Characters Who... Travel {reading challenge}

We're approaching another month, and that means we're stepping into a new reading challenge.

Summer often brings vacations, which means travel. For August's challenge, we'll be reading books in which the characters travel someplace. It may be domestic or international travel. It doesn't necessarily have to be a vacation for the character. It may also be travel for work or to help out a family member who lives somewhere different than the character who does the traveling.

Please remember to share with us where they traveled when you post your books.

Let's talk vacations now.

(And yes, I want to hear from you in the comments.)

Around the World - a reading challenge

This summer is flying fast! Tutoring is finished until the fall, I just turned in an editing job, and I’m finally getting a quick breath of fresh—but humid—air. So what will I be doing for the next few weeks, before the next wave of my two jobs arrives at my door?

Traveling the world…

… in a literary sense.

That’s right, friends. August’s reading challenge will take us Around the World.

Here’s what this means:

The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel

As promised last week, today I'm bringing you my review for Lindsay Harrel's second book, The Heart Between Us.

I received an early e-copy from NetGalley, but a positive review was not required.

Heart by the Bucketful

This is Lindsay Harrel's second book, and it's becoming evident to me that her trademark is going to be incredibly deep character journeys. This book, as the title suggests, is full of heart. From beginning to end, the passion for life and figuring out one's faith and laying down one's fears make this journey one worth taking... several times. The fact that communication being key to relationships was featured made me smile and fall in love with this book even more. I've been saying for years that communication is crucial for any relationship to be successful, and it's wonderful when that outlook is emphasized and even featured in a fictional book.

Another fantastic aspect to this story is all the travel. From Rome to Australia to Greece to Peru -- not to mention a couple of stops in the good ol' U.S. of A. -- this book came alive with atmosphere, culture, and adventure. I really should get a passport and save up some money for international traveling, because Ms. Harrel made each location seem like the ideal vacation spot.

Be My Guest: Becky Wade INTERVIEW

by Andrea Renee Cox

It's an honor to bring you an author interview with the delightful Becky Wade today. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we had putting it together.

Becky Wade

Andrea Cox: Welcome to Writing to Inspire, Becky! I’m so glad to have you here today.

Becky Wade: Thank you for having me!

Andrea: Tell us a little about how you came to write inspirational Christian contemporary romance novels.

Becky: How about I answer in two parts?

How I became a writer… My husband and I lived overseas on the Caribbean island of Anguilla during the early years of our marriage. Because of work permit restrictions, only he was allowed to work, which left me without much to do. Frankly, being stranded on a sunny island without anything to do sounds like heaven to this working mom of three, nowadays. Back then, however, the situation left me somewhat bored and stir-crazy.

I had a huge love of reading, a computer, and a decent imagination. It occurred to me that perhaps I could try to write a book. I dreamt up a story and characters and sat down to begin a novel without knowing one single thing about the craft of writing. If I hadn’t liked writing, that would have been the end of the story. But, instead, I loved it. Right from the start.

How I became a writer of Christian contemporary romance… I published three not-very-successful historical romances for the general market back in ’99, ’00, and ’01. Then I stopped writing for many years when my kids were small. When I left my job as an author, I was so burned out on it that I thought I might never write again. Then, seven years later, I began to hear God calling me back to it. Alongside His call, new ideas began to come to me, my excitement for writing rushed back, and my joy in the work redoubled. I knew for certain that I was meant to write Christian romances for a Christian publisher this time around. In His time, and due only to His grace, God gave me a second chance at my first career.

Andrea: What a wonderful gift, to be given a second chance at your first career! I noticed on your website, along with what you just shared with us, that you’ve traveled quite extensively, in your childhood and also since your marriage. How have your adventures played a role in your writing (other than giving you free time to write while in Anguilla)?

Becky: I think travel enriches us. And anything that enriches us is good not just for our general well-being but for our creativity. I met people and saw scenery and heard stories and ate foods overseas that I still remember. Some of those things have become fodder for my books. Some have simply become fodder for laughter. My family and I still laugh about things that happened to us on trips decades ago!

As authors, it's tempting to think that our best approach is to shut ourselves into a room alone and hunch over a computer. But actually, getting out there and experiencing things can sometimes be the very prescription for our novels. 

Andrea: That sounds like a great reason to plan a vacation. *wink, wink* You are quite the busy woman, with a family to nurture while also managing your flourishing writing career. How do you balance all the responsibilities God has blessed you with?

