George Washington’s Vision for a National Road

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George Washington’s vision for a major road westward likely built over time.

The Ohio Company of Virginia owned a trading post on the Monongahela River, which is now Brownsville, Pennsylvania, in the 1750s. George and his half-brother Lawrence were members of this organization that hired Colonel Thomas Cresap to oversee the blazing of a trail from Cumberland, Maryland, to its trading post in 1752. Cresap hired Delaware Indian Nemacolin who performed the task. The new trail was called Nemacolin’s Path.

The following year, the French occupied Fort Le Boeuf (currently Waterford, Pennyslvania), an area in British territory. Major George Washington, sent by Virginia Governor Robert Dinwiddie to order them to leave, rode his horse over the future National Road. The French ignored the warning.

In 1754, Washington commanded a small army with orders to remove the French from Fort Duquesne (Pittsburgh.) Washington’s small army traveled over ground that would become the National Road. He was ambushed and eventually surrendered.

As aide to British General Edward Braddock, Washington again found himself traveling toward the French at Fort Duquesne in 1755. Braddock ordered 500 axmen to clear a road for his supply wagons and infantry. The army was ambushed again and Braddock was killed.

The road his army blazed, marked by stumps and brush, was called Braddock’s Road. It ends near Pittsburgh. Early pioneers preferred packhorse trails over the rough road.

After the Revolutionary War in 1784, Washington focused on his western holdings. He took the same difficult route westward as he’d taken in 1754. Then he called a meeting at a land agent’s cabin on the Cheat River (currently Morgantown, West Virginia) in September of 1784. He asked for opinions on the best route between the upper Potomac to an Ohio River tributary.

A young surveyor, Albert Gallatin, was present at that meeting. He surprised Washington by agreeing that a passage through the mountains of northwestern Virginia (now West Virginia) was the best route. Washington agreed.

Our first President died in 1799 without seeing his vision for a national road realized, but Gallatin didn’t forget. President Thomas Jefferson selected him to become Secretary of the Treasury. One of Gallatin’s duties was the disposition of western public lands.

Gallatin lived in southwestern Pennsylvania. He approved of a road there and assured Jefferson that this type of road was “of primary importance.”

Congress voted on March 29, 1806, to lay a road from Cumberland, Maryland, to Ohio.

Perhaps Gallatin thought of a long-ago meeting in the Virginia wilderness with a famous Revolutionary War general and future President as the National Road was voted into law.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Sources

Day, Reed B. The Cumberland Road: A History of the National Road, Closson Press, 1996.

Schneider, Norris F. The National Road: Main Street of America, The Ohio Historical Society, 1975.

 

The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County by Madison Love

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County, Book 1

After treatment stops shrinking the tumor, Josie decides she wants a more peaceful lifestyle. She and Morgan, her husband, move to a small town in Texas. He wants to shelter her. She wants to do something meaningful. She convinces him to volunteer daily with youth at church.

This led to a business venture aimed at raising money for the church. The best part was the teenagers’ enthusiasm for the project. It soon becomes obvious that some are gifted in various ways that bless the entire town.

The story is set in 2014. I marveled at how far technology has come while reading.

This book is written in first person in both Josie’s and Morgan’s viewpoints. Her cancer is often in the background of the story and sometimes at the forefront. If that’s a rough topic for you, I recommend that you start reading the series with the next book. This first book is considered a prequel by the author.

I loved the small-town setting. I quickly learned to love the characters. I cried at several scenes. There are plenty of characters for the author to choose for later books in the series. I already have a few that I hope to find as the lead characters!

The game of cornhole is an important part of this story. While I felt that some dialogue could have been tightened, I enjoyed the book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Amazon

ACFW New Releases September 2026

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September 2026 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Amish Romance:
Her Amish Christmas Rescue by Amy Grochowski — For years, Rose Burkholder has lived in the shadow of a family tragedy. But one snowy day, she strays from her usual path and aids an injured deer in the woods. And comes face-to-face with a ferocious wolf! Forest steward Lukas Brenneman rescues her in the nick of time, just before a winter storm strands them at her family’s house. As Christmas approaches, Rose’s matchmaking grandmother and aunt conspire to push them together. And Rose and Lukas will have to find the courage to reach for the future they both truly want? An Amish Red Riding Hood retelling in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Contemporary Romance:
Lighting Up Christmas by Amy R. Anguish — Four Christmas romances. Four glowing displays. One season bright with hope. In Lighting Up Christmas, four heartwarming novellas shine with small-town charm, clean romance, and the gentle reminder that God can bring light to even the dimmest places. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Autumn’s Grace by Julie Arduini — A former teacher and a burned-out tech producer find healing, purpose, and unexpected love in Dogwood Creek, Tennessee. A teacher without a classroom. A tech producer without a stage. A story about finding purpose again. (Contemporary Romance Novella, Independently Published)

For the Love of a Child by Lee Carver — Celeste vowed never to marry again, but she would do anything to save the life of her child. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

The One Who Felt Like Home by Tammy Karasek — The One Who Felt Like Home serves up humor, adventure, friendship, and obstacles aplenty keeping this couple apart and is a story showing us how God is always in the details, we only need to get out of His way. (Contemporary Romance Novella, Independently Published)

The Mistletoe Baby by Heidi Main — They both long for a true home—can the holidays bring opposites together? Saving his family’s Texas ranch is former bull rider Reggie Evermore’s Christmas wish. And he’s sure socialite Natalie Patterson can help him plan the perfect event to bring in cash. Pregnant, recently divorced and ready to prove her independence, Natalie needs a paycheck and a place to stay. So she accepts Reggie’s job offer. But planning a fundraiser is harder than attending them! When Reggie learns the truth, he’s less than happy. Can they work through their differences to transform the ranch and give love a chance to grow? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

An Irish Hope by Carolyn Miller — Aisling Fairall has a big personality and a big heart. But lately she’s been feeling a little lost and wondering what to do with her life. Until a mysterious uninvited guest at a family wedding helps her see that maybe she’s not quite on her own, after all. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Who Names the Stars by Deborah Raney — Raised on neighboring ranches in the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas, Wrenlee Harper and August McClure are divided by shared tragedy and stubborn pride, both fighting to save the land their grandparents worked. When disaster strikes, an unexpected partnership seems their only hope—but risking unmended fences and wounded hearts could cost them everything. (Contemporary Romance from Raney Day Press)

Sing With Me by Rena Bell Yeager — Sledgehammer is on top of the charts with his crude music and finds Angela’s song on her streaming site and instantly wants her to sing with him. Angela is a small-town worship leader with no desire for fame and steadfastly says no. When their worlds collide, will they explode, or unite? (Contemporary Romance from Pixley Knob Press)

Cozy Mystery:
Murder Goes Flying by Malissa Chapin — She’d rather conduct a symphony than investigate sabotage. But when family loyalty takes flight, can she ground a killer before they strike again? (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

General Contemporary:
House of Wind by Laura DeNooyer — Not all abuse leaves bruises. Not all prisons have bars. Wendi Burkham lives in an emotional prison she unwittingly walked into. Nobody understands, and her captor holds the keys. Married to a respected pastor, Wendi lives a life others admire–with two children and a home that reflects faith, stability, and love. But behind closed doors, Wendi is trapped in a cycle of control, manipulation, and emotional abuse no one else can see–and no one would believe. How do you escape when no one thinks you need to? (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

General Historical:
Birth of a Warrior by Elmer Fuller — In the rugged hills of ancient Judah, seventeen-year-old Benaiah lives under a cloud of shame. When Amalekite raiders attacked his village, he saved his sister but lost his mother and brothers. Now his father has abandoned him, and the village whispers that he’s a coward. The mockery of Natan, a powerful warrior, makes each day a fresh humiliation. When King Saul calls men to war against the Philistines, Benaiah sees his chance to silence the doubters. (General Historical, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:

The Marquess’s Masked Archer by Abbey Downey — When Cleveland society parades debutante Sylvie Bryce before another string of unsuitable suitors, she secretly claims the one thing no one can arrange for her-a life of her own. Hidden beneath a green velvet hood and emerald mask, she becomes the mysterious Lady Robin, a daring trick-shot archer who captivates the crowds at Cedar Point resort. It’s the one place where Sylvie answers to no one. The last thing she needs is a charming English marquess threatening to unravel everything she has worked so hard to build. A richly atmospheric Gilded Age romance brimming with wit, hidden identities, and the tender courage it takes to love without pretense-a tale of a sharp-shooting socialite, a science-minded lord, and the summer of secrets that will change them both forever. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


