A Book Review of If Only by Norma Budden

Preface

We all make choices every day. Most are relatively simple, what we want to wear for the day or what we want to eat. Others are much tougher.

Sometimes we make unilateral decisions without discussing it with our significant other. That can be a good thing, like picking a nice place for dinner. We do it based on mutual likes or wants. At times, even with the best of intentions, a unilateral decision can be heart-breaking.

Review

If Only by Norma Budden

Author Norma Budden

If Only by Norma Budden, is a Christian Paranormal Suspense book. The heart of which is choices. 

Many are the ones made by Demi. When she was much younger she made a decision without consulting anyone. Now as an adult, she comes face-to-face with the consequences of her actions. She is desperate to put right what she now realizes was a wrong. She discovers she needs help.

After trying to avoid the inevitable, she turns to the one person who would share her goal, David. When she explains the situation, he realizes that he also has a vested interest in setting things right. This seemingly simple act sets a series of events into motion which change their lives and puts their loved ones in danger.

In the midst of their venture, there is a spiritual connection that reaches out to David. Will this benefit or hinder him?

Lynn's Thoughts

I love this story. Maybe because I can relate to the big decision that Demi had to make. I've made a few tough, life changing decisions in my lifetime. If I'd have to guess, many people have done this as well. 

I was drawn into the drama that surrounds the main characters. I kept wondering will things work out. I won't tell you what happens. I will tell you that if you don't have an aversion to tragedy and want to know if they set the wrong - right then I highly recommend investing yourself in this story.

Warning

Some people may have an adverse reaction to some tragic events portrayed in this story.

Disclaimer

By the time you read this post, the book will have been out for almost two weeks. Just the same, I was provided an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. 

This post is part of the blog tour for If Only by Norma Budden.

"Bestsellers" to Ms. Budden, her books, and this tour.

Lynn Hallbrooks
Author/Owner of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC
along with David McKoy

One Lovely Blog Award

Recently, I was nominated by Rich Weatherly, author of Closed Doors, a Trilogy, for the One Lovely Blog Award. I am very honored that he chose my blog. In the relatively short time I've known him, Rich has proven to be an all-around great guy to know. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised, after all, he is a fellow Texan and military veteran. I hope you will join me in visiting his 'Welcome To My Place' blog on a regular basis. Thank you Rich for this award and for all you do to help others. 

Now for “The Rules”:

If you are one of the nominees for the One Lovely Blog Award you must do the following:

• Thank the person who nominated you and link to them in your post. (see above)
• Share seven unknown things about yourself. (see below)
• Nominate other bloggers and blogs you like or admire... 15 or so if possible (see below)
• Contact the bloggers you nominate to let them know and to link them back to your post so they can read "The Rules", too. (Will contact them when I have a link to share)

Seven unknown things about Lynn Hallbrooks

1.  I am part Irish, which is only a problem when I'm upset.

2.  I was born in New York but have lived most of my life in Texas.

3.  I have sung a couple of duets at my church with my friend.

4.  I am about to be a grandmother for the first time.

5. I have judge the quality of children's books by the reaction of my Godson.

6.  I am a slow reader but I believe it is more of an advantage at times.

7.  I prefer silence when I'm reading or writing. Noise does not induce concentration for me. I'm not really sure how people, youngsters in particular, can  multitask like that. 

My nominees for the One Lovely Blog Award are less than fifteen.  After learning I was nominated, I made a list of blogs that I came across.  Each   blog posts spoke to me for different reasons. I hope that you will take a moment to see if they speak to you as well. Fair Warning some may require a hanky. 

Tracy James Jones

Alisha Paige - Ruby Vines - Wolfgang Pie

Jeff Bennington

Christine Cunningham

Jonathan D. Allen

Constance Wallace

Caleb Pirtle III

Norma Budden

Food Babbles

Shelley Workinger

Doug DePew

Once again, thanks Rich Weatherly for giving Call Sign Wrecking Crew on the Run, the One Lovely Blog Award.

Hope everyone has a lovely one!

Lynn Hallbrooks

co-author to David McKoy

co-owners of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

The Sunshine Award

Tracy James Jones presented me with The Sunshine Award. I am very honored indeed. It seems that Tracy and I run in some of the same circles. I guess that's not surprising since we are both authors and bloggers. About a month ago, Tracy interviewed us. Then the next day, I interviewed Tracy. 

I’m supposed link back (see above), answer some questions about myself, and then tag more people.

1. What is your favorite Christmas/festive movie?

I have many Christmas favorite movies but among them White Christmas is a must see every year. What's not to love...there is Christmas = the spirit of giving, singing, dancing, and military all in one movie.

2. What is your favorite flower?

Carnations are my favorite flower. They come from the florist in so many different colors these days.

3. What is your favorite non-alcoholic beverage?

My favorite non-alcoholic beverage is Dr. Pepper.

4. What is your passion?

I think my most overwhelming passion is helping others...that and eating sweets.

5. What is your favorite time of year?

Right now my favorite time of year is when school starts and I have more time to work. :)

6. What is your favorite time of day?

When the house is quiet...I prefer quiet to think, write, and read.

7. What is your favorite physical activity?

My favorite physical activity is singing.

8. What is your favorite vacation? 

My favorite vacation would be one where I didn't have to lift a finger for a whole week. I could spend time lounging and reading uninterrupted until meals and/or drinks were served to me. 

Now I’m supposed to nominate 10 other people for this award. 

I searched my blog lists for just the right posts that reflect Sunshine in some form.  If you do not have time to read the posts then please either skim or bookmark for later.

Writers in the Storm - This article shows both the storms and the sunshine.

Wodke Hawkinson


Amberr Meadows - Amberr is helping some stray cats with our assistance? Can you send her some Sunshine?

Christian Fiction for Your Kindle


Kate Donahue

Norma Budden

Frederick Lee Brooke

Damyanti

Shelley Workinger

Shannon Mayer

You know sometimes it isn't easy to find sunshine in this world of ours. I hope you found some with these posts. If so, I hope you spread a little sunshine in your next blog or maybe just smile at someone.  Simple things can be all the sunshine people need to make their day even better. Thanks,Tracy for sharing your sunshine with me and making me smile. :)

Have a great one!

Lynn Hallbrooks
co-author to David McKoy
co-owners of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC