Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Postman's Lantern

About the Book

Book: The Postman’s Lantern

Author: J.C. Comerford

Genre: Christian Children’s Fiction, Christmas

Release date: January 8, 2020

During a devastating Christmas Eve snowstorm, John the postman arrives at his last stop, at the steps of the Frost family. Here, he rediscovers a stowaway letter in his mailbag, not for his route. It’s a letter from a hospitalized grandfather, to a very special grandson. John feels obligated to make the delivery. His unselfish act of kindness leads him, and then the Frost family, on an unforgettable journey across a seemingly endless track of farmland. Little does John know what he’s actually carrying. The lantern he carries becomes a mystery that guides their way through astonishing events. They finally arrive at the Evans house, where they find themselves before an extremely sick boy, a mother’s pain, and the mystical workings of God.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

John Charles Comerford grew up playing hard, on the streets and fields of Washington Township, New Jersey. He attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Grammar School through 8th grade. He then jumped across the street to attend Westwood High School, where he soon began playing guitar and composing songs at the age of sixteen. Writing short musical stories would soon turn into a more involved field of composition, as he later attended Bergen Community College in Paramus, NJ. Here, he developed a desire to become a paperback writer. While attending college, he took a job with the US Postal Service as a mail carrier and is still delivering, thirty years later. He is still a performing musician and a recording artist on itunes. He now resides in Pawling, New York with his wife Bridget and his son Jack.

More from John Charles

I was just a little kid at the time. The temperature outside was 93 degrees. I had awakened earlier that day, because it was a Saturday. I wanted to catch some early morning cartoons, instead of lying in bed, waiting for my dad to give out chores for the day. I knew it was going to be a hot one, and I dreaded going outside.

Before long, there I was slapping paint on the side of my house. Soon after, I was weeding and watering the front lawn before it reached into the 90’s. At about 12:00, I went inside to cool off. I ate some lunch and relaxed a bit, listening to the “Boston Pops” my dad had put on.

From a calm and collective state of mind, I was suddenly burdened by the noise of my barking dog, at the front window. I went to the front door and opened it wide. As I looked up, the mailman was looking down. His face was dripping sweat, and his uniform was soaked. He had a big smile and said, “Too hot to play today.” He laughed a bit and handed me the mail. I heard my mom and dad yell out “Thank you, do you need a cold drink at all?” He said “I’m all set but thank you.” He moved on, while adjusting that full bag of mail that he was carrying around his shoulders.

It was then that I decided I would never become a mailman. God, no, not this kid. That was no easy job.

14 years later, I was working for the post office, with a packed satchel around my neck, and a can of pepper spray, to boot. I was now walking that mile, in my old mailman’s boots. Many times I’ve prayed to God for help and to keep me from dozing off in trucks that reached 120 degrees inside. I prayed for help from dog attacks that would occur five times a day at least. I prayed for help from the pain you feel when it’s 30 degrees to 20 below and you’re soaked from rain. Your fingers are ready to fall off after being soaked from the rain or as they burn to the bone.

So I wrote my book, seeking the world’s attention to the mail carrier’s integrity, and a forever caring attitude to those who patiently await their arrival.

MY REVIEW

This is a quick read filled with Christmas miracles . I enjoyed following John the Postman on his adventure. He runs into several people during a snowstorm. It was fun to meet the Frost family and how excited they were to see the Postman. As a letter is discovered way down in his satchel, John knows he must deliver this letter.

The story reminds us that there are caring people willing to help others in need. I liked what the mysterious letter represented and how much joy it brought to a special person. I do have to mention that some of the phrases the author used may be offensive so be aware as you read the book.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Christian Bookaholic, October 7

Pause for Tales, October 8

For the Love of Literature, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 10

lakesidelivingsite, October 10

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 11 (Guest Post from Marilyn Ridgway)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 12

Mary Hake, October 12

Girls in White Dresses, October 13

Texas Book-aholic, October 13

Inklings and notions, October 14

Vicky Sluiter, October 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 16

To Everything There Is A Season, October 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 17

deb’s Book Review, October 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 18

Cats in the Cradle Blog, October 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 19

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 20

For Him and My Family, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, John Charles is giving away the grand prize package for a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/11fdd/the-postman-s-lantern-celebration-tour-giveaway

Read with Audra Blog Tour: Spouse in the House by Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby

A frank and funny look at what to do when together is too close

Two’s company, especially for those who love each other. So what happens when—due to retirement, working from home, or even running a business together—spouses find that being in the same space all the time is awkward, complex, annoying, and just plain challenging? How can partners coexist without co-exhausting each other?

Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby know all too well how adjusting to a new, all-the-time closeness can cause the bliss of marriage to form blisters. Drawing from their experiences, and from men and women across the country in the same situation, the authors take a deep breath and dive into the root causes. They dig into what God’s Word has to say, and they offer practical tips for learning the spiritual, emotional, relational, and even physical steps that can help readers replace irritation with peace.

For any couple who wants their home to be a refuge of peace and serenity for all—not just themselves—and who wants to know they aren't alone in the mental and physical claustrophobia of too much togetherness, Spouse in the House is a vulnerable, charming, and pragmatic breath of hope.

Click here to read an excerpt from Spouse in the House.

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope through her novels, novellas, devotions, and nonfiction, and through speaking for women’s events, retreats, writers’ conferences, and workshops. She draws from 33 years of experience writing and producing the 15-minute daily radio broadcast, “The Heartbeat of the Home.”

Ruchti’s more than thirty books have garnered reader, retailer, reviewer, and other industry awards. She serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, is a founding board member of the Deliver Hope ministry and is part of the worship team at her church. She’s also a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management.

Ruchti and her husband, Bill, live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and six grandchildren.

Learn more about Cynthia Ruchti and her writing at cynthiaruchti.com or by following her on Facebook (@CynthiaRuchtiReaderPage), Instagram (@cynthiaruchtiauthor), and Twitter (@cynthiaruchti).

Becky Melby has authored more than twenty novels and novellas. Spouse in the House is her first non-fiction book release.

The Melbys have four sons and fifteen grandchildren and make their home in southeastern Wisconsin. When not writing or spoiling grandchildren, she may be found touring the country with Bill in their camper or on their Honda Gold Wing motorcycle.

Find out more about Becky Melby’s books at beckymelby.com or follow her on Facebook (becky.melby.9) and Instagram (@beckymelbybooks). She also shares short blog posts each Friday on the Fill My Cup, Lord page on Facebook.

My REVIEW

I thought this book was very timely for many of us. As our lives have changed due to economy and a virus some people find themselves at home with their spouse twenty-four hours a day. My husband retired last year so we have spent more together than ever. I enjoy being with him, but sometimes we need our own space.

The authors do a great job of giving us practical tips while sharing fun stories to help us cope with the changes in our lives. It is easy to forget about your spouse when you are use to being at home alone. In this book, we hear great advice and I especially liked reading what their husbands thoughts were.

The book has helped me adjust a bit more to being with my husband day and night but I sure wouldn’t trade those days for anything. We all have our ups and downs, but the book reminds us to work together and find humor when possible. What a great gift this would make for couples to read together as they enter into a new season in their marriage.

I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra Blogging Tour. The review is my own opinion.

Monday, October 11, 2021

Heart of Christmas

About the Book

Book: The Heart of Christmas

Author: The Mosaic Collection

Genre: Faith-Based Christmas Fiction

Release date: October 6, 2021

“At Christmas, we always…” And thus a tradition is born. The rituals stay the same, but if betrayal, illness, unfaithfulness, or tragedy strike, can cherished traditions survive?

When unexpected twists throw life out of kilter for the people in these stories, will beloved, time-honored customs lead them back to the heart of Christmas?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

The Mosaic Collection launched in 2018 as an international community of independently published authors who approach life, faith, and writing together. Some have vast writing experience, others are somewhat new to the journey. Under The Mosaic Collection’s banner, they’ve published more than 20 novels and four anthologies.

With over 150 years of collective writing experience, Mosaic’s award-winning and best-selling authors are active leaders and members in prominent writing organizations. The goal of The Mosaic Collection is to encourage and uplift readers worldwide, offer hope in story form, and share the unconditional love and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.

More from The Mosaic Collection

The Mosaic Collection authors welcome you into our hearts, homes, and lives and offer you tiny glimpses into our families and our favorite traditions.

Janice L. Dick

Christmas is always a special time of year. I love the festive reds and greens, strings of colored lights and gift-giving, but there is much that distracts us from the real meaning of the season. How do we hang onto the genuine, historical truths of the Savior’s birth? One of the traditions in our family is to read the Christmas story before we open gifts, thus realigning our focus to the most precious gift God gave us in Jesus. Visualize a fire in the grate, family lounging on every available couch, chair, and floor space; and one of the youngest grandchildren reading from the Bible, his eyes following his finger across the page. Once again, the age-old story comes to life as we hear of angels, shepherds, and a young couple keeping watch over the Christ-child in the manger. Maybe this year we will come up with a new way to direct our thoughts to the greatest gift ever given. To the nativity.