Becky: I have three kids (ages 14, 11, 5) and — happily — my youngest started kindergarten this past fall. Woo hoo! The fact that all three are now in school has made my writing/home life easier to balance. 

I always have a weekly goal for my writing and I try to work steadily <ploddingly?> toward that goal, Monday through Friday, during the hours when my kids are in school. Once three o’clock hits, I’m busy driving carpool, hitting the grocery store, taking my kids to and from activities. If needed, I catch up on social media or email or pages I didn’t quite finish at night after my five year old is in bed or on the weekends when my husband is out with the kids.

At this phase of my life, with a family that needs my time and energy, I purposely limit my output to one book per year. In 2015, I’ll also release a fall novella. At this point, one novella and one novel in twelve months is my fastest pace. Sometimes I’m tempted to think that my books might be more successful or that I’d earn a larger income if I wrote more. MORE is a temptation for all of us, isn’t it? The desire for more can so easily wreck our contentment if we let it.

Whenever I start to think along those lines, God reminds me that the goal of my work isn’t to be successful in the world’s eyes or to earn more money. I’m called to write the books He leads me to write for His glory and to take care of the family He’s entrusted to me. That’s it. So I’ve made peace with the fact that I’m a tortoise, not a hare.

Andrea: Oh, that tricky longing for more. Setting it aside, finding contentment … that’s quite a difficult challenge, but God provides the way. I’m glad you’ve been able to find the balance between work and family. What is something that originally surprised you about the process of writing books and having them published? Is there anything that still surprises you about it today?

Becky: Original surprises about the world of publishing (back when I was first writing in the 90’s):

"What? There’s such a thing as a ‘craft’ to writing a novel? I thought I knew everything I needed to know, because I’ve been a lifelong reader."

"Huh? I don’t just send each editor and agent my full novel? They all have individual preferences about what they’d like to see included in a submission? And I have to send it to them formatted a certain way with a query letter attached? Why can’t I just call them?"

"Against all odds someone is actually going to publish my novel!!!!"

"It’s going to take a YEAR between now and when my book will hit shelves? As in, twelve whole months?!"

Recent surprises:

"It’s unexpectedly painful to write a book for God’s glory and have my ministry criticized by fellow Christians."

"Authors have A LOT more marketing items on their To Do lists in this era of blogging, social media, and platform! Eeek!"

"I had no idea that a publisher could be as nurturing and supportive of their authors as you, Bethany House, have been to me."

Andrea: Sounds like surprises keep coming for you! What’s one of the most challenging things about writing? How does this obstacle make you a better writer, and a better person?

Becky: I don’t always have the ideas or the passion or the mind frame needed for writing when I sit down to write. That’s the most challenging part. But I’ve contracted to have a manuscript ready by a deadline and I’m always determined to turn in that manuscript not only on time, but also as finished and polished as possible. So, whether I feel like it or not, I make myself do the work anyway. 

This sort of determination has made me a better writer and person because it’s shown me that God can use people, regardless of how they might be feeling at any given moment. God honors a writer’s faithfulness when that writer simply brings herself to the table and shows up. In my weakness, He has again and again and again proven Himself strong. 

Andrea: I know exactly how you feel. Sometimes it’s all we can do to show up and pray God helps us through. What’s up next for you? Any new books we should know about?

Coming soon!
May 2015

Becky: A Love Like Ours releases in May! Like my previous novels, it’s a contemporary inspirational romance. The hero, Jake Porter, is the brooding, wounded type, so I had lots of fun squeezing every drop of drama out of him that I could.

I’m currently working on Dru Porter’s book. I don’t plot everything out ahead of time. Instead, I start with a general idea of where I’m going and glimpses of turning-point scenes. So, whenever I’m in the process of writing a first draft (like I am now), I'm slowly discovering things about the story and characters as I go. It’s challenging and fun and uncertain — the first and most time-consuming step in a long process. 

Andrea: Isn’t that first-draft phase such fun? It’s my favorite part—discovering the story for the first time. Any extra little tidbits, about you or your writing, you’d like to share with us today?

Becky: I guess this is when I have to confess that I’m a chocoholic (dark with nuts, please). There. You’ve wrestled it out of me. Oh, and I love my afternoon cup of tea in the winter. I also enjoy tennis, procrastination, romantic movies, bubble baths, dinner out, and the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice.

Thank you so much, Andrea, for interviewing me on your blog. I truly appreciate your kindness and support. It’s an honor to visit you here. God bless!

