Friday, December 25, 2020
Sunday, December 20, 2020
BOOK REVIEW: Beautiful Beast by E.J. Hill (Young Adult)
When I started reading this retelling of the original fairytale, I couldn’t help focusing on the similarities and differences to the original story and Disney version, the main difference being the beast is female. But author, E.J. Hill’s beautiful writing soon carried me into her unique version of the story. Her intricate plot details wove together with vivid descriptions to create something new and unexpected and drew me into her mysterious world.
In her suspenseful story, Hill brought depth to her characters. I think sharing both viewpoints brought me closer to their thoughts and was a good choice to separate Hill’s version from others. I’m glad this is a clean read because I would recommend it to teens twelve and up who enjoy fantasy novels. I look forward to reading more from E.J. Hill.
Thursday, November 5, 2020
Remembering Tall Steve
Steve and Samaritan's Purse volunteers surprising my daughter with her finished room.
October 29th is the anniversary I never forget. Not my wedding day, but the day of the biggest storm to pummel our city of Long Beach in 2012. Stepping on crunching leaves and smelling the crisp fall air sweeps up memories of all the days that followed Superstorm Sandy. We lost a lot in one day. Flooding destroyed our home. We had to rip up floors and gut the walls to prevent mold growth, and we tossed out everything wet, from furniture to photos and paintings and clothes. Our boiler was submerged, so we didn’t have heat or hot water. Gene and I had five kids and my mother-in-law to worry about. Hopelessness felt endless as if our home would never be the same.
One year later as we still walked on plywood floors, Tall Steve showed up with Samaritan’s Purse volunteers and his huge smile. He was one of the team leaders whose mission was not only to help people rebuild their homes, but to repair hearts as he shared God’s love. He towered over most people at a height over seven feet and was probably asked if he played basketball by someone every day. He didn’t but welcomed the opportunity to talk about someone bigger than he, his wonderful Savior.
Samaritan’s Purse Ministries set up their base at our church. Volunteers traveled from other states across the US and slept in sleeping bags in the children’s Sunday School classrooms. They stayed for a week until the next group came. Volunteers cooked meals with donated food and held a “share” time every evening during dinner. Steve and the other leaders often invited the families of the homes they were fixing to be the dinner guests. They wanted to hear the stories of how God was working in people’s lives. Sounds great, but not to our family made of mostly introverts. We were thankful but didn’t care to speak in front of a huge group of people we just met.
One night, as we drove to the church dinner, my husband said, “I hope Steve doesn’t ask me to say something. I am exhausted. Someone else can share tonight.”
My
mother-in-law, Clementine, and I agreed. There are other families that can say
something. We planned to avoid eye contact with Steve as we ate, so we wouldn’t
get called on like students who didn’t know the answer.
My mother-in-law answered, “No, but I think my son, Gene, does.”
My daughter and I nearly burst out laughing at the surprised look on Gene’s face. My husband knew if he started to speak of how he felt receiving their help he would choke up. And he did. My eyes watered too as we thought about the kindness of these people. I think Steve wanted to see tears, to see hearts open. He knew the joy that would follow. He thrived on bringing people out of their comfort zone.
One year after his wedding, at the beginning of the pandemic, we heard Tall Steve went home to be with the Lord. His beautiful memorial was shared on YouTube to be viewed by people around the world. Even in his death, he was able to share God’s light in a huge way.
Clementine’s painting hangs in our living room. Sometimes I stare at the cerulean blue ocean as Steve points from his God’s eye view. And my heart fills with joy. This anniversary reminds me what we lost can’t compare with what we gained from God’s love.
*****
Monday, October 12, 2020
Book Review: Roam by C.H. Armstrong
Abby Lunde appears to be an average teen at her new school since moving to Minnesota with her family, but she has secrets. Since her mother’s scandal, they lost everything—jobs, friends, and even their home. Aside from handling the typical teenage mood swings and fears, Abby must deal with living in her family’s van in a Walmart parking lot. She is humiliated, having to sponge bathe in public restrooms and depend on soup kitchens for meals. Abby is angry and blames her mother for ruining their lives. Throughout the story, she learns to forgive and appreciate thoughtful, generous people, but she is most anxious about exposing the truth.
Abby’s life
at her new school may seem a bit unrealistic and Cinderella-ish. Though early
in the story, she finds popularity, good friends, the best-looking boyfriend, and
her talent for singing, it does provide a stark contrast to her hidden life
outside school, where nothing seems right.
C. H.
Armstrong’s writing shines in how she captures the emotional and physical
struggles Abby experiences as her life turns upside down. I was there, routing
for her and relieved when circumstances worked out in unexpected ways. Many
endearing moments in the story brought on my tears.
Without preaching,
this story teaches the value of compassion, empathy, and kindness. This would
be an excellent read for high school students as well as adults who enjoy
reading young adult books on a topic that affects everyone. A memorable and heart-tugging
story filled with hope.
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Book Review: Fade to White by Tara K. Ross
Fade to White is an exceptional young adult novel.
