May Book Club | Highcliffe House

I only had to glance at the cover of “Highcliffe House”, by Megan Walker, to know I wanted to lose myself between its pages.

When you see the beseechingly moody scene of a women dressed in a Regency era long skirt and bonnet, gazing up from the beach toward a formidable stone house… I know you’ll feel drawn to it as well, that’s why I chose it for my May Book Club recommendation.

It’s a Proper Romance too, so while it tells a sweet, charming story full of splendid detail, historical references, and witty repartee, it skips all the stuff that might make you uncomfortable if your young daughter were to pick it up and flip through.

“When a romantic entanglement leaves her humiliated and reeling, Anna Lane wants nothing more than for her father to whisk her away from the gossip of the ton. Unfortunately, he has obligations elsewhere, leaving her stuck in London.

Graham Everett’s financial security depends on an investment with Mr. Lane, his long-time fried and business partner. He’ll do just about anything to secure it for his family, even if it means fighting spiled, embittered Anna for her father’s attention.

Lucking, Mr. Lane concocts a plan that will give everyone what they want, with one stipulation; Anna must accompany Graham to Brighton in her father’s stead and make a decision to invest—or not—based on a thorough report.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that they’ve been wrong about each other. If they are willing to invest a little time working out their differences, they might have a chance at real love.”

Mom’s would love to receive this on their Mother’s Day breakfast tray along with lovingly prepared french toast, orange juice, hot tea and fresh flowers.

When the last bite’s been eaten, tidy up the tray and leave her to her book and tea for a while, she deserves it.

Witnesses of Christmas | December Book Club

When it comes to holiday décor, don’t forget the books!

I love having Christmas themed books on my coffee and end tables, so everyone can enjoy them during this special time of year. That’s one of the reasons I’ve chosen “Witnesses of Christmas, A Musical Journey Through the Nativity of Jesus the Christ”, by my friend, Jason F. Wright, with Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four as my December Book Club pick.

Witnesses of Christmas is an adaptation of the narration and music from the original stage production of Joy to the World: A Sacred Celebration, a production conceived of, performed by, and produced by Jenny, that Jason would write the script for and narrate as a shepherd named David.

This book includes the script, sheet music and QR code links to performance recordings and accompaniment track to re-create a Nativity experience for readers unlike anything they’ve seen, heard, or read before.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them. Fear not: for, behold. I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” ~ Luke 2:8-11

The second half of the beautifully illustrated book explains how readers can adopt five of Christ’s attributes to become better people, encouraging us all to try to live the kind of life that Christ’s life exemplified.

It’s truly a treasure I know will enrich your lives and those you chose to share it with, just like the production my friendship with Jason, it’s author.

Obtain your copy, and those for gift-giving here:
Witnesses of Christmas
A Musical Journey Through the Nativity of Jesus the Christ

Under The Cover of Mercy | June Book Club

A beautiful book has come my way that I can’t wait to share with you this June!

“Under The Cover of Mercy”, by Rebecca Connolly.

It’s another from one of my favorite genres, historical fiction, and you’ll love this fast-paced novel about a nurse “on a mission of mercy and rebellion.” It’s set during the tumultuousness of WWI, and it’ll keep you on the edge of your seat - or lounge chair, or beach towel - where ever you devour your summer reading list.

You won’t want to wait to dig into the based on the true story novel of a nurse that risked charges of treason to help wounded Allied soldiers escape their German captors.

”November 1914

The Great War has come to Brussels, and Edith Cavell, Head Nurse at Berkendael Medical Institute, faces an impossible situation. She has sworn an oath to help any who are wounded, under whatever flag they are found. But Governor von Lüttwitz, the ranking German officer, has ordered her and her nurses to also stand guard over the wounded Allied prisoners of war and prevent them from escaping.

Edith feels that God called her to be a healer, not a jailer. How can she heal these broken boys, only to see them returned to the hands of their oppressors to be beaten again?