Andrea: And may God bless you as well, Becky. It’s such a sweet pleasure to host you here at Writing to Inspire. Thank you for sharing part of your writing process, adventurous life, and secret indulgences with us. Don’t worry; we won’t tell about your little chocolate addiction. Because if we did, we’d have to tell about ours too. (I’m truly hooked on anything by Lindt.)

Stay tuned for information about Becky's latest book (below).

Becky Wade

Becky Wade makes her home in Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three children. She's the Carol Award and Inspirational Reader's Choice Award winning author of contemporary Christian romances, My Stubborn Heart, Undeniably Yours, and Meant to be Mine.

She may be found at the following places (and I'm sure she'd love to hear from you!):

Website: www.beckywade.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade

Twitter: http://twitter.com/beckywadewriter

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298259.Becky_Wade

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/beckywadewriter/

Now, readers, I must tell you: I am super excited about Becky's upcoming novel, A Love Like Ours (now available for pre-order). I'm also working on a book with a hero that deals with PTSD after returning from war, so it will be wonderful to read her novel for inspiration when I'm feeling like this writing journey is impossible to figure out.

About A Love Like Ours:

A Porter Family Novel #3

Coming in May 2015!

Deeply scarred from a day he wishes he could forget during his military service, Thoroughbred trainer Jake Porter has given up on love. He struggles against symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, returns to their hometown of Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tenderhearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake trusts her with his prized racehorse, Silver Leaf, then battles his hopes for his horse against his increasing fear for Lyndie’s safety.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

Readers, do you have any questions for Becky Wade today? What are some of the ways you've connected with your favorite authors? If you haven't yet reached out to your favorite authors, consider sending them an encouraging word about how their books touched your heart. That is always a great way to bring a little smile to an author's day.

Thanks for stopping by today! I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comment section below. And don’t forget to drop by next Monday for my latest article.

Would you like to be my guest? Here's how to submit an article.

Do you need a proofreader? Here are the services I offer.

The Daughter of Highland Hall - Coming Soon!

By Andrea Renee Cox

Another wonderful book is heading to stores near you in early October. The Daughter of Highland Hall is the second book in Carrie Turansky’s Edwardian Brides series, following The Governess of Highland Hall in grand fashion. Fans of Jane Austen, Downton Abbey, and Julie Klassen will love this author’s work as well!

When Kate enters London society as a debutante, her hopes for her future soar to new heights. But mistakes and family scandals seem to follow her like the train of her debut dress. Will she follow her aunt Louisa’s advice and “pull herself together and act like the gracious and confident young woman she’s been trained to be”? Or will she find an uncharted path carved out for her by the God she doesn’t yet understand?

Then there’s Jon, who doesn’t have a clue what he wants to do after he finishes his medical studies to become a doctor. Will he choose to return to India, where his family served in the mission field for years before his father’s illness brought them back home? Or will he choose one of a number of other options? Will he be able to discern the difference between his human desires and God’s will for him?

One thing that intrigued me about The Daughter of Highland Hall was the detail the author put into it. Not only did I feel immersed in the London season (in which young ladies attended parties, teas, and balls in hopes of finding their future husbands), but the intricate homes and settings really came to life under Carrie Turansky’s hand. In addition, I learned a lot about a couple of different missions of the era that captivated my interest. There is so much to take in, I’m sure I’ll need to read this book more than once to grasp it all.

Carrie Turansky

When I read the first book in this series, I knew I’d found a new author to love. Part of the reason is how Carrie used faith in the story. The characters’ faith in God was delicately threaded throughout each element of the story line, which is exactly what I look for in a great Christian fiction book. Sinking my teeth into this new installment of her Edwardian Brides series gave me more of that same intricately woven faith, assuring me I’ll be a fan for life. Have you become a Carrie Turansky fan yet? If not, I suggest you begin with her Edwardian Brides series. It’s five-star fantastic!

Thank you to Carrie Turansky and her publisher for the complimentary copy of The Daughter of Highland Hall. This is my honest review.

Readers, do you ever feel like you’ve traveled back in time when you read historical fiction? What is it about the story that pulls you into another era? What books have accomplished this for you?

Be sure to come back next Monday to read my newest article!

Would you like to be my guest? Here's how to submit an article.

Do you need a proofreader? Here are the services I offer.

