I love trips down memory lane. This book was just that. Back in 2006, as a 9/10-year-old girl, I was introduced to this series. My oldest sister started reading this book to me, and as things got busy, she gave it to me. I was instantly hooked, even if I somehow turned the name Michael into the name Mitchel 😊 I just reread the first book in the series and I am excited to share my review of it with you today! Without further ado, let’s get to the review! *This Review is not Sponsored*

Escape to Murray River
By Robert Elmer
The Adventures Down Under Series #1
(1997)
|| Amazon || Thrift Books ||

Alone in a wild land, thousands of miles from home…

Twelve-year-old Patrick McWaid’s world is turned upside down when his father is framed for a crime and sent on the last prison ship to Australia in 1867. Desperate to keep his family together, the McWaids decide to find passage on another ship headed “down under.” But leaving Dublin, Ireland, means leaving the only home they’ve ever known. And what will they do when they reach Australia?

Then Patrick learns his grandfather was sent to Australia thirty years earlier. No one has heard from him in years, but perhaps the senior McWaid might help them—if only they can find him. Their hopes high, Patrick and his family set sail. What kind of new life will they find?

Robert Elmer is a former reporter and ad copywriter who writes part-time from his home in the Pacific Northwest. He is the author of over fifty books, including nine contemporary novels for the adult Christian audience, two nonfiction titles, and seven series for younger readers… Among kids, he is best known for his "Young Underground" and "Adventures Down Under" books. When he's not at the keyboard, he enjoys sailing and hiking with his wife, and spending time with their three kids--plus a growing number of little grandchildren.
*From Amazon Author Page*

This book! Where do I even start??? With it starting in Ireland, I was instantly intrigued. I’ve never been a fan of how England treated…well, any of their properties, and Ireland and Australia are no exception. While the story is fiction, it was interesting and exciting to see what might have happened if an innocent person were accused of treason. The setting, the characters, the plot, it was all expertly done! The action was believable and well set up.

Jefferson, though not the main character, was probably my favorite, even if a particular person in the story thought he was a know it all. 😉 And little Michael and his fascination with animals was just darling!

The spiritual lessons taught were light and certainly not shoved down one’s throat, but personally, I would have liked a little more. It was present and never far from the main story, but not as strong as I prefer in stories. That said, it was well done!

My only complaints were a hint of romance and mentions that the sister turns many a head with her natural beauty and that the scriptures were not transcribed correctly. They were supposed to be King James but sounded like a paraphrase. They also insinuated that because Jeff was southern, he thought he was too good to address a black boy, which was not accurate or practical, especially since he made it clear his family didn’t own slaves. Perhaps there will be some more backstory to this attitude, though it was resolved with that particular character he mistreated in this book.

I loved this book even better than when I was a child, and highly recommend it to readers of all ages, especially as a family read!

That's all for now! Hope you have a lovely week in the Lord!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello All! I have a fun surprise for you today! My subscribers sent in interview questions for one of my classic background characters from The Battle for Heritage Series, Mrs. Ida Armistead! I hope you enjoy this post “Written” by Mrs. Armistead! With that said, I’ll turn the computer over to her!

Wait, Miss Ryana Lynn, do come back, I’ve no idea…or perhaps I do have a small idea…no I’ve not an idea at all! What am I doing? I wish Hubert were here, he could tell me what to do… Oh, hello there. Dear, there are so many of you, I shan’t ever get all your names right.

Miss Ryana Lynn told me I was to answer some questions a few young ladies sent to me, and I have them right…oh, dear! I’ve lost them again! Perhaps they are in my apron pocket…or did I leave them in my handbag? No, it was in the breadbasket I set by the back door. That’s not right at all… *goes to search her house*

*returns three hours later*

I don’t know what I shall ever do with all those preserves, too much that’s just the problem. Now, what was I doing…? Oh, the questions! I found them tucked by my Bible. Let’s take a look at these from Ms. Natalie C.

“How do you like to spend your day?”

