Being Known

God always knows what I need, when I need it, down to the nth detail.  This true and simple assurance never ceases to amaze me.  Yesterday,  in the middle of the day of blahs in my heart, a new launch team notice came from Waterbrook & Multnomah, a new galley to review.  I have read most of my books in print, so getting a notice that there was a digital copy available since printing and mailing at this time in the pandemic is difficult, was a happy surprise. 
Well, because of this wonderful treat, nothing got done for the rest of the weekend because I have done nothing but immerse myself in Robin Jones Gunn's newest novel, Being Known. 
I received Being Known from Waterbrook & Multnomah Publishing as a part of their launch team for an honest review. 
Gunn's book fills a hole in my heart that has been deepening since the beginning of this pandemic distancing and stay-at-home time.  One of the things I have been missing the most is the ability to be with and around my girlfriends, getting and giving hugs and enjoying the sisterhood of companionship that all women need.  Being Known tells the story of a group of women living regular day to day lives and trusting in God and his goodness to sustain them through their relationship with Him and each other.  The problems that the women face are common to all wives, mothers, and girlfriends.  Seeing how the characters work through them and come forth stronger is heartwarming, a bit of sunshine during these days of unrest.
I love Gunn's writing style and the gift of making her characters and the dialogue feel as though you know them personally, that they have left the page and become part of your close circle of friends.  I want to read more of her books, and delight in her plots and characters more often, now that I have found her. 
I can't say enough good things about Gunn's new book, Being Known.  It's a literary hug from a new friend that will endure. 

Blaze of Light

With all the uncertainty and fear in our world currently, a story of hope and survival is just what is needed.  Blaze of Light, the story of Green Beret medic Gary Beikirch, Medal of Honor recipient is just this...a story of hope.
Blaze of Light written by Marcus Brotherton tells the story of Gary Beikirch, a Vietnam veteran whose bravery and loyalty to the armed forces earned him the most prestigious award, The Medal of Honor. It is "the highest US military decoration, awarded by Congress to a member of the armed forces for gallantry and bravery in combat at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." as defined by Dictionary.com.
I received Blaze of Light from the Waterbrook and Multnomah publishing as part of a launch team for an honest review.
Beikirch's heroism in Vietnam extended to the treatment he received from the public when he returned home suffering from his wounds.  One might think that his Green Beret training was only used in combat, but sadly he used it also to sustain himself dealing with the ignorance of the general public at the time, to endure the abuse our soldiers faced on the home front.
He began his military career as a man with no faith, he evolved through the turmoil as a man of great faith, attending seminary and ministering to many as a pastor, as well as a counselor in schools, hospitals, prisons, and the Veterans Outreach Center.
The driving theme of Beikrich's story is the ultimate survival through God's grace. A quote from Beikrich, at a pregame ceremony in Atlanta at a Brave's baseball game, seems to say it all, he says, "My story is God's story.  This medal is not about me.  This medal is about Him.  without God's grace, I wouldn't have been able to survive Vietnam.  Without forgiveness in my life, I wouldn't have been able to live with myself.  Without his love, I wouldn't have healed from my wounds.  This medal is about Him and I wear it for His honor."
If you need a break from the strife and worry of the world and want to see that through strife comes endurance, read Blaze of Light by Marcus Brotherton.  You will be uplifted.