A Table by the Window

By Andrea Renee Cox

The cover of A Table by the Window instantly intrigued me. The black-and-white look balanced by the burgundy tones of the title and byline spoke of another time and place as well as adventure. The dreamy-eyed stare of the cover model, looking directly at the reader, made me wonder what secrets she held. Ever since I first saw this cover online, I’ve wanted to read the book.

Then I read the back cover copy. It brought an entirely new depth to my desire to read this book. Here’s the back cover copy. What do you think about it?

Every cook knows finding the right balance between savory and sweet is a tricky business.

The youngest heir to a French-Italian restaurant dynasty, food writer Juliette D’Alisa has spent her life negotiating her skill with both words and her restaurant aspirations. When her brother Nico offers her a chance to open a restaurant together, she feels torn—does she really have what it takes? Should she risk leaving her journalism career?

Sorting through her late grandmother’s belongings, Juliette discovers an antique photograph of a man who looks strikingly like her brother. As the truth behind the picture reveals romance and startling secrets, Juliette struggles to keep the mystery hidden from her nosy family until she can uncover the whole story.

Beginning a long-distance relationship with a Memphis-based immunologist just complicates Juliette’s life-shifting decisions. How can she possibly choose between a promising culinary career and a doctor whose life is worlds away from her own? Is it possible her grandmother’s past can help her move forward?

Hillary Manton Lodge crafted a beautiful story centered around the food the characters love creating, eating, and sharing with one another. This contemporary romance felt like it came from a different era. It also felt personal, like Juliette and Nico and the rest of their family were really good friends of mine. Maybe that’s because it’s written so eloquently in the first person. Or perhaps it’s because I was pulled into the tale right from the beginning. One of the things I particularly liked was the inclusion of some of the recipes of foods Juliette and her family and friends made in the chapters. I’d never seen recipes included within the text before, but it was a mark of ingenuity on the author’s part. Very nice touch.

My heart twisted at Juliette’s longing when I read this line in chapter one: “Restaurants may have been my first love, but that didn’t mean we were meant to be.” Oh, the anguish I felt for her in that moment! As her journey unfolded on the pages, I was tugged along very gently until suddenly I was fully engrossed in Juliette’s life. I kept whispering words of encouragement to her, and yes, I shared her tears. When a book grabs me so totally, that’s when I know I’ve been reading a masterpiece.

Thank you to WaterBrook Multnomah for the complimentary copy of A Table by the Window in exchange for my honest review.

Readers, since this book made me hungry, let’s talk food. What’s your favorite recipe? Do you prefer to fix it yourself or have someone else do the cooking? Have you ever found cooking to be therapeutic?

Need a proofreader? View my services.

Want to write a guest article? Be My Guest.

Interview with the Glass Artist

Back in August of this year, my family and I went on a vacation to the northern midwest states of Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. While we were in Michigan, we decided to visit Kalamazoo, basically just to be able to say we’d been there. We found a brochure for this interesting place called West Michigan Glass Art Center and decided to check it out. We met this really nice guy, Jesse Baker, who gave us the grand tour of the Center and told us about the different types of glass art they create there. Today, I’m excited to host Jesse here at Writing to Inspire. He’s agreed to share a little bit about his favorite form of art and what it means to his community.

West Michigan Glass Art Center in downtown Kalamazoo.

Andrea: Welcome to Writing to Inspire, Jesse! I'm so happy you could join us today. Glass art is quite a unique art form. Was there a moment when you knew, "Now THAT'S what I want to do with my life!"? How did you get started in this particular art? Was there a particular person or event that inspired you, sparking your interest in working with glass?

  

Jesse: My introduction to the torch was a crash course in the form of an advanced lampworking class with Loren Stump. I would have to say it was that week, studying under Loren, watching his frenetic pace and the amazing things that he does with glass, when I knew this was something I wanted to try and do. He showed me that working with glass and the infinite possibilities of creation are limited only by one’s imagination. The things you can do and create with glass are truly endless. 

Andrea: While browsing your website (www.wmglass.org), I learned that the West Michigan Glass Art Center, located in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a non-profit organization that teaches, creates and promotes glass art and artists. How did you get involved with the West Michigan Glass Art Center? How may the public get involved?