Well, there is so much to do and never the time enough to do it! I get up around 4:30 and do my morning devotions. That is always first. Then my day falls into general disorder. I can never quite decide if it is best to feed the chickens first or prepare breakfast for Hubert and me, and whichever I do, it’s never entirely done right, but he says he appreciates the efforts…or was it that he wouldn’t trade me for a prize heifer? Oh, I can’t remember, but I do know that he loves me. I never have to doubt that. Now that the children are grown, I have time to myself. I tend to work on a quilt or an afghan for the grandchildren or a new mother in town. But it is so hard to decide what exactly one wants to work on! When I get too overwhelmed, I sit in my rocker and read my Bible. That always brings me peace.

“What is your favorite Hymn?”

There are far too many! I could never pick a favorite. Amazing Grace, How Firm A Foundation, Oh How Happy Are They…I love so many. I sing several every day!

“How are Your Kittens? Well, I suppose they’re cats by now.”

Kittens…oh yes! Biscuit and Butter are our barn cats. It was so hard to name them. There were Cream and Sugar, Sun and Storm, Salt and Pepper, North and South…Far too many. I think my grandson finally picked the name they have now. But regardless, they are doing quite well! Fat, sassy, and keeping on top of the mice.

And now there are a few from Ms. Katja.

“What do you think of the Mason Kids, particularly Richard?”

Kids…I didn’t know the Masons had goats…wait, what was that, Ms. Ryana Lynn? Oh! Children! People in 2020 call children baby goats? It has more meanings, you say? How odd! Well, I must say, I am quite partial to the Mason children, though they probably don’t know it. It makes me so happy when they were all still home, sitting in church together. Now, Richard and I, we have a bit of a friendship. Up until he left for the war, he would help me down from our wagon, as my husband is also advanced in years. And he always assisted me back in. And of course, he was my favorite attendant at the general store. Such a good young man. I hope he gets him a good wife because I shall be sorely disappointed if he doesn’t.

“What’s your favorite book of the Bible?”

Too many favorites! I do so enjoy John, but then, Mark is good also. Then there are all the minor prophets and the history books and poetry…Psalms is divine. Well, all scripture is… Malachi. I’ll just say Malachi and be done with it!

“Were you born here?”

Me? Born in Four Tree Springs? Oh, dear, no! I wasn’t even born in North Carolina! I am from Saltville, Virginia. I am the third born of fifteen children and married Hubert when I was sixteen. Had to make room for number eleven, don’t you know, or was it thirteen…? Regardless, he was driving through town, my father liked him, and so we were married that weekend. He was such a good man, and his mother was a dear and just took me right in. I never could keep his eight sisters straight, though…

“What’s a Favorite childhood memory?”

That’s been so long ago! I might say the birth of my ninth sibling…or the seventh? Never mind, he was born on my birthday, and father said I might choose his middle name. I decided, after much deliberation, that his name should be August. We were born in March. But that was his name, and I call him my dear Auggie to this day.

Well, I survived this reasonably well, I think…or perhaps I just confused everyone, even more, …*sigh* I believe I shall leave and make me a cup of tea, or maybe some fresh water…

 
And that my friends, was an interview with Mrs. Armistead! I hope you enjoyed it!
Until Next Time,
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Happy August, and welcome to our sixth missions spotlight! Ecuador is August’s focus country, and I hope you enjoy our little trip to this South American nation! So without further ado, let’s take off!

Country: República del Ecuador

Continent: South America

Population: 17,643,054 (2020)

Capital: Quito

Largest City: Quito

Motto: Dios, Patria y Libertad (God, Homeland and Liberty)

National Anthem: “Salve, Oh Patria” (We Salute You, Our Homeland)

Current Leader: Lenín Moreno

Language: Spanish

Bordering Countries: Peru and Colombia.

Religions: Catholic (79%%); Protestant and Baptist (13%); Unaffiliated (5%); Other (3%) (Pew Research, 2014). Over  87% of the population is involved in false religion, and probably more have never heard a clear Gospel presentation from the Bible.