So when members of the Belgian resistance, desperate for help, bring two wounded British soldiers to her hospital in secret, she decides she will heal the soldiers, and then help smuggle them out of the hospital to freedom.

With her loyal friend and fellow nurse, Lizzie, by her side, Edith establishes her hospital as a safe house for the resistance, laboring tirelessly to save as many soldiers as she can. Working under the watchful eyes of the German army, Edith faces challenging odds as she fights to bring hope to her small corner of a war-torn world.

Based on a true story, Under the Cover of Mercy is the remarkable account of one woman who defied an entire nation in order to heal those who needed her help the most.”

Rebecca Connolly
photo credit: Sarah Schroering

I’m looking forward to many summer days in my garden with a stack of books to keep my company! “Under The Cover Of Mercy” will be the first of the season.

Get yours HERE.

I hope you’ll join me in your own garden, on your patio, or under the shade of a big tree in your neighborhood park.

You're Going To Make It | May Book Club

YOUR’E GOING TO MAKE IT

Ohhhh life! Such a beautiful, bizarre, complicated, thrilling, confusing jumble of glorious existence! While I’m firmly committed to the belief that we must choose positivity and create our own happiness, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Throw in some profound loss and times of inevitable loneliness, things can get downright murky!

We need tools, and skills, and intentional practices to help us maintain balance and perspective - and JOY!

I’ve found something to help us all, and have made it my May Book Club choice:

“You’re Going To Make It; 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today”, by New York Times #1 bestselling author, Lysa TerKeurst.

In her newest devotional Lysa TerKeurst helps us stay connected to God and continue loving others even in the middle of discouraging, disappointing, or even devastating circumstances.

It’s a GORGEOUS hardbound book created with all the little details that make my heart trill when I hold it in my hands; beautiful gold lettering, a satin ribbon marker, stunning graphics and serene photography.

Each of the 50 daily devotionals provide grounded and faith-based insight and comforting reassurance to reflect back on throughout the day.

Each evening a “statement to remember” is provided, along with a space reserved for the reader to make a notation of “Something to release back to God from today.”

This devotional is such a gift from Lysa and will be accepted with gratitude to whomever you decide to share it with. Start with yourself.

Spring is the time for new beginnings and if you were wondering how you might get started, here’s your answer.

Find a lovely note from Lysa, more information about the devotional, and purchase information here:

YOU’RE GOING TO MAKE IT

Miss Newbury's List | February Book Club

Hello February! I love you so! (And for so many reasons!)

You’re the month that brings us homebound commutes that don’t require headlights. The month we see the first signs of an awakening earth, with crocus and forsythia blooms and branches of fuzzy catkins. The month of Valentine’s Day and all it holds. My birthday month - and too many slices of cheesecake! (We even get a three-day weekend from you.) All that, yet the temps stay low so there’s no guilt in the comfort food we’re still dishing up, or the long evenings spent near a fire curled up with our books.

Here’s one I’d like everyone to know about, “Miss Newbury’s List”, by Megan Walker, my February Book Club pick!

It’s a Proper Romance, which means it has a rich layered storyline and well developed characters, but nothing between it’s pages to make you blush should your teen or tween pick it up. In fact, you’ll encourage them to do so! This piece of historical fiction will transport you back to 19th Century England, arranged marriages, and outrageous societal expectations, as well as remind you that no matter the era, all people experience self-discovery and the human spirit is all about following one's dreams which when strong enough can lead to new beginnings.

“England 1820

Rosalind Newbury is counting down the days until her wedding to the Duke of Marlow, a man she has only met twice. The marriage is more an agreement between two families and less a romantic connection between two hearts, but Rosalind becoming a duchess will elevate her family’s status to dizzying heights. And the duke is a kind man who will care for Rosalind, even if he doesn’t love her.

