Author Archives: Cecelia Dowdy

There’s Something About Christmas

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There’s Something About Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Have you ever stopped celebrating Christmas because it was too painful?

Emma’s mother has died, and she no longer celebrates Christmas because it reminds her of the good times she’s shared with her mother, making her feel sad. When Emma meets Oliver, her life changes. He’s cocky, arrogant, and is hired by her boss to fly Emma to three interviews that she has to do for the newspaper. She has to interview finalists for a fruitcake competition.

The flights and the interviews prove interesting.

This was a lighthearted book that you’d enjoy if you want a story without a lot of drama or conflict.

So, have you ever stopped celebrating Christmas because it was too painful for you?

Barefoot Summer

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Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

This was a good, enjoyable book. I believe it’s the first book I’ve ever read by this author. Madison is still grieving for her identical twin brother who died from a diving accident ten years ago. Her brother had a dream of winning the sailing regatta in their small town of Chapel Springs before his 27th birthday. Madison is about to turn 27, and she wants to win the regatta in her brother’s memory, hoping the win will make her feel better.

If she wins, the nightmares about her dead brother might stop. Maybe, she can now rest and get a full night’s sleep instead of being tired all the time.

Due to a strange set of circumstances, Beckett, someone whom Madison has been crushing on for years, has been assigned to give her boating lessons. Beckett kissed Madison once in high school, but, he knows she’s way out of his league. Madison is from a “normal” supportive, happy family. Her family isn’t twisted and dysfunctional like his. She doesn’t have an imprisoned alcoholic dad or a grandfather who suffer’s from memory loss. He can’t act on his attraction to Madison, can he?

I like how the characters in this book were two polar opposites who were attracted to one another. This book is also about conquering your fears, learning to move forward after tragedy. Overall, a wonderful read.

 

The Lawyer’s Luck

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The Lawyer’s Luck

When future lawyer Lawrence accidentally shoots Realie for stealing his horse, his life drastically changes. Realie is an escaped slave and she’s so close to freedom, but now, she has a major setback. She’s been shot and now she’s injured. She’s in no condition to travel.

For some strange reason, Realie finds herself drawn to Lawrence, whom she calls Lawyer. He seems determined to help her, plus he’s a free and educated man. What would he want to do with the likes of her? Besides, they’re from two opposite worlds – all Lawyer seems to know about slavery is what he’s read in the newspapers, he’s never been a slave.

This book had me mesmerized from the first page. It’s well-written and the characters really came to life. Lawrence’s and Realie’s attraction is deep and real (no pun intended), and in spite of their being total opposites, you can see how they suit one another.

This book is the prequel to the Milford College Series! Can’t wait to read the rest of them! 🙂

Head In The Clouds

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Head In The Clouds

When Adelaide’s supposed beau leaves her, with little explanation, she figures that he’s the mate that God had intended for her. She gives up her teaching job, leaves her home, all on a wild goose chase to go after this man! After all, they’re destined to be together! She’s shocked at what she finds when she encounters her supposed beau. She’s now left destitute and jobless in a foreign land. She sees a newspaper ad for a governess and her life drastically changes.

When Adelaide arrives on the sheep farm, she meets Gideon, her new boss, and his mute daughter, Isabella.

Gideon and Adelaide are attracted to each other, but, Adelaide wonders if she can take a chance on Gideon’s attraction. After all, she’s been hurt in the past.

I liked this book. I liked the attraction between Gideon and Adelaide, and I also loved how he defended her, showing how much he cared for her. I also loved Gideon’s love for his daughter, and what he did to protect her from her evil uncle.

I had a lot of sympathy for Isabella (Gideon’s mute daughter). She’s lost both of her biological parents, and she’s got an evil uncle who’ll stop at NOTHING to get her inheritance. I also felt bad that Isabella had to spend her life practically alone.

I’ve noticed this scenario in other historical settings – you have a young child with no playmates and little or no interaction with other children. It just sounds like a sad and lonely life for a child, not having any interaction with peers. It was nice how Adelaide reached out to Isabella, hoping she’d speak, trying to make Isabella’s life more fun.

Overall, a good read.

Raspberry Kisses – On Sale For 99 Cents! :-)

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Raspberry Kisses is on sale for 99 cents! 

 

Facing eviction, Rhea Morrison, a young grieving widow, must save her failing bakery. Her
recently-injured twin sister, Raven, loans her money – stipulating Rhea attend a singles retreat to spy on Martin Lane, Raven’s new love interest. Disgruntled, Rhea attends the retreat and is attracted to Martin. She discovers that Martin can help save her bakery.

Pastor Martin laments over his secret, traumatic past mistakes. He’s destined to lead his father’s church, despite blatant rejection. He can’t love Rhea – he’s yet to forgive himself for his past, and if Rhea knew how he used to be, she would have no interest in pursuing a relationship with him. In spite of their shared attraction, he helps Rhea form a plan to save her business. Martin, a former successful bakery owner, can expertly create delicious pastry recipes.

Rhea feels torn about her attraction to Martin – he’s a pastor, and after her husband’s death, she vowed to never get involved with another pastor. Plus, her twin sister, Raven, has strong feelings for Martin. Can Rhea let herself have romantic feelings for Martin – knowing it would hurt her sister?

Can Martin and Rhea overcome their past so that they’re free to love again?

Sunday Brunch! Sea Cows!

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Have you ever discussed Sea Cows in science or biology class? 

 

They’re mentioned in the Bible. Apparently, a sea cow is part of a larger group of marine mammals Sirenia. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the sea cow has been extinct since the 18th century, 30 years after being discovered in 1741. I’m thinking that since sea cows are mentioned in the Bible, that the ones that were discovered in the 1700’s may not have been the same animal, but, a close relative. It’s possible that the sea cows mentioned in the Bible were any of the four animals in the Sirenia group of mammals.

I just think it’s kinda cool to read about these creatures mentioned in the Bible.
sea cowExodus 25:1-7:

The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. 3 These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; 4 blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows (or dugongs)[a]; acacia wood; 6 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

Dugongs are in danger of extinction and are hunted for their meat, hides and oil. They live for about 73 years and it takes them up to ten years to reach sexual maturity. A pregnancy can last for en entire year.

What’s the point of this blog post? I’m not really sure! If you have any insight or knowledge to provide about sea cows and dugongs, feel free to share!