Every Given Day by Cathy Gohlke — Inspired by true events, Christy Hall of Fame author Cathy Gohlke delivers a powerful new historical novel weaving together the discovery of insulin—a breakthrough that revolutionized modern medicine—and one woman’s brave fight to cling to her family and hope against unspeakable odds. (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)


Sabotage Games by Danielle Grandinetti — LAKE PLACID, N.Y., 1932—Sports journalist Emma Hancock can’t wait to highlight the female athletes at the III Olympic Winter Games, including the historic speed skating demonstration. However, she refuses to limit herself to fragile stereotypes—even when her male colleagues slam the press room door in her face. After a federal agent warns her of a plot brewing, she turns her gift for following a story thread toward uncovering a conspiracy that could turn the Winter Games into a tragedy. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


The Undercover Heir by Dawn Kinzer — A spirited heiress and a mysterious gardener work together to create a successful teahouse in 1920s Seattle, but more is at stake than serving a good cup of tea. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


A Whim and a Prayer by Julie Lessman — Former orphans who are best friends hit snags in their relationship when he falls in love with her and wants more than friendship. She’s a former orphan desperate to protect her heart. He’s a best friend who protects her from the start. Till prayer protects them both from a true love torn apart. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


Swedish Sunrise by Linda Shenton Matchett — Espionage. Diplomacy. Resistance. Is there any room for love? Weeks after being accepted into America’s Office of Strategic Services, Birgit Westgard finds herself in Stockholm, Sweden – “Casablanca of the North.” The job is supposed to be easy: typing and filing. Then her handsome boss taps her to be his “plus-one” at social events where they collect intelligence, plant propaganda, and dance the nights away. How much longer can she remain impervious to his charm? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)


Whispering Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart — An American journalist in WWII France risks her life to expose the truth and help Allied soldiers escape — and loses her heart to the daring man leading them to freedom. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


Twelve Days and Twelfth Night by Sarah Sundin — World War II USO director Maggie Oliver must quickly organize a Christmas show, enlisting former Hollywood star Prescott Duke, who’s searching for new purpose after career-ending injuries. As they work together, Maggie and Prescott navigate their growing feelings while trying to reunite a young sailor with his lost love and save Maggie’s grandfather’s home. (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:


Shadowing You by Robin Patchen — When the wife he believed dead calls from China, an ER doctor races to find her before her enemies silence her forever. (Mystery/Suspense, Independently Published)


David’s Debt by Urcelia Teixeira — He came to collect. His final payment was murder. A smooth-talking salesman rolls into the small coastal town of Weyport with a coded list of debts and a long memory. Nobody gives him a second thought. Until the man turns up dead in a motel room. At first glance it looks like a heart that simply gave out. Then Sheriff Angus Reid hears the anonymous call that reported the body. And everything changes—he knows her voice. (Mystery/Suspense – Police Procedural, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:


Watched by Jerusha Agen — Robert Weston became a psychiatrist to heal people’s minds. He can’t lose his. But if the strange occurrences of forgetfulness and confusion continue, he may not be able to hide the truth much longer. When his psychological issues put his life in danger, he must face the reality that the genetic nightmare he fears inheriting has seized him. Attorney Monty Montgomery doesn’t trust Robert Weston. His expert testimony once ruined her client’s case. She didn’t realize the psychiatrist wasn’t only wrong but also completely unreliable. How can she defend him against a malpractice suit for the insurance company that hired her when he’s clearly incompetent? Robert and Monty have bigger problems than they know. Someone has a mission. A mission that won’t be stopped until somebody ends up dead. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Amish Country Witness by Meghan Carver — A woman on the run… An enemy on her trail. Halie Mae Hochstetler’s quiet life in witness protection falls apart when she witnesses her uncle’s murder by the mafia. Now she’s a loose end that the mob is determined to tie up. Forced to run, she puts her life in the hands of Amish widower Daniel Beiler. As Halie Mae unravels buried family secrets, Daniel helps her piece together a daring plan for justice in their fight to survive. But with merciless killers determined to make Halie Mae their next victim, staying alive may be just out of reach… (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])


Fatal Encore by Jennifer Chastain — A country music superstar. A K-9 officer with a haunted past. A stalker determined to silence the music forever. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Sanctuary and Sabotage by Lori DeJong — The greatest threat isn’t the enemy outside—it’s the secrets between them. Protection Specialist Trevor Paxton returns to his Texas hometown carrying the weight of a mission gone wrong. Seeking sanctuary at his family’s ranch, he never expects danger to follow him into the life of Dr. Kinsley Talbot, the once-freckled tomboy now fighting to save her family’s land and the veterinary clinic that is her future. (Romantic Suspense from Screenings Press)


Disguised Deception by Rebecca Lake — Ten years ago, Payton Donovan left Garnet Falls, Montana, with a broken heart and no intention of looking back. Her twin sister had severed their bond. Her boyfriend had chosen her best friend. Her dream internship had vanished. The town that once felt like home had become the place that took everything. But then that former best friend disappears, and Payton is pulled back to the town she’d spent a decade trying to forget A clean romantic suspense novel filled with small-town danger, deadly deception, shattered trust, and a second chance at love. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Alaskan Survival Threat by Megan Short — Park Ranger Helena Nikolaou’s assignment takes a deadly turn when she sees a body drop from a helicopter — and she suddenly comes under fire. Ambushed on a remote Alaskan island, she’s saved by US Coast Guard rescue swimmer Cody Hannigan. Only, the assailants won’t give up easily. With danger trailing their every move, Helena and Cody are forced through unforgiving terrain to retrieve evidence linked to a sinister conspiracy. But as they fight to stay one step ahead of killers determined to silence them, one wrong move could cost them their lives. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])


Deadly Schemes by Penny Zeller — An elaborate plan. A get-rich scheme. A deadly outcome. (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)

Speculative/Romantic Fantasy:

A Peasant’s Sorrow by Demi Griffin — Ayris envisioned a refined existence, one befitting the daughter of a royal scribe. When death not only robbed her of her father but thrust her into a life of poverty, her dreams shattered. Condemned to a peasant’s existence, she had no say in the matter when asked to surrender her own future for that of the future king. Given the imminent danger of assassins targeting the Esilion royals, Prince Zarulias was compelled to obey the general. He had to disappear until the danger had passed. The situation worsened when the strategy demanded he masquerade as a husband. His chosen bride, the one they selected for him, was a simple peasant girl hardly worthy of the role. Forced to rely on one another, would Ayris and Zarulias expose a far-reaching conspiracy threatening the kingdom? Was their union a strategic move for their own survival, or was it orchestrated by the Holy One as part of a grander plan? (Speculative/Romantic Fantasy, Independently Published)

Western Romance:

Clara’s Courage by Jill Dewhurst — When Clara’s mysterious disappearance leads to months of captivity aboard a bride ship, Josiah’s unwavering faith that she is still alive culminates in an unexpected reunion, a marriage of convenience, and a dangerous journey to protect a dying woman’s legacy and bring Clara safely home. (Western Romance, Independently Published)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Secret Exposure by B.A. Hawley — A cross-cultural teen begins a new life at boarding school, but old secrets—those of her mom and others—soon find her. (Reading age 10-14). (Children’s/Middle Grade)

Wait for Me by Roger E. Bruner — Wisconsin, 1931—Wait for Me is a novel within a novel about childhood sweethearts who, as adult lovers, are separated by a tragic event that only love and trust can bridge. (Contemporary Romance)

Treading Water: Barely Above Water by Gail Pallotta — Treading Water: Barely above Water, revised edition, which introduces promising treatments for Lyme disease, is as much about Suzie Morriss’s faith as the romance, illness and job that steals Suzie’s heart. (Contemporary Romance)

