BOOK REVIEW: A Look at the Past: A Pictorial Journey Through McDonald County Missouri by Karen Utter Jennings

Below are photos of A Look At The Past, in softcover bound, and my copy which is spiral bound. 

 

In 2012, I teamed up with Gayle Foster to compile a new book detailing McDonald County, in SW Missouri. We worked diligently combing and digging through dusty records, visiting research files from libraries and the old courthouse records, former County books, photographs, local stories, and trips to the countryside to snap our own current photographs. Our book was published on Amazon in April 2013, through the McDonald County Historical Society, to which we both belonged and worked in the gorgeous historical Pineville Courthouse Museum. 

It was truly a labor of love and interest. Gayle and I are cousins descending from the Utter family who migrated from Indiana to SW MO in the 1880s. She descends from Cornelius Julian Utter and I from David Jefferson Utter, two of the 9 Utter brothers. 

The nice book is organized on the 13 historical townships of McDonald County and the communities located in them. A map of the townships is included for the convenience of reference. Most of the text of the historical items of interest was taken from historical publications; therefore, the spelling, grammar, and punctuation have not been changed. 

The book is rich with photographs and historical details of the families who lived, loved, worked, and built their families in the county. 

You may order from Amazon or visit the renovated Courthouse Museum on the Pineville, Missouri, square. 

Here's a photo of the museum from my collection: 

You may write for information at 

McDonald County Historical Society, P.O. Box 572, Pineville, MO 64856

Call 417-223-3556 or online/email:   info@McDonaldCoHistory.org

www.mcdonladcohistory.org 

BOOK REVIEW: Mother: What My Mother Taught Me About Life, Love, and Faith, An Anthology by Christian Writers For Life Community

 

"The shape of a soul often begins with the loving hands of a mother." This quote is found on the book's back cover and describes what mothers can do for their children. 

"Mother: What My Mother Taught Me About Life, Love, and Faith" is an anthology of short stories that celebrate all mothers and mother figures from members of the online community, Christian Writers For Life. It was published in October, 2023. 

I contributed a story to the anthology, entitled, "My House Is Blessed From Double Love." The story about my mother, Emma Faye, and my paternal great-grandmother, Ollie Francis, shares how my childhood was enriched by their guidance and love. It's found on page 65. 

I celebrate publishing my story with this wonderful community of people. This story is the second one that I have published with CWFL. 

I encourage you to join Christian Writers For Life, found on Facebook and their website. Denise George and Rebecca Pounds George are the leaders and founders of this truly outstanding writing program that supports creative Christ-followers of both fiction and nonfiction. For more information, or to join CWFL, visit 

www.christianwritersforlife.com. 

BOOK REVIEW: Her Christmas Healing by Mindy Obenhaus

 Coming in November, Mindy Obenhaus’ latest book, “Her Christmas Healing” is number four in the series. The story revisits Hope Crossing, Texas, and includes all the favorite characters from her other Hope Crossing books. Fans of second-chance love, K-9 Companions, and sweet little Grandmothers will find this story tugging on their heartstrings. Jillian McKenna makes a major decision after she is assaulted, and her life will change forever. When she returns to her grandmother’s hometown, can her past boyfriend Gabriel Vaughn help her overcome her troubles? She is gifted Aggie, a Companion dog trained to comfort people with PTSD, etc. Gabriel has trouble of his own and must decide what to do when his life’s work is threatened. Will God intervene to steer them to their destiny? There’s a surprise near the end of the story. Preorder now and when you do, check out Mindy's other books. She's an expert at writing stories with real-life characters dealing with real-life problems and finding love in the mix. Disclaimer: I received a review copy from the author, and I’m not compensated for my honest review.