Sara Davison

The word Christmas immediately conjures up warm memories of church services, family, gifts, and food for me. The traditions my family engages in every year infuse this celebration of Christ’s birth with nostalgia and meaning. For me, one of the most meaningful traditions is setting out the nativity scene. Although the location has changed from mantel to coffee table to windowsill as we have moved from house to house, the little figures—the wise men, kneeling shepherds, Mary and Joseph gazing down at the manger with adoring looks on their painted faces, the cows and sheep curled in the corner of the straw-strewn wooden stable, the angel hovering above, the tiny baby in the manger—have never changed. I take my time setting up the display, slowly unwrapping pieces that have become a little worn and chipped over the years of being lovingly handled or played with by tiny toddler fingers. Each piece calls to mind another aspect of the beloved story in Luke 2. The nativity scene is the focal point of my decorations. In the midst of all the crazy busyness that can be the Christmas season, it grounds me and reminds me what this time of year is truly about.

Stacy Monson

Christmas is all about family for me – my nuclear family, grandkids, and in-laws, my family of dear friends, and the family of believers who rejoice at the birth of Christ. We’ve hung onto some traditions and welcomed new ones. As life situations change, we try to adapt and make the best of it, because regardless of what the holiday ends up looking like, it’s being with family that counts. So for me, Christmas is about celebrating the Christ Child with love, laughter, food and fun. It is indeed a time for celebration.

Milla Holt

Our four children are still young, so my love for Christmas is quadrupled because of their enthusiasm. We begin the buildup with an Advent calendar starting on December 1st. Every morning until the 24th, they open the day’s box, read the little lesson, and do a treasure hunt.

More than any other holiday, Christmas lends itself so beautifully to teaching them about the loving all-powerful God who knows exactly what it means to be human. They understand and marvel at how Jesus, the creator and Lord of the universe, once needed a diaper and had to be

potty trained. He had to learn to read, write, and spell just like they do. I love the reminder that one of his names is Immanuel: God with us.

Deb Elkink

Mom (a visual artist and farm-girl cook) and Dad (an imaginative storyteller of deep enthusiasm) made Christmas a celebratory holiday every year! Thanks to Mom, the food not only tasted fantastic, but the table and tree and household decorations were gorgeous. Thanks to Dad, our days were full of the magic of wonder (he actually climbed onto the roof carrying bells on Christmas Eve to herald Santa’s arrival) and the mystery of the Incarnation (reading the Luke story about the Ultimate Gift before a single package was opened). We were diligent church-goers except on holidays—including Christmas—when we would focus on family time and not attend the special services. Instead, following an afternoon of snowmobiling, and then mugs of rich cocoa around the fireplace, we five kids would wear our hand-sewn PJs, sing carols, and snack on expensive delicacies: Halva and roasted nuts and cheeses from around the world.

Candace West

My favorite thing about Christmas is fellowship with family and friends. At the end of the year, we gather at our homes or church to celebrate the birth and life of Christ. Because He is at the heart of our love for one another, He is the One Who strengthens the bond of our fellowship. Whether we’re opening gifts, gathering around the table, sharing laughter over cups of cocoa, or playing board games, I feel His love abiding through and within my loved ones. And I feel the whisper of His promise that one day all Believers will be gathered around His table of fellowship for eternity. Christmas is only a foretaste of our glorious future with Him.

Lisa Renee

What I love about Christmas is seeing extended family come together in one place, sharing memories of the year over delicious food. Most of all, I love how the world stops to celebrate a significant event in history, our Savior’s birth.

Brenda S. Anderson

There’s so much to love about Christmas! Music, gifts, twinkling lights, snow, decorations, chocolate, family time. It’s all so bright and cheery, and the world is focused on Jesus. The world may not understand who Jesus is and what He did for us, but there’s no better opportunity to show Him to the world. The opportunities to serve are vast, and being God’s hands and feet is a beautiful way to shine His light. Really, showing other who Jesus is, apart from the trappings, is what I love most about Christmas.

Eleanor Bertin

When I was six years old and just learning to read, I unwrapped a package I’d received for Christmas but didn’t know what it was. Puzzling over it, my dad came alongside me. Slowly, painstakingly, I sounded out the word Slippers on the label. Patiently, so unlike his usual brusque way, my father helped me. I cherished the nearness of him, always fearful he would give up on me. But he didn’t. That is one of my most treasured memories of him. There are others, too, like the one eleven years later when after my rebellious stint, my heavenly Father patiently and painstakingly began a transformation in my heart. My dad responded with what I now realize was his best effort at encouragement. “I’m glad to see you’ve made some changes.”

Christmas is always precious to me because of the memories it holds of how the Word made flesh worked His Word in me. He has never given up on me despite my slowness of heart to trust and obey. In painful and pleasant ways, for over six decades, He has assured me of His bountiful forgiveness and lavish love.

Chautona Havig

Tree night in the Havig house is most definitely our family’s favorite tradition. Even our older children tend to come home for the annual trek to the lot, the annual argument over which tree, and the annual popcorn and cranberry stringing party. It all ends with the final decorating. You’ll hear, “Oh, here’s your train!” or “Where’s my baby’s first Christmas?” as everyone jostles to get their ornaments in just the right place. It’s chaos with popcorn all over the floor, Christmas songs belting out in our tiny house, and laughter. Tons of laughter. My personal favorite moment is when everyone has gone to bed and it’s just me in my dimly lit living room. That beauty, the memories, that laughter… it’s what I consider the Lord’s gift to me. I just get it early and it lasts a whole month!

Lorna Seilstad

Whether your family celebrates the Christmas season with special foods, a colorful light display, or a tree handpicked from a farm, I’m sure you have your own treasured traditions. Christmas traditions are one of the things I like best about the season. Our traditions make our families unique, and in a world where everything constantly changes, they remind us some things remain the same. There’s comfort in honoring Christmas traditions. They keep us connected to our past, help us rediscover our families, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Johnnie Alexander

My children’s Christmases were very different than the ones from my own childhood. Sleds and ice skates could be found under our Christmas tree, a baked ham on the dining table, and snow-covered hills outside our door. My kids, raised in Florida, never received “winter toys.” A roasted turkey usually graced our dining table but grilling out was also an option. Yet our Christmases were also similar. I passed along to my children the tradition of opening our stockings first—and everyone in the family has one. As adults, it seems they anticipate the goodies hiding inside their stockings even more than the gaily wrapped presents under their trees. Most important, though, is that my children are now sharing with their children the truth that my parents shared with my siblings and me—that the baby in the manger is our Lord Incarnate and Savior of the World.

Thank you for celebrating the release of The Heart of Christmas. We pray the stories within this anthology will fill you with love and joy and prepare your heart for the greatest celebration this season—remembering the birth of our Savior. What a sacrifice! What a gift! What love.

MY REVIEW

This collection of Christmas stories is filled with, joy, grief, laughter and Jesus. Each story is different but still shares the Christmas spirit. I loved how each author gave us stories that show us that we are always surrounded by God’s love. I enjoy reading Christmas stories year round and this book will be added to my best of 2021 books.

Broken Noelle by Brenda S. Anderson

A loss at any time is hard but is especially difficult during the holidays. This story made me cry as I read how Thomas and Noelle were trying to find joy at Christmas. Thomas can’t help but feel anger that his wife died and blames God and her devotion to her work. Noelle is hurting over the loss of her mom and her dad is ignoring her. I understand how it must be for Thomas to try to make the holidays cheerful but first he needs to ask God for help. We follow Thomas as he walks through the stages of grieve and learns that God is always there in our darkest times.

I loved how Noelle in her innocence wanted to help another child during the holiday. Her heart is big and her example of unconditional love is just what Thomas needs to see right now. It is a beautiful story of forgiveness and joy that brings healing during the holidays.

No More Night by Elenor Bertin

Lily finds herself celebrating Christmas a little sad this year. After losing her parents and her children moving away, things will be different this year. Nagging in the back of her mind is the news that her ex-husband was dying from cancer. There is still bitterness towards him, but maybe she needs to give him grace. Oh that can be hard when the person has been hurtful to you.

I loved how Lily went to the hospital everyday and cared for her ex. The way she brought light to his hospital room was touching and made me sob. Lily shows compassion and shared the Word of God and I know in the moments before her ex passed, he found Jesus. What touched me about this story was that we need to show grace to others even when we feel like they don’t deserve it.