She only has three weeks before her life changes forever, and she knows exactly how she wants to spend her days. As a child, Ros was inspired by her adventurous Aunt Alice and created a list of ten things to do before her wedding day. So far, Ros has done none of them.

She is determined to tackle each item, though she’ll have to accomplish them all in secret. After all, a soon-to-be-duchess is not usually allowed to bury treasure in the pasture, eat sweets all day, or learn how to swim. She enlists the help of her best friend, Liza, who brings along her cousin, Charlie, a prodigal son-turned-boxer who has come to the countryside to mend his reputation and learn how to be his father’s heir.

Together, the three of them work to complete the list, and as each item is crossed off, an unlikely friendship blossoms between Ros and Charlie. The more time they spend together, the more Ros falls in love with this imperfect man and his good heart.

With the wedding looming, Ros must decide to either admit her romantic feelings for Charlie and risk her family’s future, or keep her promise to marry the duke and start a new life as a noblewoman.”

Sounds fabulous, doesn’t it? This February, fall in love. With the month, with life, with yourself, with Miss Newbury’s List!

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY: Miss Newbury’s List

Delicious Gatherings | December Book Club

She’s done it again! Tara Teaspoon, author of “Live Life Deliciously”, has released a beautiful new cookbook, just in time for the holidays, “Delicious Gatherings, Recipes to Celebrate Together,” is available now!

This is another splendid offering from Tara, and just like her previous hard-bound volume, offers a multitude of delicious sides, mains, and deserts (with plenty of appetizers, dips, and breads to round it out) so you never again find yourself saying,“What in the world am I going to make?!” There are full-course menus for memorable gatherings (including breakfasts and brunches) that you are going to thank her for over and over!

After two years of distancing, we’ve all built up an appetite for togetherness and good eats! Tara Teaspoon, (real name, Tara Bench,) helps you sate both hungers with recipes for elevated everyday meals and special holidays, plus helpful tips and how-to’s. They say this cookbook aims to bring “joy, flair, and amazing taste” to all your get-togethers, and I wholeheartedly agree with the statement!

From Sunday suppers and weeknight family meals to elaborate buffets for bigger crowds and holiday celebrations, Tara’s recipes include delicious showstoppers and unique takes on comforting classics. I’m especially intrigued with the Roast Carrots with Lemon Feta Dip (yum!) and the fancy-looking (but relatively easy) Spinach and Artichoke Tarte Soleil featured on the cover.

One of the things that I really appreciate about Tara’s take on things is her encouragement to make each recipe your own, often providing suggestions for substitutions, and always with a “have at it!” attitude!

I hope you find yourself in the company of family and friends this holiday season, and hope you’ll find a seat at the table for Tara Teaspoon’s “Delicious Gatherings.”

Order your copy: DELICIOUS GATHERINGS

My Big Book Stack | November Book Club

November kicks off the holiday season - which is often the season of over-indulgence… Going with that theme, I’m not sharing just one book with you this month but a whole stack of them I think deserve a place on your nightstand. One is brand new and a couple are stand-outs from earlier in the year..

All of them, alone, or together, would make spectacular holiday gifts for yourself or your favorite bookworm.

Welcome to November my friends! Grab your coziest throw, a steaming mug of tea and find your favorite book-nook… If you’re going to indulge - especially OVER indulge - in anything, let it be the magical activity of reading!

This unique collection of the most beloved Christmas carols will help to get you into the spirit of the season!

An Advent Carols Countdown features one carol for each day from December 1st to Christmas Eve and presents both the lyrics and the fascinating stories and facts behind its creation.

Sharing everything from popular, familiar carols to lesser-known but cherished hymns, author Michael D. Young combines his musical expertise with information specific to each song.

An Advent Carols Countdown is a beautiful gift book for the whole family to enjoy along with the music of the holidays. Each entry also features a QR code that will link to an audio or video performance of the carol performed by the choir most associated with Christmas, the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir.