A King’s Dilemma by Demi Griffin — Torn from his opulent palace life as a child, Prince Coeden never envisioned a future as the ruler of Fragalia. The path laid out for him as the second-born son was one of quiet satisfaction and a life unburdened by great expectation. A foretold prophecy shifted Coeden’s path, positioning him as a significant threat to the sinister powers that loomed over Arland. (Speculative/Medieval Fantasy)

Goldie: A Wild Ridge Novella by Alyssa Schwarz — A disgraced actress on the run. A guarded rancher with everything to lose. And a mail-order bride who never meant to fall in love. (Western Romance)

The Case of the Intentional Accident by Deborah Sprinkle

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

A Mac & Sam Mystery Series, Book 4

Private Investigator Mackenzie Love is still trying to find out if her parents’ deaths a few years ago were an accident. While she’s researching for clues, an electrician is electrocuted in an adjacent room. He’s in a coma, but his wife doesn’t seem as sorrowful as the nurse administering aid at the scene. Something strikes Mac as odd at the accident. Then she receives a note warning her not to dig into the past.

Detective Jake Sanders feels even more protective of Mac now that they are engaged. The investigation quickly becomes dangerous for both of them.

As always, I tried to figure out the suspect as the story unfolded, but I was wrong again.

The author does an excellent job of escalating both the mystery and the danger. This cozy mystery was a page-turner! I couldn’t put it down.

Recommended for those who enjoy cozy mysteries and suspense novels!

Amazon

Where Grace Appears by Heidi Chiavaroli

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

The Orchard House Bed & Breakfast Series, Book 1

Josie Martin returns home from college for the summer with a secret. Her relationship with her professor crashed when he asked her to end her pregnancy. Back at home with her family still recovering from the loss of her father the year before, she struggles with whether to give her baby up for adoption or raise him or her as a single mother. Tripp, her best friend who had wanted to date her last year, will be devastated by her news, along with her family.

Tripp Colton has loved Josie for a long time. While he supports her plans to open a Louisa Alcott-themed bed and breakfast, her mother’s dream, he struggles to accept that she only wants friendship from him. And then he hears a rumor…

I loved the bookish theme to the mother’s dream. Josie’s parents had even followed the Little Women theme when naming their children. Josie had turned her back on her dream of becoming a writer to pursue her father’s dream for her. The similarities between the lives of the Little Women sisters and the characters in this series will be plain for all who’ve read the classic novel.

I couldn’t put this book down. What a gripping, multi-layered story! Steadfast love shines in the lives of believable, flawed characters.

Unexpected twists, along with similarities to the much-loved classic novel, kept me turning pages. Recommended!

Amazon  

The Home for War Orphans by Jenna Ness

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Orphans of St. Agnes, Book 1

At just three-years-old, Margot was taken with her baby sister Lucie to St. Agnes’ Orphanage in Paris. Sister Helen had brought them to the reputable orphanage only to find it on the verge of closing. She purchased it and stayed on as headmistress.

That was nearly fifteen years ago. It’s now 1940, and the Nazis are on their way to Paris. Sister Helen escapes the city with all the girls who hadn’t found a foster home. Some of the girls will be taken to homes in the United States. Margot and Lucie have different plans.

But the journey is filled with danger—and secrets. Things are not as they seem.

What a gripping story! I couldn’t put it down. Believable, flawed characters snatched my interest from the beginning.

World War II isn’t my favorite novel setting. However, unexpected twists kept me turning pages.

Recommended for historical readers!

Amazon   

Parmesan Buttered Noodles Recipe

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by Sandra Merville Hart

Parmesan Buttered Noodles is a great side dish. I’ve serve it with chicken and steak. It’s a nice change from potato sides. Tonight, I’m looking forward to serving it with pork chops. It’s an easy dish that takes minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

8 ounces of egg noodles

1 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons butter or margarine

4 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese + 1 tablespoon, divided

½ teaspoon salt

¼ – ½ teaspoon pepper

I usually use medium or wide egg noodles. When preparing egg noodles, I often add 2 chicken bouillon cubes to the boiling water to enhance flavor. Alternatively, I sometimes use either chicken broth or chicken stock for half the water. For example, if the noodles require 1 quart of boiling water, half—or all—can be substituted with broth and cooked as normal. (I use beef bouillon when serving with steak or other beef main courses.) If I do add bouillon, broth, or stock, I cut back on the salt or omit it.

