A Slice of Life
Has God ever called you to do something – and you’ve been certain that you were indeed called – but when you got right down to it you discovered the job was way too big? If so you’ve been in good company – David, Moses, Jonah … etc. God makes the job too big on purpose to remind us who’s really doing the work.
Pastor Alex Armstrong is a city boy, so why did he agree to take a two pulpit parish in the middle of nowhere Minnesota? Because God told him to, of course. And so begins An Unlikely Blessing, A Forever Hilltop novel by Judy Baer.
This is a glorious slice of life book. We get to move to Hilltop with Pastor Alex and spend the first few weeks watching him settle in to his new life, make friends, look at old problems with a fresh perspective, and remind folks that even though they haven’t had a pastor for awhile, God was always present in their lives.
Judy Baer is a delightful writer. Much of her description left me chuckling or down-right laughing out loud. She has created characters so distinctive, complex and quirky I am certain I would recognize them if I passed them on the street.
Since this is a Forever Hilltop novel, I know there are more. I assure you I am going to be looking for them. I am also going to check out Judy Baer’s other writings. If you like a good God-centered story rich in humor, I highly recommend this book. (There are recipes, too!)
About the book:
An Unlikely Blessing is a heartfelt story about a new pastor and life-long city dweller Alex Armstrong, who reluctantly accepts his first assignment, a two-point parish in the wilds of North Dakota. Hilltop Township, a farming community, blooms from the prairie like a wild pink rose—lovely and prickly all at once, much like the people who live there.
Unlikely.
Alex quickly finds that this lovely place is in quiet peril. Farmers are struggling to make ends meet: Jonas Owens, a faithful member of Hilltop parish, is on the brink of losing the farm. Alex believes that part of why God called him to Hilltop was to help turn things around, and steps in with ideas for saving the Owens’ land. But can even God’s minister help save this rural community?
Plus, the new, single pastor creates remarkable excitement among the unmarried women in the community. If you could die of hot dish overdose, Alex would be a dead man. Even so, day by day, Alex falls more in love with the people of Hilltop Church and he soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he will teach them.
About The Author:
Judy Baer is the author of over seventy-five books for adults and teens. She has won the Romance Writer of America Bronze Medallion and has been a RITA finalist twice. She lives in Elk River, Minnesota with her husband. Follow the Hilltop characters on Judy’s blog and find out more about Judy and her books at http://www.judykbaer.com
Prolific author of over 75 novels, Judy Baer, is launching her new Guideposts series, Forever Hilltop, with a KINDLE giveaway! The first book in the series, An Unlikely Blessing
Read the reviews here.
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One lucky winner will receive:
- Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
- A $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com
To enter just click on one the icons below and then tell your friends! Winner will be announced on February 21st on Judy’s blog, http://www.judykbaer.com/wordpress
For more information please visit the Litfuse website, www.litfusegroup.com and click {HERE}!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from LitFuse Publicity. 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.â€
5 Comments
Such a fun book!
I juts saw a quote today on someone’s sidebar that said “Of course you’re not up to the task, that’s why you’ve been given the presence, promises and provisions of Jesus.” (Paul Tripp). This sounds like it embodies the same principle. Looks good!
The book sounds like exactly the type I like to read. I will have to see if I can get it for my Nook.
When I saw the first paragraph and didn’t know yet it was a book review, I thought, “what on earth is Quilly starting new now?” Ah, it’s only a book review (although a good one).
So in truth, yes, I find that all the time — God calling me for something and I want to put my fingers in my ears and say, “I didn’t hear you!”
…and I wonder where my children learn disobedience. 🙁
Hi–I’m delighted to see you liked the book. I know I enjoyed writing it. I liked to get to know the characters in the Hilltop community too! Love your site.
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