Triangle Paperweight

Jesse: I first became involved many years ago, taking a hotshop class with my sister. Though it wasn’t then that glass fully sank its teeth into me, I should’ve known then it would. Shortly after that I moved off the mainland for a couple of years, spending that time living and loving life in Maui. Soon after having returned to the mainland I received a job notice in my inbox from the West Michigan Glass Art Center about a studio manager job position open. I applied, got the job, and haven’t looked back since, increasingly embracing glass as my hobby, then art-form, now, arguably, as my addiction. Glass is indeed addictive, if you like it, it’s likely you’re gonna LOVE it! We are a public access organization, focused on teaching the community glass art in all its forms, offering classes for the beginner looking to try making beads for the first time, to the advanced glassblower looking to hone their particular skills in the hotshop.

Andrea: When my family visited the Glass Art Center, you explained to us that there are many different types of glass art, including: glassblowing, kiln casting, cold working, flameworking, stained glass, bead making and kiln fusing. Which type is your favorite to work with? Which is your favorite to teach?

Jesse: Same answer to both of those questions, Hotshop, Hotshop, and Hotshop. I’d work in the Hotshop every day if I could afford to. And though I truly enjoy teaching classes in other studios, the hotshop is where I would prefer to teach as well. 

Andrea Cox and Jesse Baker in the glass art gift shop

Andrea: West Michigan Glass Art Center (WMGAC) has partnered with Bronson Children's Hospital in a program called Journey Beads. Can you tell us a little about this program and how it inspires children who are battling cancer? How has this program affected you and the art you create?

Jesse: The Bronson Journey Beads program is a new collaboration this year between WMGAC and the Bronson Children’s Hospital, providing beads for kids at the hospital who are going through treatment for cancer. Different styled and colored beads are made by local glass artists for various treatments that the kids are enduring. All of us here at the Art Center are taking a lot of pride in the work we’re doing in support of this program, volunteers having donated nearly 800 hours, creating and delivering about 3500 beads to the hospital thus far. The beads act as both a tangible reminder of the steps in the treatment the kids are going through, as well as a tool for telling the story of all that which they are enduring during the process. 

Andrea: How many years have you been creating glass art? How long does it take to become a master at it?

Jesse: I’ve been playing with glass for about 3 ½ years now and am far from considering myself a master of any aspect of it. Although I think the answer to your second question may vary greatly depending upon the individual and the time and resources that individual has to devote to glass. It’s my belief that it takes a lifetime to earn that title, as a master, or maestro in the glass world. 

Andrea: Of the pieces of glass art you create, what are some of your favorites?

  

Coral Reef Sculpture

Jesse: Aquatics are what I have been drawn to increasingly over the past few years. My favorites would be some of my most recent pieces I’ve produced. A beautiful jellyfish paperweight, a coral reef sculpture and my jellyfish pendants which continue to get better with each made.

Jellyfish Paperweight

Jellyfish Pendants

Andrea: Has a piece of art you were working on ever broken? How do you overcome the disappointment when that happens?

Jesse: Ahh, broken glass, the part you often don’t want to talk about, at least for quite some time after it happens. I have, indeed, had many pieces come crashing to the floor (or table), both hurt equally. When it comes to glass you just have to accept that as a part of the game. I once worked on a very ambitious roll-up project in the hotshop, putting about 30 hours in to the prep, layout and design portion, then a couple of hours of production time in the hotshop with two assistants only to have the piece crack at the very last second, as the piece was being put away in the kiln. Bitter disappointment doesn’t quite sum up the feeling I had at the end of that process. But, much the same as life, what are you gonna do, give up? You pick up the pieces, learn from your mistakes and try to do it better the next time!

Andrea: What events or classes does the Glass Art Center host around Christmas? Anything that children may participate in?

  

Blue Christmas Ornaments

Jesse: Twice a year, in May and November we offer EGAD, or Explore Glass Art Day, offering students as young as seven the opportunity to come in and take a taster course in any or all of our studios here at the Glass Art Center. Being a non-profit, this is held as a fundraiser for the Art Center and a great opportunity for the community to get their hands on glass at a very affordable price. All of our instructors volunteer their time on those special EGAD days, helping to make the courses more affordable for those who would like to try glass as an art form. We also offer ornament making sessions, sold on Groupon just before the holidays, which is always a hot ticket. Last year we had over 600 people come through our hotshop, teaching them how to make their very own ornament to place on their tree or give away as a very special gift to a loved one. 

Pink Christmas Ornaments

Andrea: How may my readers and I help support you and the West Michigan Glass Art Center, to help keep this art form around for future generations?

