Luke 1: 1 - 21

By Kelly Bridgewater

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The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

²¹ On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202&version=NIV

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker: I Think I Was Murdered

By Kelly Bridgewater

A grieving young widow. The AI program that allows her to continue to "talk" to him. And a message she never expected: "I think I was murdered."

Just a year ago, Katrina Berg was at the pinnacle of her career. She was a rising star in the AI chatbot start-up everyone was talking about, married with an adoring husband, and had more money than she knew how to spend. Then her world combusted. Her husband, Jason, was killed in a fiery car crash. Her CEO was indicted and, as the company's legal counsel, Katrina faces tough questions as the Feds take over and lock her out of her office. The final blow is the passing of her beloved grandmother.

Her most prized possession is the beta prototype for a new, ultra-sophisticated chatbot loaded onto her phone. The contents of Jason's email, social media backups, pictures, and every bit of data she could find were loaded into the bot, and Katrina has "talked" to him every day for the past six months. She has been amazed at how well it works. Even the syntax and words the bot uses sound like Jason. Sometimes, she imagines he isn't really dead and is right there beside her. She knows it's slowing her grief recovery, but she can't stop pretending.

On a particularly bad day, she taps out: Tell me something I don't know. The cursor blinks for several moments and seems frozen before the reply flashes quickly onto the screen: I think I was murdered.

Distraught, Katrina returns to her cozy Norwegian-flavored hometown in the northern California redwoods and enlists the help of Seb Wallace, local restaurateur and longtime acquaintance, to try to parse out the truth of what really happened. They must navigate the complicated paths of grief, family dynamics, and second chances, as well as the complex questions of how much control technology has. And staying alive long enough to do that is far more difficult than either of them dreamed.

 

 

My Thoughts:

I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker had more suspense in this story than the first one. Is it a top-notch suspense novel? No. I still think it lacks a lot of nail-biting moments and characters running for their lives. Pretty safe. I honestly never thought the characters were in any danger. Near the end when the climactic moment occurred, then the main heroine’s, Katrina, life was in danger, but really nothing throughout the novel. The plot featured a lot of family issues for the hero, Seb. He is trying to handle his father and family while trying to deal with the romance with Katrina. Trying to solve the mystery of the AI texts that Jason, Katrina’s deceased husband who claims he was murdered. Growing feelings. Nothing really spiritual to the characters or the plot. Overall, I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is a lackluster suspense novel. Didn’t really capture my attention. Reads more like a Contemporary Women’s fiction with a hint of suspense near the end.

I received a complimentary copy of  I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker  from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:  3 out of 5 stars

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Happy Thanksgiving

 By Kelly Bridgewater

God,

As we come to the close of another year and move into a season of Thanksgiving, remind us to be thankful for what we have.

A roof over our head, food in our belly, and the grace of your love.

Allow us to share what you have provided to us with others who might not have as much. Be thankful for what we do possess.

Learn to love and keep on loving others around us.

Shelter the poor. Keep them fed. Feed them physically and spiritually.

Amen.

Enjoy your time with your family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

wallpapercave.com

 

Hannah Linder: Never Forgotten

By Kelly Bridgewater

All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart. Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice. Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife's horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father's unexpected will by marrying Georgina--the last thing in the world he wants to do. Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life--and her reputation--to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?

 

My Thoughts:

Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder is a Regency mystery novel. I have read all of Linder's novels, but this book definitely has gotten better than her previous novels. The mystery was a little more of a mystery with twists and turns. The Regency aspect of the novel in London rang a little more of a Regency style novel from the characters, their lifestyles, their elaborate homes, and their business dealings. I like how Linder incorporated the prison lifestyle into this story. Made a little more of a realistic novel. I wish there was more of diving into this aspect of the mystery. I wanted to see the hero diving into the underbelly of the prison system. As for the characters, they both had an interesting past that came into the present storyline. It was predictable as much as the romance was predictable, but it was nice to see both characters struggle and want different things as the story moved along. Overall, Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder has felt like a much better Regency mystery than her previous novels. If fans like cozy historical mysteries, then this would be a good book to pick up and read.

I received a complimentary copy of Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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I Thessalonians 5:18

By Kelly Bridgewater

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“1⁸ Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Tiny verse.

Big Impact.

Keep in mind as we enter this Thanksgiving season.

www.biblegateway.com

Patricia Bradley: Deadly Revenge

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with time, and someone bearing a grudge is clearly set on revenge. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection.

That's where Agent Maxwell Anderson comes in. He and Jenna used to work together in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises to bring not only the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well.

As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled when another suspect comes into play, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back?

My Thoughts:

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley features two mysteries rolled into one. Bradley does a wonderful job at creating the mystery from the heroine and hero's perspective. The plot kept me guessing as I flowed through the pages. Even though Bradley did tell who the bad person was pretty soon in the book, it was nice to be able to follow the story to see how she has the characters figure out the plot. On the other hand, the romance took a little time to develop trust between the two characters because of a rocky past. The storyline was a little different with the feeling of similiarity to other romantic suspense novels. Familiar readers with the previous books in the Pearl River novels will be happy to see familiar characters and a familiar setting. Overall, Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley fits right into the romantic suspense genre and will satisfy readers of this genre. 