ORDER: An Advent Carols Countdown

When your days feel overwhelming and your life has you anxious and stressed, you can find peace and hope in Jesus.

In this NEW 365-day devotional prayer book, Jesus Listens, from Sarah Young, the author of Jesus Calling, you’ll find confidence to come to God in all circumstances with short, heartfelt prayers based on Scripture.

God desires a relationship with you through continual conversation—prayer. Jesus Listens empowers you to pray daily, whether it serves as your only prayer for the day or simply a jump starter to your own prayers. 

The biblical basis for each prayer in Jesus Listens is given at the end of each entry so you can continually return to God's promises in Scripture.  Whether you gift Jesus Listens or pick it up yourself to establish a more consistent prayer practice, Sarah’s words and her constant return to the Word of God will greatly enrich your prayer life.

ORDER: Jesus Listens

Even the Dog Knows was my August Book Club pick, and I still catch myself thinking about the story and smiling at Moses innate wisdom, as I go about my daily routine.

In this exceptional novel, by Jason F. Wright, a family's old, beloved dog takes a final road trip to help his people find forgiveness and healing.

Although Moses is just a dog, he's very observant. He knows things—like that his people haven’t been the same since one left, someone is hiding something, and he loves the lady that smells like bacon. You know, dog wisdom. He also knows he's an old dog and that his time is near, but there are still important things only he can do.

Even the Dog Knows is a novel that will take readers on a thousand-mile journey to meet strangers and find forgiveness, understanding, healing, and the meaning of true and lasting love.

ORDER: Even the Dog Knows

To Capture His Heart | October Book Club

One of the BEST things about this radio life I’ve crafted for myself is the connections I’m able to make. Taking calls night after night from listeners willing to share their hearts with me has put me in the unique role of connecter. I not only get to connect with my callers, I get to connect them to one another! I love bringing people together, whether it’s a shared passion, like art or horses, or gardening or music… or love and romance!

I believe we are a sum of our relationships and while different people have different levels of need, it is our connections that provide stability, security, and a sense of belonging in a world that often makes no sense at all. I STILL believe in love. I always will.

Whether it’s hearing about, talking about, or reading about love, I’m in! Which brings me to my book club pick for October, a Proper Romance, “To Capture His Heart”, by Nancy Campbell Allen.

September was BUSY, my oh my, so busy! I welcome October, the calming influence of a fall routine, and a few stolen moments with a book that celebrates falling in love…

“Seaside, England, 1886

Eva Caldwell is an accomplished and well-known photographer who often works with the local constabulary to assist in documenting crime scenes, which means she also often works alongside the handsome and charming detective, Nathan Winston. She appreciates his intellect and how he treats her like an equal, but Eva's heart is still healing from a past relationship, so, for now, she decides to keep her feelings for Nathan a secret.

One evening, Nathan arrives on her doorstep asking for a personal favor. Would Eva be available to photograph his mother's legendary, week-long dinner party and matchmaking event? The catch is that Eva would also have to pretend they are courting in order for Nathan to avoid the many single women seeking his attention.

Though wary of the charade, Eva agrees. Spending a week with the two things she loves most--her detective and her camera--sounds simple enough. And if she wants to imagine that Nathan's pretend courtship of her is real, well, what's the harm in that?

But when a criminal from Nathan's past threatens revenge on the detective, Nathan must be extra vigilant to keep his mother and the rest of the partygoers safe. He confides in Eva, and as the two work together to solve the mystery and apprehend the criminal, they find that they might capture more than they expected--each other's heart.”

October, with it’s ever-shorter days, longer nights, and cooler temps, forces us to slow down. Don’t fight it. Let yourself enjoy a cup of tea and a few pages of historical fiction before you begin your daily routine or turn out the light in the evening. “To Capture His Heart” is a fine place to start.

Order: TO CAPTURE HIS HEART

The Stranger In The Lifeboat | July Book Club

Back in March, I had the great privilege of hosting impactful author, Mitch Albom, on my bi-monthly podcast series, LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah. Mitch came aboard to share some powerful messages of hope and healing.

His last two books, "Finding Chika", and, “The Stranger In The Lifeboat", are inexorably tied; the first about the grief of losing his beloved daughter, and the second, about healing. If you haven’t had an opportunity to listen to this episode yet, please do so now!

I decided after our conversation to make “The Stranger In The Lifeboat” one of my monthly book club choices this year, and July is the month!

The drifting lifeboat is a metaphor for desperation, for those crying out to God for help, (and demanding the cry be answered with the swiftness and accuracy of a fast food order). The story he’s woven together about a group of shipwreck survivors, and the stranger they pull out of the water several days later, sifts through all the theological ponderings of a varied group of believers and non-believers, as they spend their days and nights waiting and wondering if they’ll be saved.

And all the while it reads like a great Agatha Christie “whodunit”, pulling you deeper and deeper into the mystery as you try to sort and arrange the clues that will lead to the “ah-ha!” solution.

Mitch Albom became a household name after the release of "Tuesdays with Morrie" a memoir of his visits with his old college professor during the last days of Morrie's life. It was a book full of lessons on living, dying, and love.

Since then he has continuously put forth works just as insightful, compelling, and inspiring, like The Stranger in the Lifeboat, available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

While his books have sold over 40 million copies, you might also be interested to know that Mitch is an accomplished songwriter, pianist and lyricist too. He and wife, Janine, work tirelessly to better the lives of the suffering at the orphanage they have committed their lives to in Haiti and the many other charitable organizations they’ve helped to established and support.

Please visit Have Faith Haiti Mission to learn more about how your heart may be touch by the children living there.

3:16, The Numbers of Hope | March Book Club

Sometimes it would be so easy to give in to the negativities of the world and simply let despair wash over us like the incoming tide, if it weren’t for another far more powerful force, hope.

One of beloved author, Max Lucado’s, all-time bestselling books, 3:16, The Numbers of Hope, has been updated and gifted to us, just as we struggle into our third year of Covid 19 and the disruptions and losses it continues to deliver.

“We’ve all had our fair share of disappointments, loss, or hardships. But for every challenge there is a breathtaking promise: It’s going to be okay. How can we know? Because God so loved the world. “

In 3:16, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado encourages us to study closely the “Hope Diamond of the Bible”: John 3:16.

Max says of his favorite verse, “Every time I recall these words, they are fresh and as stunning as my first encounter with them. The mind-bending awareness of God’s limitless love, his incalculable sacrifice, and the priceless teaching at the core. How can we not review it again and again? I want this generation, and all who come after, to look closely at the key promise of God and choose the gift beyond all gifts.”

Throughout this updated and expanded edition of 3:16, Max will invite you to:

• Stand in awe of how deep, wide, long, and high God’s love is for you

• Understand more fully the living hope you have through Jesus’ death and resurrection

• Rest in the assurance that salvation is a gift from God, not something you can earn

If you know nothing of the Bible, start here. If you know everything in the Bible, return here. Let John 3:16 become the banner of your life, so much so that the message of God’s unending and unbending love overflows from you to others. Each copy of 3:16 also includes a 40-day devotional designed to help you draw closer to your loving Savior. “

A glance at my bookcase shows the name “Max Lucado” on a great many of the outward facing spines. 3:16 is among the favorites.

As someone who has experienced great losses and trauma, I can be easily triggered by news of tragic events and become fearful. It is my faith and belief that He is in control that helps to steady me and allows me to experience the joy and promise of today, and the hope for a better tomorrow.

Give yourself the gift of 3:16, The Numbers of Hope.

Receive $5 off when you order HERE - while supplies last!

Join Max’s free Online Bible Study

(For the first time ever, Max reads the full-length audiobook,
look for the option when placing your order!)