Twice this week I have been reminded about gardens, farmers’ markets and community. I am reading the book, Home Fires, by Julie Summers. Summers has researched and described the work of the Women’s Institute during World War II. Women in villages and towns throughout England formed groups to take care…
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Children, Families and Israel
Over the past week I encountered Israel in a documentary movie and a book. Our small group went to see Route 60: The Biblical Highway. Although my husband and I have been to Israel and visited places from the southern tip of Israel to the northern edge, we saw some…
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Book Review: The Mitford Affair
The years between World War I and World War II offer thought provoking events and perspectives. Marie Benedict has written a historical novel, The Mitford Affair, published in 2023. The book looks at one family’s views and alignments during a confusing political time period. The Mitford family had six daughters…
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Book Review: The Resistance Girl
During WWII Norway was occupied by Nazi Germany. Like many occupied countries, there was a resistance movement. Mandy Robotham has written a historical fiction book, The Resistance Girl, based on events that took place during that time. The main character, Rumi, is a young woman who is the daughter of…
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When the King George Asked All the People to Pray
Over the past few weeks, I have been reading How to Pray by Pete Greig and discussing the chapters with friends from our church. Chapter 6 focuses on intercession. In this chapter Greig gives an example from WWII. He recounts the events of 1940 when allied troops were trapped on…
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Immigrant Women and Midwives
A couple of books have stirred my thoughts and emotions. I read a lot—sometimes three books in a week. I don’t review many. These two books have touched me. The Children’s Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin is historical fiction based on a real event. In 1888 a blizzard came on suddenly in…
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Extending Hospitality at Home and With the Church
During WWII children were being evacuated from France and Paris. I just finished reading Until We Find Home, a historical novel by Cathy Gohlke. It is a story of unexpected hospitality. When Claire arrives at her aunt’s home in Windemere England with five French Jewish children she completely surprises her…