Havah ~ The Story of Eve

Title: Havah ~ The Story of Eve
Author: Tosca Lee
ISBN: 978-1-60006-124-0

From the back cover:

A single decision has the power to unravel mankind.

Created, not born.

The world's first woman, without flaw until one fateful choice. Now all humanity must pay for the mistake.

From paradise to exile, from immortality to the death of Adam, experience the dawn of mankind through the eyes of Eve ~ the woman first known as Havah.

My take:

I've never read anything by this author before but I can tell you she does her research. The author's notes and acknowledgments let you know how much work she put into each thought and idea before she put it on paper. Still, she had to use a great bit of imagination to create the world and people that come alive in this book.

The language sings. I tried to come up with a better word, but in light of the subject being covered, perhaps it fits. Since none of us were present, and the world today is nothing like the Garden of Eden, her descriptions were very important. All through the book the imagery is second to none.

Her portrayal of Adam & Eve (who go by many names) changes throughout the book. I think that's appropriate as they did change once sin entered into their lives, and then as they faced the consequences of that sin. The change that happened once they ate the fruit was written brilliantly. There could be no doubt what they lost and how badly it hurt and frightened them.

I really enjoyed the book. I thought it was an imaginative and well written version of a story some of us take for granted and forget to think about after we leave Sunday School. I did think it was slightly feminist in nature ~ probably owing in part to the fact it came from Eve's point of view and showed her bias.

I think the author intended to show women were considered equal by God, which has been distorted by some translators and modern religions. However, Eve often was rude and callous to Adam, named all the children and held his comments to God about the fruit against him, even though she passed blame to the serpent as well. They each sinned in the same way.

Eve also was very vain and jealous, often comparing herself to her daughters and later women who came to visit. Even in the Garden, she loved to listen to how beautiful she was, and remarked upon how she was faster than Adam and even most of the animals.

It also seemed like it was this "weakness" to like to hear how beautiful, smart and how like God she was (always told to her by the Serpent) that led her to listen to his other comments about the fruit. The Serpent was a very unusual character. His description and manner were very well done ~ and it is interesting how differently Adam & Eve respond to him.

The book doesn't end with the ousting from the Garden. The secondary characters and their tales are done just as well, though I may not agree with all her conclusions as to how things came to pass. I do think she did a terrific job weaving a tale where you can almost see the dust on the sandals and smell the bread baking.

This is a thought-provoking, entertaining, and very well written book. If you like Biblical fiction, consider picking up this one.

How Do I Love Thee?

Title: How Do I Love Thee?
Author: Nancy Moser
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0501-9

From the back cover:

She dreams of love for others but never for herself...

Elizabeth Barrett is a published poet and a virtual prisoner in her own home. Blind family loyalty ties her to a tyrannical father who forbids any of his children to marry. Bedridden by chronic illness, she has resigned herself to simply existing. That is, until the letter arrives...

"I love your verses with all my heart," writes Robert Browning, an admiring fellow poet. As friendly correspondence gives way to something more, Elizabeth discovers that Robert's love is not for her poetry alone. Might God grant her more than mere existence? And will she risk defying her father in pursuit of true happiness?

My take:

I'm missing my husband and this book didn't help. If you need help believing in true love, this is your book. Their story is overwhelmingly beautiful. I remember studying her ~ way back in high school ~ and just getting a small idea of how deeply they cared for one another. I didn't do the kind of research the author did, and hearing it told this way... well you might need a stack of tissues for the happy tears.

I enjoyed the way the author brought about such interesting themes as the difference between a controlling and freeing love, what it means to honor father and mother and how good people have twisted the idea, and a few others you can discover for yourself.

I was touched by parts of their story I didn't know before. I think they were both wonderful people who loved each other with their whole hearts ~ and unconditionally. Everyone should be so blessed. I could relate to what they went through in some ways and how they were each other's strength as well.

My one complaint is that such a highly romantic couple didn't seem to have much passion. More attention is paid to the physical sensations Elizabeth has when wondering if she's jealous when he kisses her hand the first time than their first kiss (which happens right after she accepts his marriage proposal). She thinks it happened too easily and he must have kissed a lot of hands . Since he claims to be a "supremely passionate man," that didn't feel right. It was as if something was off because there was such intensity in their correspondence, even in the risk they took to be together ~ and then the physical aspects of their romance were so chaste that it almost appeared as if the romance was reserved to their writing.

At one point in the story Elizabeth says she "lived for the post." Do you still write and receive letters and cards or are you an all electronic person? How about books? Do you prefer paper books or e-books? Have you ever had a long distance relationship?

True Romance

Those of you who have known me for a while ~ or personally ~ know I treasure my utterly sweet husband. He has to put up with a lot because of my health problems... but he is and always has been so generous and romantic. Think white knight, romance novel hero ~ the works. That's just who he is.

We had a hard 2009. I've never been so happy to wave good-bye to a year before in my life. Through it all he never stopped being my greatest supporter and best friend.

I got sent this story in my email and it made me think about him.

BURNED BISCUITS


When I was a little boy, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Baby, I love burned biscuits."


Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned.. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired.. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"


You know, life is full of imperfect things... and imperfect people. I'm not the best housekeeper or cook. What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.


And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!

-- Author Unknown

Signed Copy of The Country House Courtship

I'm having my first contest of the year and you're all invited. :o)

The Country House Courtship is the much-awaited final book in the series by Linore Rose Burkard. I really liked the first two books and pre-ordered this one, but it has been so popular that Amazon just notified me that my copy cannot be shipped until the end of the month. :o( So, one of you will be much luckier than I will be. The author has agreed to send an autographed copy to a reader of my blog as long as I have at least 10 distinct comments.

The rules of the contest will be: 1. Leave a comment (+1 entry), 2. Become a Follower (+2), 3. Established Follower (+3), 4. Advertise the contest on your blog (+4), 5. Chances of winning determined by number of entries and dependent on enough people posting. 6. Void where prohibited. 7. Only U.S. entries allowed. 8. The contest will end on 13 Jan. That is the date I will announce the winner, so all entries and comments must be made by midnight the night before (Central Time). The winner is chosen randomly by a disinterested party (not me).

Now for the fun stuff!

Short description of The Country House Courtship

England, 1818: It has been five years since Ariana Forsythe married The Paragon, Mr. Phillip Mornay. Now, Ariana's sister, Miss Beatrice Forsythe, is seventeen and determined to marry advantageously as well. (Surely Ariana's society connexions all but guarantee Beatrice's success-especially if Mr. Mornay is created a baronet by the Prince Regent!

But the Mornay's have disappeared from high society as they raise a family at their country estate. Can Beatrice persuade them to chaperone her in London? And what about her business with the curate, Mr. O'Brien, whom Beatrice rashly promised to marry years earlier? She is too sophisticated now to settle for a mere clergyman-despite his agreeable countenance and gentle, understanding ways. When Mr. Tristan Barton becomes tenant of the Manor House, Beatrice's hopes seem to have found their object. But when Ariana falls gravely ill, secrets come to light, motives are revealed, and pretenses that are easy to keep up in the darkness begin to crumble. As hearts are bared and truths uncovered, a country house courtship like no other cannot be far behind!

Fans of Linore's first books, Before the Season Ends, and The House on Grosvenor Square, will be delighted with final addition to the Regency Inspirational Series, as will all readers of historical romance.

Would you like to know more? Here's a link to read an excerpt from the first chapter:

Excerpt PDF from "The Country House Courtship"

What do you hope for when you get to the end of a series like this one? Have you read the other two books? I hope you enjoy the contest. :o)

The Lightkeeper's Daughter

Title: The Lightkeeper's Daughter
Author: Colleen Coble
ISBN: 978-1-59554-267-0

From the back cover:

Addie Sullivan leads a quiet life in a northern Californian lighthouse. She mourns the death of her father and endures her mother's bitterness, until the night a storm brings an injured stranger and a dark secret to her home. The man insists she is not who she thinks she is, but rather "Julia Eaton" - the child long lost and feared dead by her wealthy family. Seizing the chance to be reunited with the Eatons, Addie leaves her lighthouse home but decides to keep her true identity a secret until they can unravel the mystery.

Addie loves the Eatons' palatial home tucked away among the California redwood forests. She feels secure with the jovial family, adores the young boy who is her charge as governess, and finds romance with his father John, a young widower. But sinister shadows overtake Addie's joy. As dusty rooms and secret compartments give up their clues about her past, Addie finds a faith and a love she could never have guessed. To embrace this new world of promise is to risk her life; but to run away is to risk losing the greatest love she's ever known.

My take:

First a confession. Many of you know I'm in the process of writing a book. Part of that process includes reading. I read a lot. The book idea that came to me was slightly out of my normal scope of reading material. Okay ~ way off the map. :o) I've never read suspense before ~ plus it's contemporary (but we won't go there). So, I've been asking around for who does it well. Colleen Coble was was of the first names I was given. Now I don't generally enjoy homework, but let me tell you, I'm starting off 2010 in grand style because this is yet another fabulous read.

Her back cover sets up the story beautifully, but in Addie Sullivan we have a character that faces conflict in every form. She doesn't know who to trust in this new "family" of hers. Someone wanted her to stay hidden away and she doesn't know who or why. There are stories told about her dashing naval love interest that don't paint him in a particularly good light. She doesn't want to believe them, but she hasn't known him for very long ~ could he want something to happen to her so his son can inherit?

Everyone seems to have a motive and nobody acts in a way she can trust. Throw in the fact that once she is accepted into the family, she gets caught up and forgets to seek God... and finds herself trying to please her new father instead... You can imagine how twisted up things can get.

I was under the impression this author did contemporary books only. I don't go through and check for historical accuracy, but I can tell you she did a wonderful job with the most important things in this kind of story: writing, characters, romance and suspense/mystery.

Addie Sullivan popped off the page in living color. She was so vibrant and alive, I wished I could sit down with her (or splash in a creek) and eat ice cream with her until we both couldn't move. I have to believe the author spent a good amount of time on her because she felt too real for just a paragraph or two of notes.