Star Light by Sara Davison

What a wonderful journey the author takes us on as we see the birth of Jesus through the eyes of several different people. I knew Felicity was hurting but I didn’t know why. Each day she pulled out a different part of the manger scene and was transported back to that moment in the Bible. I loved going back to the moments leading up to that special moment and feeling what the innkeepers must of felt. In their stable a miracle was about to happen. In the present day, Felicity is feeling a stirring within herself.

I loved how each piece for the manager scene is put out one day at a time. The author gives us a glimmer of what Felicity is going through but still I wasn’t sure what it could be. I know she was grieving a loss but something about this tradition of the manger was very special to her. Her feeling of loneliness is overwhelming and I loved the moment she surrenders everything to God. She was never alone but pushed God aside. Now her healing is beginning at she is reminded that God will never leave her.

Hart of Noelle by Chautona Havig

This is such a fun book. Two business owners fighting over silly things as Christmas time approaches. Poor Joshua has used all his savings to open up the tiny bookstore in his town. Across the street is Holly with her bakery doing well for herself. They don’t get along at all which makes for an enjoyable look at enemy to friend story. They are both good people even if they are stubborn at times.

Milton is a great character who loves to help struggling businesses. Can he breathe new life into Joshua’s bookstore? As Milton begins to work with Joshua there was something that really stood out to me. They are talking about family and Milton says, “ and one day, they aren’t there to do it anymore.” He is referring to how families can get you involved in things you don’t want to do. But at some time, they won’t be there anymore. Time is short and the author reminded me to take each day as a blessing and spend as much time as you can with family and friends.

It was so enjoyable to watch Joshua and Honey try their best to work together and be civil to each other. Milton is so patient with both of them and his gentle spirit helps ease tension as they all work together. The plan to help Joshua’s store begins and so does the hope that two people can work together to accomplish a plan that will bring joy back to Joshua. Milton is someone who brings cheer wherever he goes and I love how he never gives up. As for Joshua and Honey, well I will let readers fund out for theirselves.

“Only in salvation and romance is the end the real beginning.”

Caught in the Act by Lisa Renee

This story sure brings back memories for me. Each year I directed the Children’s Church Christmas program. It was a lot of work but so much fun. When I started reading about a sweet little girl named Bella my heart went out to her. I know each child wants to feel special and getting a big lead in a play really boosts their self image. But what do you do when the girl who has her heart set on being an Angel in the play can’t sing the song ?

Page is beside herself when Bella’s father proposes a compromise before his child is removed from the part she has her heart set on. I laughed so hard knowing I have been there myself. She runs into a busy body who has come to help Page with costumes. I guess Page knows everything about Dion now. We are in for a treat as these two begin a friendship. They work together to get the play ready and find themselves starting to like each other. I wonder if their relationship will blossom?

I had to laugh when the children’s play started. There is always that one child that stands out and thus begins the fight over baby Jesus between two little girls on the stage. Even though there are a few hiccups in the play, the message was clear. Jesus is the reason for the season.

Claus-trophobic by Lorna Seilstad

I would love to be a part of Meg’s family. They decorate the house outside and inside with an emphasis on over the top. Each year cars cause a traffic jam just to see the spectacular show of lights. I thought Meg’s parents had a great sense of humor by naming their children Nick and Nutmeg. Maybe it wouldn’t be so much fun to be called Nutmeg but it is still very cute.

Meg coming home this year for Christmas is filled with anxiety and hope. There is something going on between her and her dad. I’m not sure her dad knows there is friction, but I have a feeling he is going to find out soon. I’m excited to see where the author takes readers as we follow Santa and his elf otherwise known as dad and Nutmeg.

The story is fun as we watch Meg and her dad bring joy to the children. Meg begins to understand why her dad likes to be Santa each year. There is a scene where Santa encounters a child with autism. This is a beautiful part of the story that shows that special needs children should be treated the same as other children. Reaching them is important and our Santa in the story is an excellent example of seeing others the way Jesus does.

The message in this story is really good. Meg has been angry for so long because she thought her dad always put others first especially at Christmas. Spending time with him she finds out that he has a big heart for children with special needs. I can’t wait for readers to learn what his plan is. I loved this story because it really shares the true meaning of Christmas. Can I be adopted by this family please??