It’s a choice. Water is also fine. 😊

Cook the noodles per package instructions. Set aside.

Take a ¼ cup of the cooking water and add to a small saucepan. Add 4 tablespoons of butter. Cook on medium heat. Once it begins to softly bubble, cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Drain noodles. Toss with buttered sauce and parmesan cheese. Place in a serving dish.

Sprinkle more parmesan cheese on top.

My husband and I love this dish. And I especially love how easy it is to prepare with just a few ingredients.

Experiment with other types of cheese for a refreshing change.

Enjoy!  

President Washington Ends the Whiskey Rebellion

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George Washington became the first President of the United States in 1789 to a nation in debt from the Revolutionary War. Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of Treasury, proposed the first national internal revenue tax to reduce the national debt. Congress passed a tax on distilled spirits in 1791.

Frontier citizens living in Western Pennsylvania violently opposed the tax. Dangerous roads made it difficult for farmers to haul corn and rye to eastern markets. They often distilled their grain because it was easier to preserve and store.

The excise officers only accepted cash as payment, which was out of the ordinary for the time period. Many refused to pay the tax.

Others resorted to violence. They threatened excise officers, which was enough to make some leave. Other officers were tarred and feathered before deciding to leave.

President Washington issued an admonishment in 1792, hoping to resolve the matter peacefully. Instead the situation escalated.

In July of 1794, about 400 rebels burned the home of a regional tax collection supervisor near Pittsburgh.

Washington responded by leading 12,950 men in a militia force to Western Pennsylvania. Perhaps the former general enjoyed wearing full military dress once again.

The rebels had scattered when the forces reached Pittsburgh. Out of about 150 men tried for treason, only two men were found guilty. President Washington pardoned them.

This historic event marks the only time that a United States President directly commanded ground troops.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Sources

Kotowski, Peter. “Whiskey Rebellion,” George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 2017/04/18 http://www.mountvernon.org/digital-encyclopedia/article/whiskey-rebellion/.

Logsdon, Chris. “Wills Creek,” George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 2017/04/18 http://www.mountvernon.org/digital-encyclopedia/article/wills-creek/.

“Ten Facts about Washington’s Presidency,” George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 2017/04/18  http://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-first-president/ten-facts-about-washingtons-presidency/.

“Whiskey Rebellion,” Encyclopeadia Britannica, Inc., 2017/04/18 https://www.britannica.com/event/Whiskey-Rebellion.

“Whiskey Rebellion,” National Park Service, 2017/04/18 https://www.nps.gov/frhi/learn/historyculture/whiskeyrebellion.htm.

 

Windsowers by Lori Lehman Marett

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

The movie script based on the novel, In Shady Groves by Yvonne Lehman.

I’ve been intrigued with the idea of writing movie scripts for a while. A decade ago, I spent several months digging into how to write scripts. I read scripts for popular movies as part of my study.

So when I discovered Lori Marett’s script for Yvonne Lehman’s, I couldn’t wait to read it. Marett is a talented screenwriter, and I loved that she wrote a script for one of her mother’s novels.

This script did not disappoint. Rather, it kept me turning pages from start to finish.

Windsowers is a story about the Biblical prophet Hosea and his wife, Gomer. I couldn’t put it down. Yvonne Lehman wove a masterful tale of tragedy, betrayal, and brokenness that Marett has captured into a script.

How I hope to see this one day at the movies! Well-done to this talented mother and daughter team. Recommended!

Amazon

Down Home Wisdom by Andy Hollifield

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Faith, Freedom, and the Front Porch Way of Life

This wonderful book is filled with stories of hope and reflection.

It is divided into sections by topic. The author includes his own reflections written in first person to introduce each new topic. Each section contains several stories written in third person.

Topics covered include honesty, friendship, hope, judging others, and overcoming adversity.

The author’s conversational style reminded me of sitting around the dinner table as a child, listening as my dad told story after story. We sat long after the meal had been cleared from the table as my dad enthralled us with events from his past. These reflective thoughts took me back to those days.

What a wonderful read. Recommended!

Amazon