and continued toward the water, my feet landing in the wet grass, splashes of dew flicking upward, showering my skin with cool pinpoints." 

Comparatively, Mart McClendon is a real man's man and guards his feelings as such.  Partly because of his past.  "I'd been through enough mental warfare in the past three years to last me a lifetime.  Coming to Moses Lake was all about moving on, letting go, leaving it behind."  However, as the story moves along Mart begins to open up, as can be seen from the following dialogue he has with Andrea.  "The river has a sound, and the hills have a sound, and the cliffs have a sound."  So their relationship evolves from there.

Another thing I enjoyed about the book is how the author shows how our words and actions can open roads within someone else's soul and create hope.  As Mart and Andrea begin coming to terms with their own internal struggles they must try and help the orphan like little girl Birdie mentioned early in the story.  One day, as Andrea heads over to the place where the child is staying she observes and then comments in her mind the following:  There was Birdie in what most people would have considered to be bleak circumstances, yet her face was alight with happiness over something as small as a caterpillar..."  From this Andrea is able to see that joy is in the simple moments.

Larkspur Cove is a soulful story of faith rediscovered and of healing.  Much of what is learned by the characters is learned through their experiences with nature.  What I especially loved, is that as a reader I could feel myself growing right along with the characters.  To me that is the mark of a story well told!  I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys having a story wrap itself around you like a hug, classic style really!

By Candace Duiker

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

www.grafmartin.com