Freshwater

Located in the wilds of Wyoming, the name Freshwater was chosen as a Western analogy to Christ. Just as He is the Living Water, and we must have Him to have eternal life, any desert dweller knows the importance of fresh water to life, both for self, and the nourishment of crops or livestock. By taking nourishment in God and His word, we strengthen our own relationship with Him, our faith, and the quality and abundance of our fruitfulness.

Our keystone verse is from Jeremiah, Chapter 17, Verse 8: "For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see whenSave heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."

The fruit that we speak of is mentioned in Galatians 5:22
"22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

And the heat could be anything we experience that might test our faith in God; trials and tribulations, relationships, anything that focuses our love and attention anywhere but on Him...

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Thankfulness

I know that you're expecting to see posts about thankfulness and gratitude today, and well you should.  I had to throw my hat into the ring as well, because so many times we take for granted and forget to give thanks for the amazing and wonderful gifts that God has given us.

I am going to start with the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus, my Lord.  Not to mention, the gift of life, period.

I am so thankful for my wonderful family, from my wonderful husband and children (and grandchild, to my amazing parents, to my little brother, to my many precious nieces and nephews, both actual and assumed, our furry children, and so many more.

I am thankful for my supportive and loving church family and friends, for my community, for my library, and more people, places, and blessings than I could ever name.  I am thankful to have a roof over our heads, food on the table, and for my husband's job.



Psalm 95 :1-2] Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

1 Thessalonians 5:18New International Version (NIV)
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Chronicles 16:34New International Version (NIV)
34 
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 29:13New International Version (NIV)
13 
Now, our God, we give you thanks,
    and praise your glorious name.

Psalm 9[a][b]
For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David.

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 69:30New International Version (NIV)
30 
I will praise God’s name in song
    and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 100:4New International Version (NIV)

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.


Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Boutonneire

Well I couldn't post the bouquets and leave out the boys, now could I?  These were built in much the same way, on a smaller scale.  I trimmed the flowers to the length I wanted, wrapped them together with corsage tape, and finished them off with a bit of ribbon.



Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Bridesmaid's Bouquet

You may have seen my earlier post, DIY Bouquet  (Bridal Bouquet with Sunflowers, Teal Roses, and Daisies).  This is the bridesmaid's bouquet, put together to complement that bridal bouquet.

I made it in the same style, beginning with two stems, and adding one at a time with corsage tape to hold it together.  I finished off the wrap with a twist of lace accented burlap, and the finished product looks like this!



Monday, November 23, 2015

DIY Bouquets and Boutonniere (Bridal Bouquet with Sunflowers, Teal Roses, and Daisies)

I have made bouquets and flower arrangements before, but it's been awhile, so I skimmed Pinterest and looked up a few DIY Tutorials.  Our oldest daughter and her fiance are beginning to plan their wedding, and I just went a little Pin/research crazy on the planning end (don't worry, I haven't sent her all these pins, I'm just quietly putting them on my boards and getting it out of my system so I don't drive her crazy).

There are separate tutorials for fake or fresh flowers, but they are pretty similar (except shelf life and preservation techniques), and the one I found the most informative and helpful is here, at http://apracticalwedding.com/2011/04/how-to-make-a-wedding-bouquet/.

You'll need your flowers, sturdy shears, floral tape, fabric or ribbon of your choice, and I used a hot glue gun instead of pins.

First, choose two or three stems to be the center, foundation of your bouquet.  Arrange those the way you would like them, and wrap floral tape around the stems to secure them in place.

I did not think to take step by step photos (I know, silly me), but there are very good ones on the site I mentioned earlier.

Add other flowers one or two stems at a time, securing them to the center with more floral tape.  When you have the complete arrangement that you want, wrap the entire end (or to a point about 2 inches from the bottom if you want the handtied rustic look), and then wrap your fabric or ribbon over that.

This is where I used the hot glue gun, finding that it is more secure and less likely to come apart.  Since I was using artificial flowers, this didn't harm them in any way, and it made it stay put!

I also added small charms to this bouquet, representing our daughter's interests and personality.  These I attached with jewelry wire tucked into the bouquet, and a dab of hot glue to secure.










Sunday, November 22, 2015

Sunday, November 22, 2015

How Is Your Prayer Life?

This really wasn't from last week, but I discovered that I'd drafted and never actually published this blog post, so I wanted to make sure it got out there!

Last week we talked about time in God's Word, and how interconnected reading the Bible and prayer are.  This week's sermon was about prayer.

I have failed God in many ways, and one of those is prayer.  I get busy and I forget, but the only person that hurts is me and my relationship with Christ.

We are all alike as Christians.  When we accept Christ we all have the same Holy Spirit to help us in our Christian walk, in our lives.