I received a complimentary copy of Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own. 

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Most Anticipated Historical Romance

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Historical Romance books that will be published from January 1st through April 30, 2025 that I can not wait to read. 

All covers come from Goodreads. 

When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden

Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin

Tempest at Annabell's Lighthouse by Jaime Jo Wright

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano

This Promised Land by Cathy Gohlke

I love this genre. What other books are you looking for to? 

Gabrielle Meyer: Across the Ages

By Kelly Bridgewater

Caroline holds a deep secret. Living in 1727 and 1927 simultaneously, each night she goes to sleep in one life and wakes up in the other. In search of answers to her unique existence, Caroline stumbles upon a letter from her mother hinting at her own experiences as a time-crosser, sending Caroline on a daring quest to uncover the truth. In 1727, Caroline disguises herself as a cabin boy and joins a ship sailing for the Bahamas, her mother's last known location, where she crosses paths with a ruthless but handsome pirate and is caught in a web of secrets, deception, and unexpected alliances.

In 1927 St. Paul, Minnesota, Caroline grapples with her other life as the daughter of a renowned preacher. Her two older brothers have fallen prey to the corruption rampant during Prohibition, and Caroline struggles to keep their involvement hidden to save her father's career. As her search for answers about her time-crossing leads her to the dangerous yet exciting world of speakeasies, Caroline enlists the help of a childhood friend who is now a police officer. But with her family's future at risk and their loyalties tested, Caroline faces a life-altering decision that could reshape her destiny.

 

My Thoughts:

Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer is a unique, yet thrilling story set in 1727 and 1927. This time the storyline features pirates and the 1920's with a Billy Sunday vibe. If readers have read her other stories, then there will be a few returning characters from the previous books. They will interact in ways that will make readers smirk as they know the truth behind their time crossing. I love how Meyer takes two totally different historical time periods and make them interact through one character. This time, Caroline, gets to make the decision about which path to follow. She is the daughter of a time crosser that is mentioned in one of the previous stories, but her story is not flushed out. It is a glimpse on the page. Readers who are familiar with Meyer's stories know how hard it is for each heroine to decide which timeline to stay in and what timeline to leave. The struggle on the surface is harder than we could ever imagine. These characters need a supportive cast in order to help them make the correct decision. Caroline is no different. Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer is another wonderful addition to this series. I can't wait to read the next two books that are still coming.

I received a complimentary copy of Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Customer Service

By Kelly Bridgewater

Have you ever worked in a job in Customer Service?

I started a job at Meijer where I bagged groceries and brought the shopping carts back to the store. Then I was moved to being a cashier.

Easy.

Really did not have a lot of angry people.

Maybe once in a while something would ring up wrong. We had a certain percentage of the product that we could change without seeking managerial assistance.

I was a Customer Service Manager at a Bookstore.

Really never dealt with anyone that became upset.

Then I went to Fast food because I was newly married with a son, and my husband did not have a job. I worked for two years there.

Not bad, but there were some customers that you knew were lying to get free food. Who orders 3 Grande combos, which consisted of 10 tacos and a Mexican Pizza, and we screwed it up? We would have remembered an order that big.

The job was not awful. I was the Assistance Manager. I just didn’t like people lying to get free food ALL THE TIME. One family came in every week with the same complaint. Higher-ups said to just keep making the food for them. Must be nice to have FREE food all the time. I don’t think they ever bought anything ever.

Now I currently work in a call center, at least it feels like one, for Financial Aid complaints at a local University.

Entitlement runs rampant.

Parents did not plan to send their students to college, so they saved no money. Parents send their students out of state, so it costs more. Parents do not want to take out a loan. They’ll send their kid all the way across the country to attend college and have no idea or care if their bill will be paid. Students and parents do not do their homework and look for scholarships.

I have been yelled at because we do not offer more FREE money. Does not want to burden their student or themselves with loans.

Get that.

Then the child needs to wait a couple of years to attend college, work, save money, so they can pay for college up front.

Maybe attend a community college close to home to get the Basis aka Foundational classes out of the way, then return to the “Big” university.

I have been told that my university begged him to come, so the school should be covering his bill. Talk to Admissions. We don’t beg students to come.

Now there are videos where waitress and waiters want a minimum of twenty percent tip when you go to a restaurant.

No!!!!!

Not from me.

I pay enough for the food.

If I plan to go out to eat, I am not paying extra for your tip. Most tips are lucky to be ten percent. I will NEVER go above that.

If you do not like that, then find a new job.

I know inflation is high.

I don’t work for much money either, and I have a BS and a MA degree.

Still not a reason to tip twenty percent or feel entitled and treat the person working in Customer Service like trash.

We are working to pay our bills just like you do.

Something to keep in mind next time you go anywhere.

EVERYONE, NO MATTER THEIR POSITION, DESERVES RESPECT.