Bride of a Distant Isle

/ Gail Johnson / 1 Comment

In every series, I find a favorite and Bride of a Distant Isle, the second book in Sandra Byrd’s Daughters of Hampshire series is my pick—so far.

Bride of a Distant Isle

Annabel Ashton is summoned home by her cousin Edward Everedge.  As an illegitimate, young lady living in Queen Victoria’s England, she has no other choice but to comply with his wishes. During her stay, Annabel discovers she will not be allowed to leave Highcliffe Hall because Edward has promised her hand in marriage to a frightening, repulsive man.

Captain Dell’ Acqua is in London to confront his father and to seek out a profitable business venture. When he and Annabel meet, she is happy to learn he is from Malta, her father’s birthplace and he is pleased to gain inside information to Edward’s business dealings.

When Annabel begins asking questions about her father, mysterious things start happening to her. Alone, she doesn’t know who to trust when trying to find the truth of her inheritance.

Can she find out about her mother and father in time to stop the wedding? Will the truth set her free or keep her a captive?

Sandra Byrd has done an excellent job depicting life in 19th century England. Filled with history and mystery, romance and faith, Bride of a Distant Isle, is a veritable delight sure to please any Historical Romance reader.

I received a copy of this book from Howard Books for an honest review.

To learn more about Sandra visit www.sandrabyrd.com

PR-Photo Sandra Byrd pic

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Victorious!

/ Gail Johnson / 3 Comments

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:15

The above verse is one of my favorites because it describes the practice of a victorious king parading his defeated foes behind him as he enters the city.

Throughout the Bible, we find the Lord described as a protector, a conqueror, and a deliverer.

David calls the Lord his fortress, a fortified place or stronghold.

Fortress 2

Isaiah also speaks of walls and gates protecting God’s people.

In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks (a wall of earth). Isaiah 26:1

Walls of Salvation 2

Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. Isaiah 60:18

Praise 2

Jesus calls us a city. Unlike today, cities once had walls to protect it.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14

Castle on a Hill 2

And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken. Isaiah 62:12

We are not abandoned. God is with us! We will overcome. We will stand victorious!

Do you have a favorite imagery in the Bible? If so, I would love to hear what it is.

Blessings

 

Photos courtest of Pixabay

 

He Is Alive!

/ Gail Johnson / 3 Comments

 

He Is Alive

Every year around spring a joy begins bubbling inside me. The earth is warming. Flowers are blooming. Birds are singing. My world is teeming with life once more.

Resurrection!

Unfortunately, one can’t think of the Resurrection without the days prior—the seemingly endless nights—when hope faded to disappointment.

When Fear and Doubt boldly stepped from the shadows brandishing their weapons of destruction.

“He said he was the Son of God.”

“He healed the sick, calmed the sea, and delivered the possessed but could not save himself.”

“Who will help you now?”

“Time to face the truth. You are alone.”

“He’s not coming back.”

Today…

The battle rages. The mind bends beneath the load. The spirit cries out.

No answer. You are alone.

But then someone testifies, “I have seen the Lord. He is alive. We are not alone!”

The Son appears. The shadows flee.

Resurrection!

Your heart ignites.

He is:

The Rose of Sharon

The Lily of the Valley

The Son of God

The Prince of Peace

Sacrificial Lamb

Deliverer

Savior

Victor

Returning King

Alive!

 

Have you experienced the Resurrection?