Romans 8:26-27
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.


If someone has a conviction in the middle of the night to pray for someone, the prayer doesn't know what is going on with that person, but the Holy Spirit does.

Jesus talked about fasting.  The Apostle Paul talked about fasting.  On October 16, 1746, the Governor of Massachusetts declared a time of fasting and prayer.  French Admiral d'Anville had set sail with the most powerful fleet of its day: 73 ships with 800 cannons and 13,000 troops.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Good Morning to All!

I had to write a blog post this morning!  It is a beautiful, crisp and sunny morning, and I am just happy and blessed :).  It's hard to believe I'm 40, I mean when I was a kid, that seemed so OLD!  And now, I can't believe I'm already here, and it really isn't old at all.

I hope that you all have a wonderful and blessed day!


Thursday, October 15, 2015

Music from Sunday, October 11, 2015

I can't post all the music this week.  We wrote a new version of Bad Moon Rising...well, we added to the original, and there is not a YouTube Video of that song yet.  I will post the rest of the songs, and the lyrics for that one. 

Playlist for Sunday, October 11, 2015

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

A Light in the Darkness

Time with God prepares us for battle against temptation.

A light is to show you the way in the darkness.  If you don't have the light, you're in the dark.

Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 
 

Romans 10:17

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

 

Hebrews 4:12

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

John 1:1 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Let's Talk Scripture

Jesus used scripture, God's Word, to combat Satan.  If you're not reading scripture ou will always struggle, with anger, with thoughts...we need to have that scripture in our hearts.

When I doubt who I am or that God loves me...

Jeremiah 29:11-14
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Romans 8:37-39
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Sunday, October 11, 2015

More Scriptures for Strength and Purpose

It's important to know God's word and make the scriptures a part of our hearts.  Satan also knows what is in the Bible.  He quotes Isaiah in Matthew 4:6, telling Jesus that it is written that God would not allow harm to come to Him and would send the angels to bear Him up.  But it is also important for us to rightly divide the Word, and know the meaning.  Jesus knew.

Matthew 4:7 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

In verse 9, Satan told Jesus he had the power to give Jesus anything he wanted, and Jesus responded with God's Word once again.

Matthew 4:10 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Lots of prosperity preachers tell us if you just believe, you will have everything you ever want and life will be hunky dory with no difficulties anywhere.  This is NOT what the Bible says!  God doesn't say if you walk through the waters or through fire, he said WHEN.

Isaiah 43:2  2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Jesus is the only way.  The Bible convicts.  It is not entertaining (well some of it is entertaining reading, but it's not a fictional novel whose purpose is to entertain), it is not accepting, it is not tolerant, it is the truth.  

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus used scripture, God's word, to combat Satan.  If you're not reading scripture, you will always struggle.  With anger, with thoughts, ...

Tomorrow we'll talk some more about verses every Christian should know.




Friday, October 9, 2015

Praying and reading the Bible go hand in hand.  You can't do one without the other.  You need to have that line of communication open in order to have an open heart to listen and understand what God is saying to you as you read.  And if you're not reading His Word and staying near to Him, then you've compromised that communication link.

Several times throughout the Bible, we see Jesus go alone to pray.  And when Satan attacks, Jesus responds with the Word of God, every time.  He knew that He needed to have that open line of communication with His father, and that He needed to have God's Word hidden in His heart in order to face those temptations.

Psalm 119:11  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

I struggle with my flesh on a daily basis, even more than daily.  Each unique situation has an answer in the Bible, something to make Satan turn and run.

When I struggle with pride, I look to Proverbs - 


Proverbs 16:1818 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

When I struggle with anger, the answer is in Ephesians - 

Ephesians 4:26-27  26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  27 Neither give place to the devil.

If I am going my own way and I think I can live independently and don't have to follow the plans he's laid out for me, then I can go straight to Proverbs, Chapter 3.

Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Like many moms, I have the tendency to worry.  Worrying doesn't do any good, and it keeps me from what I should be doing, trusting in God.  There is a passage of scripture for that too (okay, a lot of these have more than one passage, but just for example).

Matthew 6:25-34
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Sometimes I just plain get too busy to spend the time that I should in my Father's Word.  And then, I hear His voice calling to me, telling me that it's time to lay it down, that I need to come back to Him.

Psalm 46:10a10 Be still, and know that I am God:


Are you spending time with God?  Have you stopped to be still and be fully present with Him today?  

Thursday, October 8, 2015

The Word of God

Did you know that only 1/3 of Christians actually believe the Bible is God's Holy Word, that it's true, and infallible, and that you need it?  It is perfect, and it is true, and it is so vitally important.

2 Timothy 3:16  16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Life is going to be tough, it will be hard.  Accepting Christ into your heart isn't some magic pill that makes the bad stuff all go away and grants prosperity.  Christians have hard times, just like anyone else.

Christians fall into sin over and over and over. Do you know when that is?  When they are out of God's word.  When we decide we are above God, we are smart enough, we are good enough to make it on our own.

But we can't.  We cannot do it on our own.  We are not above God, and we cannot face the challenges of life successfully without Him.  

2 Timothy 2:15 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

What did Jesus do when He faced trials and temptations?  When he was tempted, every time, He quoted the Word of God.

Matthew 4:1-11

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Every Christian should be able to quote scripture, should be able to defend at the very least John 3:16.

John 3:16  16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

We'll continue this discussion tomorrow, with some more scriptures about prayer, the Word of God, and battling temptation and trial.





Wednesday, October 7, 2015

The Word of God is Quick and Powerful...

Hebrews 4:12King James Version (KJV)

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

To reiterate what I mentioned the other day, I did not spend enough time in my Bible last week.  I know, because I was snappy, impatient, irritable, and generally down.  I put off the PowerPoint, I didn't want to look at music.  When I finally sat down to do it, I was depressed and grouchy and didn't want to do anything, to participate in any activity, to even go to church.
I began to look through the songs, and even though I didn't want to listen, the Word of God poured through me.  It washed me and lifted me up to carry my through and encourage me.
The songs this week reflected that.  They are all filled iwth the power of God, Souls on Fire, Light, God being with me all the time...You can check out the playlist and a recap of this in an earlier post, God of Angel Armies.
--------------------------------------
Then, it was time for the sermon.  And that's where it got really convictional.  No, I don't think that's really a word, but it suits my purpose for the moment.    
Our first scripture, the one we read and talk about together, well before the sermon and in between songs, was Hebrews 4:12.  Yes, that one above.  "The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword..."  The Word of God is alive, and it makes us alive, quickens us.  Ephesians 2:1 says " And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;".  The Word of God cuts all the way through the garbage, right down to the soul, and knows what is in our hearts. 

Monday, October 5, 2015

The God of Angel Armies

I can tell you right now that I have not been spending enough time in my Bible lately.  I know this, because I've been restless, grouchy, out of sorts, snappy with my family, and generally flat.

I had a hard time forcing myself to sit down and choose music for the week, and that's a sign right there, because when I'm in touch with God, He guides me right to them.  When I finally sat down to pick out the music, it was all about having a Soul on Fire, Sending the Light, and how the God of angel armies is always by my side.  Not only that, but the message was about spending time in God's word, so it all combined to convict me!

I've decided that from now on, I'm going to spend my devotional time in my physical, plain old paper Bible.  The internet gives me too many distractions, provides too many ways to stray from where my time and attention needs to be.  Online Bibles and Bibles apps can be very valuable and useful tools, but if you're prone to distraction, multi-tasking, or scrolling windows, they can also be a stumbling block or hindrance.

For the next couple of days, I am going to share pieces of the message from this Sunday, and reflections of what I learned.  Today, you get the music.

Sunday, October 4, 2015 Playlist


Thursday, October 1, 2015

Define Yourself as a Writer: Day 1 of the 2015 October Platform Challenge

Define Yourself as a Writer: Day 1 of the 2015 October Platform Challenge

By: Robert Lee Brewer | October 1, 2015

 Define Yourself as a Writer

For the first day of this challenge, I want everyone to take a step back and define yourself as a writer. Don’t worry about where you want to be. Instead, focus on who you are, what you’ve done, what you’re currently doing, etc.

Name (as used in byline): Sonja M. Brow
Position(s): Assistant Librarian; Homeschool Mom
Skill(s): teaching, computer skills, creative writing, reading
Social media platforms (active): Facebook; LinkedIn; Google+; Twitter
URL(s): http://freshwateracademy.blogspot.com/
Accomplishments:
In one sentence, who am I? Sonja Marie Brow is a pastor's wife, mother of six, and avid reader who loves Wyoming and her library.
*****


These are some starter questions/prompts for defining yourself as a writer. If you have others, I’d love for you to share them in the comments below. The main thing is to start defining who you are as a writer, because it’s hard for you to communicate something you haven’t yet defined.
A few more things:
  • If you haven’t already, pick one–and only one–name for your byline. As you’ll see throughout the month, consistency is an important factor in building a writer platform–starting with your consistent byline. For instance, I’m always Robert Lee Brewer, not Robert Brewer, not Bob Brewer, or whatever else people try to invent.
  • Interests and accomplishments may lead you down an unexpected road with your writing. Be open to what you discover about yourself.
  • In one sentence, who am I? If you can define yourself and your writing in one sentence, then it will be that much easier for you to build your writer platform using that mission statement.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Slow Saturday Morning - Okay, it's really Thursday

I am sitting here staring at the blank screen, thinking I should be able to come up with something to write today!  However, words fail me.  It just dawned on me that we forgot to get up and go help with Bountiful Baskets...Then it dawned on me it's Thursday, and we don't help with Bountiful Baskets till Saturday...I think I'm in limbo land!