The other characters were also very well done and had strengths and weaknesses that had you pulling for them and caught you off guard. She pulled the wool over my eyes more than once. I think this is the most twists and surprises I have seen in a book yet ~ and it wasn't confusing. The whole thing felt like a wonderful romantic action adventure movie. Perhaps Hollywood will come calling. :o)

I know everyone has their niche they like to read ~ or don't like. Don't let the beautiful cover stop you from trying this book because you think it will be too "Austen-esque." (Is that a word?) This is one of those books that kind of transcends genre and just is a great story. I hope you'll give it a try and let me know how you like it.

The Raven Saint

Title: The Raven Saint
Author: M.L. Tyndall
ISBN: 978-1-60260-158-1

From the back cover:

Grace Westcott has spent her entire life serving God and helping the poor-- not to mention trying to save the souls of her two wayward sisters. But while on an errand of mercy, she is kidnapped by a French mercenary and told she will be sold to a Spanish Don in Columbia.

Determined to hold on to her faith and see God in every situation, she believes she must have been sent to help someone find God's love. But no one will listen to her pleas, warnings, and prayers.

When Grace's situation grows far worse than she could imagine, she is forced to face her own human weaknesses. But she isn't prepared to face her biggest weakness of all--falling in love with the nefarious captain, Rafe Dubois.

Will Grace discover God's purpose for this harrowing journey? And what will she do when she realizes His purpose for her is not to redeem the captain and his crew, but herself?

My take:

I'm so glad I got this book and it was my first book of 2010. What a way to start the year! I love MaryLu Tyndall and this series so much, but the saying "saved the best for last" really fit this book well for many reasons. Not the least of which is the dashing mercenary captain, Rafe Dubois. I loved his character. In full disclosure, it didn't hurt that the author let it slip she pictured Rafe looking like Orlando Bloom in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

I ask you, what's not to love? lol

Seriously, this book tackled an issue a lot of Christian fiction doesn't. Sometimes we're the problem. Sometimes we're the ones needing fixing~ for a whole lot of things. Grace isn't a bad person, but she has become more than a little judgmental and it's hurting her relationships with friends and family, and ultimately, it doesn't please God.

How she comes to that revelations and deals with it is both realistic, tender and at times somewhat funny. Add to that a serious and passionate attraction to a man she is certain has to be evil incarnate ~ and poor Grace has quite the journey.

Rafe is a complex character in his own right. He doesn't want to be attracted to Grace any more than she wants him and yet... he can't seem to keep his thoughts from her. She is nothing like he expected her to be. Will he be able to hand her over to the Don knowing she isn't who he thought she was? Plus, just like the rest of the books in the series, there are plenty of other surprises and danger in store for the whole crew.

The romance in this book sizzled like yummy bacon on a Saturday morning. Every character reached out and grabbed your heart in their own way. MaryLu Tyndall captured not only Rafe and Grace, but colorful characters like Father Alers ~ a crewman who had once been a Jesuit but had given up his faith, Thorn ~ Rafe's first mate and a man who seems as out of place on the ship as Grace, but is determined to remain, and who can leave out Spyglass? That's Rafe's cat who becomes more enamored with Grace than Rafe and saves her from trouble.

I hope you'll consider adding this one to your reading wish list; I know you won't be disappointed.

Happy New Year!

I was looking for some interesting quotes about the new year, resolutions and how it has been celebrated and came upon these from The Quote Garden:

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn


An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. ~Bill Vaughan


Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits. ~Author Unknown


A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. ~Author Unknown


Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin


Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty. ~John Selden


Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. ~Hal Borland


Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey


Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850


Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past. ~Henry Ward Beecher


For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"


We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce


Yesterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink and swore his last oath. Today, we are a pious and exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever. ~Mark Twain


People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas. ~Author Unknown


And ye, who have met with Adversity's blast,
And been bow'd to the earth by its fury;
To whom the Twelve Months, that have recently pass'd
Were as harsh as a prejudiced jury -
Still, fill to the Future! and join in our chime,
The regrets of remembrance to cozen,
And having obtained a New Trial of Time,
Shout in hopes of a kindlier dozen.
~Thomas Hood


Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go. ~Brooks Atkinson


Each age has deemed the new-born year
The fittest time for festal cheer.
~Walter Scott


But can one still make resolutions when one is over forty? I live according to twenty-year-old habits. ~Andre Gide


One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things. ~John Burroughs


It wouldn't be New Year's if I didn't have regrets. ~William Thomas


We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential. ~Ellen Goodman


May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions. ~Joey Adams


He who breaks a resolution is a weakling;
He who makes one is a fool.
~F.M. Knowles


The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective. ~G.K. Chesterton


I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the year's. ~Henry Moore

~~~~

I haven't made any resolutions in several years. I do like the idea of a fresh start though. I like that about each new day, new week, new month... I think it's nice to think about starting over and leaving the past behind. I guess that's why I don't do resolutions anymore. They seem always to tie you to whatever failures you believe you've had in the past. Goals are a more positive statement I suppose.

How about you? Do you make resolutions each year? Are you good about keeping them? What's your favorite thing about the the new year?