Ginny Aiken, Lynn A. Coleman, Bev Huston, and Yvonne Lehman. Strings of the Heart. Barbour Publishing, 2003.

The Great Expectation. Marissa Soliz must find "dog care" for her afghan. She has used Silkwood Kennels in the past but is leary of its new owner, Jason Easton. Little does she suspect that Jason is to be her future spouse. This is an exciting story, with my favorite part being when her dog kidnaps a puppy and attempts to take care of it in a vacant building. Jason thinks they have been robbed and doesn't quite know how to break the news to Marissa, particularly after her concerns about the kennel and its new employees. The afghan's demonstrated unconditional love for the puppy is compared to God's unconditional love for us. The dog brings Marissa and Jason to the point of considering the possibility of a future relationship.

Harmonized Hearts. Tyrone's new neighbor dislikes his practicing during the day because she is a night worker. Cassy (the neighbor) is a nurse and feels a strong attraction to Tyrone from the very first time they meet. Both neighbors are praying about their future and wondering if the other person is to have some part in it. This is a fun to read story as you watch them begin dating and learning about each other. The story ends with Tyrone giving Cassy an heirloom engagement ring first worn by his grandmother.

Syncopation. Tristan is mistaken for another man and kidnapped by three people. His main concern is that they don't steal his viola. After the identity error is discovered, he is left to escape his bound hands the best way he can. Fortunately, one of the men refuses to kill him to protect their identity.

Nikki Sears, Tristan's ex-girlfriend has come home for a visit. She is eager to reconnect with Tristan. Cynthia is Nikki's birth name. It was changed for the sake of trying to become a star in California. This story is full of adventure and keeps the reader wondering just what will happen next.

Name that Tune Eva Alono is a violin player. She also assists her grandfather in making violins. Much of this story focuses on who will eventually own a special violin her grandfather created. It first goes to Eva's brother who has little real interest in playing it. You'll find this story fascinating as various characters come into the scene and try out this violin. In the end, Eva realizes an old acquaintance is to be her future husband. This story really serves to show how the Lord is in charge of our final decisions if we allow Him to be.

Recommendation

May I suggest handing this book to your older teenage son or daughter. Hopefully, they will read it and realize that God wants to help us make all the important decisions of life.

Copyrighted by Diana Pederson, 2005-2009