Jesse: There are many ways individuals can help support both the West Michigan Glass Art Center and glass art as a whole. I think your article, enlightening others who may not know anything about glass is a great way to help, increasing the glass world’s exposure. As far as supporting our mission here at WMGAC, being a non-profit, any cash donations given to the Art Center are tax deductible. To make a donation to WMGAC, follow the link, http://www.wmglass.org/Support/Donate.aspx

Another way to support us, indirectly, is to support the Bronson Journey Beads program, either by getting involved in the program or by making a donation to the program. Donations towards the Bronson Journey Beads program can be made at the Bronson Health Foundation’s website, found here: https://www.kintera.org/site/c.6nJKJQPnEgKUE/b.8682073/k.C0DC/Donate/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=6nJKJQPnEgKUE&b=8682073&en=lmJRL7OWJmJVI6OSJkIWJ7OTInLbIqNZIcJTJaPUKoK8KgO1IAK

Andrea: What is something you've learned from working with glass that can be applied to other aspects of life?

Glass Tree

Jesse: Sometimes other aspects of life only need just a little more, or, a little less heat applied to get it to the right, working temperature.

Andrea: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to pursue the dreams and goals they're passionate about?

Jesse: When we dream, generally, we dream BIG! Don’t give up! They wouldn’t be dreams if they were easily attainable!

Andrea: Jesse, thank you so much for your generous time and sharing your experiences with the West Michigan Glass Art Center.

Readers, when have you tried something new? Did you enjoy it or find that it wasn’t for you? Have you ever made your own Christmas tree ornaments?

The next time you find yourself in Kalamazoo, Michigan, stop by the West Michigan Glass Art Center. They’ve got a neat shop where you can purchase pieces of glass art created by local artists. You won’t want to miss it!

Sisterchicks On the Loose!

Have you ever been surprised by the contents of a book?

Recently, I experienced that very thing.

  

Having previously loved RobinJones Gunn’s Clouds, I was eager to see what else she had written. When the first of her Sisterchicks books came up on my list of available books on Blogging for Books, I couldn’t resist the temptation to try another of her novels.

The surprises began with the cover. Blue sky and snow, with a bright orange strip of foreign buildings . . . just the hint of adventure I needed to sneak Sisterchickson the Loose! up my ever-growing list of books to read. Plus, the cute little chick in the top left corner with the snazzy sunglasses made me giggle with joy. *Note: When I was browsing at the book store over the weekend, I noticed this book had a different cover than the copy I had. Don’t let that stop you from taking on this adventure!

Upon opening the cover, I discovered the story was written in the first person. Quite startling, since the “norm” for fiction is currently third person writing. I’ve read a few first person fictions before, and they usually took me several chapters to get into the rhythm of them, if I ever did. Much to my delight, the story swiftly unfolded as if told by a dear friend. This negated the first person problems I’d had in the past. In fact, as I was reading, I felt as if I were reading the authors private, intimate thoughts on her own journey to Finland. I’m not sure how much of the tale was based on Ms. Gunn’s personal experiences, but she sure painted an enjoyable tale with plenty of adventure, misunderstandings, hilariousness and sweetly tender moments.

Finally, I was surprised to discover a deep character arc that could easily apply to so many women’s lives. (Men’s, too, for that matter.) Many of us struggle with identity issues at some point or another in our lives. This book provides hope and a bit of guidance where our identities are concerned. It’s nice to see such deep thoughts woven seamlessly into a whim of an adventure.

In Sisterchicks on the Loose!, Penny tells her best friend Sharon, “Pack your bags, girl! We’re finally going to run away from home!” They take off for far away Finland in hopes of reuniting with the aunt Penny’s always wanted to meet. Mishaps seem to appear from every direction, but they decide to trust God and let Him lead the way on this long-awaited journey. Both women have lessons to learn along the way, along with surprises to give and receive. The people they meet on the trip only add to the experience, enhancing the already enjoyable excursion across the globe. Will they miss home or wish they could travel indefinitely? After going on such an exciting trip, how can they ever go back to normal living? Make sure to pick up this Sisterchick novel if you have a bit of the wanderlust in you. It’ll get you itching to board a plane—but don’t forget your carry-on!

My food for thought question today comes from a quote in chapter seven of this novel: “It’s time for you to drop your bucket deep down into the well of possibilities that you’ve been ignoring all these years. Drop it all the way down and see what you pull up.”

When you dunk your bucket into the well of possibilities God’s placed before you, what do you pull up? How do you use the talents and gifts God’s blessed you with? How can you impact the world today? Share your ideas with us in the comment section below, but please don’t stop there. Let’s make a difference in the world around us, shall we?