“Let the little children come to me,”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8

CarpeDiem, October 8

For Him and My Family, October 9

deb’s Book Review, October 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 11

Joanne Markey, October 11

Texas Book-aholic, October 12

Inklings and notions, October 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 14

Splashes of Joy, October 14

By the Book, October 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 16

Older & Smarter?, October 17

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 20

Mary Hake, October 20

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 21

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, The Mosaic Collection is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card, two copies of The Heart of Christmas in paperback, and a $10 coupon to Mosaic’s Etsy shop!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/11fdf/the-heart-of-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunny-weather girls

About the Book

Book: The Weather Girls: Sunny

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: September 6, 2021

TheWeatherGirls1 Sunny Cover She got stood up on Valentine’s Day…

…Then she lost her job

Could the legend of the cardinal change her luck?

With a disposition as bright as her name, Sunny shakes it off the worst day of her life and makes a new start. She’s got the brains that it takes, but she’s more than a little scared. It’s not just her reputation on the line.

Would this cockeyed adventure be the thing her siblings need too?

Pat only wants peace in the family and never dreamed doing a favor for his sister could drop him into so much hot water. Torn between what he’s always wanted and what is staring him in the face, someone is bound to get hurt.

Odds are it will be him.

But then, only the cardinal knows for sure.

Return to 1970 Indiana with Sunny, the first book in The Weather Girls series—get into the miniskirts, bell-bottoms, and Christian family values.

You’ll love Sunny for the music, the fashions, and the hilarious antics, because who can resist a romantic trip down memory lane?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jennifer Lynn Cary likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series and The Relentless series as well as the stand-alone novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café and her recent split-time novel The Traveling Prayer Shawl.

More from Jennifer Lynn

I was born in the 50’s, grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, and married in 1980. I relate to K.T. Oslin’s song “80’s Ladies” a little too well. 😉

Though we moved from Kokomo, Indiana in 1972, it always will be my hometown.

A few years ago my sister headed up a plan to have an annual Cousin’s Reunion in Kokomo. Two cousins came from Ohio and my sister and I came from the west to converge on our family who still call Kokomo home. Each trip back reminded me of how much I loved growing up there.

One day Bobby Hebb’s “Sunny” came on the Oldies station and caught my attention. Then I remembered the songs “Stormy” and “Windy” and wondered what it might be like for girls with that sort of name—especially if their surname was Day. Would their dispositions match their names? Why would their parents give them those names? The questions kept coming and I fell in love with the whole storyline.

The best part was putting the house I grew up in into the book(s). Yep, as you read the story, Hazel Day’s house is set up mostly like the one where I grew up only I added a den and an extra bedroom upstairs.

Ferguson House is based on the Seiberling Mansion—I love that place and tour it every chance I can when I get back to Kokomo. It’s amazing.

I also included favorite landmarks. Scotty’s Drive-In saw a lot of me in my early teen years. Great for grabbing a coke and not that far from either school or home.

The funny thing about memories is that they can blur and morph over time. Thankfully someone from my hometown has put together a Facebook page where I can ask questions and get more than enough answers.

Many locales I remember no longer exist, so writing about them helps them live on.

I hope you will check out Sunny and 1970 Kokomo and come back for the rest of The Weather Girls trilogy.

Abundant blessings!

MY REVIEW

This has been a wonderful start to a new series. I loved the setting of the 1970s with all its nostalgia. We are introduced to The Weather Girls with names that remind you of songs that were popular at one time. I couldn’t wait for the author to introduce us to the Day family.

The first book lets us get a glimpse of each sister but the main focus is about Sunny. Oh how I loved her sweet spirit and happy outlook. She is the oldest and has always taken the responsibility of looking after her sisters. That sure is a big task to take on for Sunny but she does it with unconditional love. At some point she will have to realize that she doesn’t have to do everything on her own.

What transpires in the story for Sunny is hard on her as her love life falls apart. I was so upset that she was humiliated in from of everyone at her job. Looks like she will have to find a new career and the best place to start over is at her Gramma’s house. It’s the perfect place to heal her heart and be surrounded by her family. Gramma is the heartbeat of this family and I so wished I had a Gramma like her. She is caring, nurturing and always there to pray for the needs of others. She can be a firecracker at times but I love that she watches over her family.

A new business adventure helps Sunny start to have happiness again and it brings her other sisters together as they join forces. What a wonderful idea they have as a new life is breathed into a very special home. I’m not telling what the business is because that needs to be unveiled by each reader. It did bring a smile to my face as these three sisters work together and grow closer as their dream is born.

We can’t forget about our dashing Pat. He is a big help to Sunny in the early planning stages and they do find themselves attracted to each other. Family secrets get in the way and I wasn’t sure if they would find a happy ever after. The story is sweet and filled with deep faith. I can’t wait to read the next story in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.