Author, Tara K. Ross has a beautiful writing style that drew me in from the
first page. I love her character’s humor and honesty in relating the difficult
topic of living with a mental illness.
Aside from the typical teenage insecurities, Thea has severe
anxiety issues, panic attacks, and pulls her hair out to release stress. Her anxious
thoughts multiply after reading about the death and suicide of a classmate. Thea
deals with irrational fears, anticipating the worst and causing unnecessary inner
turmoil. She struggles to feel normal, but she also has a gift of empathy and
compassion for anyone hurting.
Thea is a regular at her favorite coffee shop where
she gets her usual, two London Fog teas. One for her, and one to give to
someone who could use some cheering up that day. She is someone I would want as
a friend.
Through the support and understanding of her friends,
especially Khi who met at her at just the right time, Thea comes to accept who
she is and see the light in her gift to help others. This story inspires hope—even
if life isn’t perfect, there is always a way to get through tough times,
especially when holding onto faith.
I highly recommend this book for teens and adults too.
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
24th Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards ... Book Review
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(On sale at Amazon) Amazon / Randi's Steps |
Randi's Steps did not win the Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards,
BUT...the judges wrote a wonderful review that I'm thrilled to share.
Friday, August 14, 2020
What Shall I Wear? (3rd place short story)
Line up guys. You know the routine.
Toes meet toes in my full-length mirror, turned horizontally and angled for best viewing. At least fifteen pairs of designer dress shoes are arranged from lightest pair to darkest. Heavy on the Christian Louboutin with a handful of Jimmy Choos and a dash of Chanel. Judging me by my collection, anyone might think I’m a rich snob, a superficial diva. Anyone would be wrong. I’m not rich. But I do have impeccable taste and know the value of optimal footwear.
I admit to having a smidgen of a purchasing addiction, but these guys are my first step toward getting a job as a fashion designer’s assistant. Everyone knows the sayings: "best foot forward” and “no second chances at first impressions.” I spend a tad extra for quality. But if you could smell that strong leather scent I’m enjoying right now, you would understand my obsession. Brand new Louboutins smell of importance.
Lord, please, please help me pick the right ones. Okay, shoes, do your thing. And no, I’m not crazy. I’m single and have the right to talk to my shoes out loud. Only God can hear me unless I forget to close the windows.
I pull out classy yet stylish black pumps with striped three-inch heels. When Ms. Rolen-something catches sight of these babies, I’ll get the job. Good thing no one heard me say this on my first ten interviews. But those managers had good reason not to hire me after I faulted with amateur mistakes. I should never have picked the fancy glittered pair with flowers for a tailored suit designer or wore the cute Mary-Jane style patent leathers to a sportswear company. The worst choice was rain galoshes to a couture dress designer, but the sky dumped ponds in the street that day. Ms. Dubois shook her head and arched one eyebrow when she heard them squeak across her office. I could barely answer her questions since I knew my fate.
I slip into my classic fit and flare black dress with chiffon sleeves and a silk scarf. A safe choice. I spin around singing my favorite Mandisa song. “Cause if He started this work in your life, He will be faithful to complete it, if only you believe it…this is gonna make you stronger.” Got my shoes, song, and resume. I’m ready.
My heels tap, tap, tap with my heartbeat as I navigate my way through the gleaming hallways around marble tiles, indoor waterfalls, and tropical plants to the elevator. Interview number eleven, here we go. Jesus, I could use a few more seeds of faith. Help me make a good impression. The old lady in the jogging suit is looking at me. I have got to stop talking to myself.
The elevator dings and slides its doors open. The lady steps out first and falls on her face.
I crouch to the ground. “Are you okay? Can you get up?” She doesn’t answer, so I yell, “Help, someone!” I call 911 and wrap my scarf around her bleeding forehead. Within seconds, a group gathers around us.
Someone asks, “Mrs. Bee, can you hear me?” She finally sits up and holds her head.
“Look at this pretty scarf someone gave me.” She rubs the fringes with her fingertips and drapes the blood-stained fabric across her shoulders.
When the paramedics arrive, I rush off to my interview. Instead of fifteen minutes early, I’m three minutes late.
Ms. Rolen-Beacon is stunning with long braided black hair and natural looking with pale pink lipstick. She shakes my hand. “You’re late. Trisha, is it?”
“Tasha. I’m sorry. You see as I was coming out of the elevator…”
She holds up her right hand like a crossing guard and stops me from explaining. “May I see your resume?”
My hand leaves a sweat mark on the crisp paper. Lord, help me.
“Did you say something?”
My face must be a nice shade of strawberry. “No, I mean a little prayer slipped out.”
She smiles. “I saw you helping Mrs. Bee. She comes here every month for clothes donations to bring to her church. Sweet lady. So, when can you start?”
I click my heels together as I leave her office. Thank you, God. I knew this was the right pair.
###
1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Note: I wrote the first draft of this story for the Faithwriter's Weekly Contest for the theme "Put your best foot forward." It won third place, but I rushed to submit it on time. This is my edited version.
I encourage writers to check out this website. faithwriters.com It's fun and easy to submit faith-based stories.
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