I have all these fantastic ideas, but they always happen when I am in the shower, or driving down the road, and I really don't have any clue how to remember them long enough to get them on paper!

I know I made a committment to blog daily, but so far it kind of feels like I am cheating.  Copying song lyrics or posting a video of songs that we sang on Sunday seems like the easy way out!

Today I am going to attempt a little crafting.  Maybe I can get some mileage out of showing you what I build!  Have a great day everyone, and God Bless!

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

My Story by Big Daddy Weave

If I told you my story
You would hear Hope that wouldn't let go
And if I told you my story
You would hear Love that never gave up
And if I told you my story
You would hear Life, but it wasn't mine

If I should speak then let it be
Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

If I told you my story
You would hear victory over the enemy
And if I told you my story
You would hear freedom that was won for me
And if I told you my story
You would hear Life overcome the grave

If I should speak then let it be
Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long

For the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell
For the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long

Monday, September 21, 2015

I know, I know.  I am such a bum.  I just got back on track, and here I am, just plain forgetting to set finger to keyboard for several days.

I could do a playlist from yesterday, or just write random reflections...Paul and I were talking yesterday, and we were thinking of recording his sermons to podcast them, but it might actually be easier just to videotape them.  Then we can load them to YouTube and share them via facebook, twitter, and this blog.

Yesterday we had a mix of old and new music; Grace Greater Than Our Sin, Flawless by Mercy Me, the Blood Medley we arranged a few years ago (Nothing But the Blood, Are You Washed, There is Power in the Blood), Blessed Assurance, Chris Tomlin's Jesus Love Me, and our circle song was 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman.

Playlist Sunday, September 20, 2015

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Music of the Heart

I absolutely love music.  It is my world, and there are songs from many different genres that drive me to laughter, and to tears.  I love the music at Sportsman's Warehouse because they play such a wide variety, and I am often seen trying to get my husband to dance in the aisles (their floor is fabulous for spinning).  Occasionally I even get my daughters to stop being embarrassed long enough to join me!

I started this post as one of my favorite songs ever was playing, one that makes me tear up everytime, just thinking about God's love for me, no matter what.  I love a lot of songs, but Jesus Loves Me by Chris Tomlin is definitely one of my favorites.





Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Hello Friends!

I know it's been so long since I've written!  So many blog ideas have passed through my mind, but I never seem to transpose them all the say to the screen.

I am back.  I am not promising that everything I write will be witty or brilliant, but I am going to sit down and write every day.  Maybe I will use some of those blog ideas I have stored away, maybe I will just ramble, but there will be words on the page :).

Thank you, dear reader for being here!

Monday, March 30, 2015

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Endangered by CJ Box

Endangered (Joe Pickett #15) 


New York Times–bestselling writer C. J. Box returns with a thrilling new novel, featuring Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett.

She was gone. Joe Pickett had good reason to dislike Dallas Cates, even if he was a rodeo champion, and now he has even more—Joe’s eighteen-year-old ward, April, has run off with him.

And then comes even worse news: The body of a girl has been found in a ditch along the highway—alive, but just barely, the victim of blunt force trauma. It is April, and the doctors aren’t sure if she’ll recover. Cates denies having anything to do with it—says she ran away from him, too—and there’s evidence that points to another man. But Joe knows in his gut who’s responsible. What he doesn’t know is the kind of danger he’s about to encounter. Cates is bad enough, but Cates’s family is like none Joe has ever met before.

Joe’s going to find out the truth, even if it kills him. But this time, it just might.







Wow.  I don't even know that I can offer much more than that :).  This book knocked me to my knees.  I was bawling by the time I finished Chapter 9, and in tears again at the end of the book.  I am not going to spoil it and tell you what kind of tears, but I will let you know that CJ Box has captured a range of emotions in this newest Joe Pickett, masterfully written, emotion wringing writing with the characters we have come to know and love. 


My Goodreads Status Updates:

"This book is enthralling, and has me in the edge of my seat. I just finished chapter 9, and I am in tears with my heart in my throat, anxious to know what is going to happen next."

I think this may just be my favorite Joe Pickett. I finished the novel in tears (but I'm not going to spoil it and tell you if they are tears of joy or sorrow), and it was intense enough that I am not ready to pick up another book and start reading. I need some recovery time! This was an amazing story that had me on the edge of my seat on every page. 

 You can find it on Amazon, or at your local library.