Blue Moon Promise By Colleen Coble: Book Review

Lovely twenty-two year old Lucy agrees to marry (by proxy) a man she has never met in order to provide for and protect her young brother and sister. Her life seems to be in danger and she does not know why. The man she marries resents his father for choosing a wife for him without his permission or input. Because both of them are Christians and they fear for the father’s heart condition, they work to make a home together. It is a sweet story of how people can choose to honor marriage and learn to love each other, even if they are very different or don’t know each other at the start.

The themes of the story show the importance of not trying to control everything in everyone’s lives, and trusting God and those He puts in authority and protective roles in one’s life. Another theme was to accept oneself and not try to be like someone else to gain approval. I appreciated the value of these themes, as they are much needed in my life and many others’ lives.

Problems with the book: Passage of time was not kept track of very well. When Lucy had lived in Texas for two months, having come there in February, it should not have been June! Also, instead of there being four weeks between two consecutive full moons, there are at least six weeks! Weather wasn’t consistent either. There were six inches of snow on the ground, but an hour later, the children are noticing the red dirt on their shoes as they walk outside “across the scrubby yard.” Once when it was raining fiercely, the children are told to go play outside with no mention of the rain. On page 196, the word “not” was left out of a sentence, causing it to say the opposite of what was intended.

I read the book twice to be sure if these problems were really there. I think it needed a lot more editing to make it a concise, tightly cohesive book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Snow

We got snow last week. Around here, we got about 8 inches. The Denver area got a lot more snow than we did. When we got to Federal Heights Sunday afternoon for the children's service, we found that the good folk who use the church for morning service had cleared the parking area; but to be legal with the city, we needed to pitch in and clear the sidewalks. We had six shovels, so we made pretty quick work of the remaining pathways. We are thankful for the snow, as it is good moisture for the winter wheat crops around here, and ensures a good water supply for summertime.


Rowen, Jason, Emily, Tonya, Steve, and Stacy worked hard and fast to move the snow off the sidewalks!


Click on this picture to enlarge and see Stacy and Emily working. The church is a deep corner property, so it is a lot of sidewalk we are responsible to clear.

Another Albertson working at ACE Hardware, Johnstown

It has been our family's delight to have three of our children work at the Ace Hardware downtown. Jeffrey worked there for two years before leaving for God's Bible School last August. Jason started working there last March. Knowing Jeffrey was leaving in August, the boss wanted an Albertson trained to take his place. :) Jason is the lawn and garden manager.

In December, Beth started praying about a job. She babysits on Mondays and other times as needed, but realizes Lincoln is no longer a 13 month old, like he was when she started babysitting. He will be five this month, and will start Kindergarten this summer! She was serious about seeking God's will for this time of her life! One day, Rowen was in Ace, and the boss asked, "Would Beth be interested in a part-time job?" We prayed about it, and felt this was an answer to Beth's prayers. She started training December 26. She works as a cashier and is trying to learn everything she can about where things are in the store, to be a helpful Ace person! Her schedule at this time is working every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; she still has time for Lincoln on Mondays and her writing for God's Girls' Newsletters, and continues to be a helpful person at home. God has helped her learn a lot already and given her joy and contentment in a new setting!

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (Recipe courtesy Paula Deen)

We were served this banana pudding at a church meal and given this recipe.  We've made it only a couple of times, but it is really yummy.

Ingredients
1 box [Nilla Waffers]
6-8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5 oz) box instant French vanilla pudding
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream.

Directions
Line the bottom of a 9x13x2 inch with most of the cookies and layer bananas on top. 
In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer.  Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth.  Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.  Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.