Animals of Interest: Galapagos Penguin, Toucans, Waved Albatross, Giant Armadillos, Harpy Eagles, Jaguars, Spectacled Bears, Scarlet Macaws, and Anacondas, just to give a sample!

Famous Foods: Locro de Papa (Potato Stew), Cuy Asado (Roasted Guinea Pig) Llapingachos (Fried Potato Pancakes filled with cheese and covered in peanut sauce, chorizo, fried eggs salad and avocado), Mote Pillo (Hominy and scrambled eggs), and Encocado de Pescado (Fish with Coconut Sauce).

Fun Facts: Ecuador literally means Equator! Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela used to be one country! Sad but true, Charles Darwin developed some of his evolutionary theories in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. Panama Hats actually come from Ecuador.

Missionaries: (Subject to Additions!)

Prayer Requests: Pray that the light of the Gospel will reach this nation and turn it around from an idol-worshiping nation to followers of Christ. FBN is heard in this country, so please pray that God will bless the broadcast and that the Ecuadorian people will hear the Gospel. And above all, pray for laborers to go and serve!

Don’t forget to check your list of missionaries at your church for Missionaries to Ecuador! Encourage your family to pray for them and perhaps send them a note of encouragement!

Have a blessed week!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello, and welcome back to Life of Heritage Corner! It’s hard to believe we are entering yet another month! Where has the year gone??

Today I am sharing my newest devotional. As we all know, there has been much unrest in our nation of late, and today, I’m going to address one of the root issues. Note, I said one, not all. This devotion was laid on my heart after attending a Back the Blue Rally, and I am excited to share it with you! So without further ado, let’s get into it!

I shouldn’t have to outline who this scripture is referring to. But these days, it seems we have to spell out everything. I want us to look at three things specifically. Who we are to Honor, Who we are NOT to Honor, and What to do when a Dishonorable Person holds an Honorable Office.
 
1| Who We Are to Honor.

The verses above instruct us to honor those in positions of power. Because HE is the One Who put them there! We are not to fear them as long as we are doing right and following God. Who are these people?

-The President. I don’t care who it is or what you think of Him, you are to honor and pray for him. He is your leader, like it or not. And as long as he is making righteous judgments, you are to obey them.

-Members of Congress. The same applies here.

-Military leaders and members, Border Patrol, and Law Enforcement. They are literally risking their lives for you! Be grateful!

-Ministers of the Gospel. A God-called Man. Not a woman, not a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Pastor, Assistant, Missionary, Evangelist, God calls us to honor them.

-Teachers. They are authorities, like it or not. Whether you are Homeschooled, private schooled, or use some other form of education, you are to respect those put over you.

-Parents. This goes without saying. Besides God, these are your ultimate authorities!

-Older Siblings. They are your elders. And if your parents have left them in charge, you are to obey them. And even if they don’t, they still are to be respected.

There are probably more, but I think you get the idea 😊
 
2| Who We are NOT to Honor.

-Those who disregard the word of God.

-Those who seek to hurt others for any reason.

-Those who shed innocent blood.

-Those who are prideful and haughty.

-Those who seek to do evil and take pleasure in the misfortunes of others.

-Those who seek to destroy their nation.

-Those who seek to throw down just government.

-Those who claim to fight for the rights of others while taking rights away from others.

-Those who use their position to abuse others.
 
3| What to do when a Dishonorable Person Holds a Position of Honor.

-Pray for them. (1 Tim. 2:1-4)

-Respect their office, not their character. A few years back, I really struggled with respecting an elected official who did nothing but attempt to destroy ever Biblical thing they could. I prayed for them and remembered that I am not called to respect their immoral behavior, just the position they held.

-Stand against sin. (Isaiah 1:17) Just because someone is in a position of authority does not mean that their actions should not be held accountable. When a politician does something unbiblical and unconstitutional, they should be impeached. When a policeman is found out to be a bad apple, he should be fired. If he committed a crime, he should be punished just like anyone else. When a preacher is disqualified from holding his office, he should be dismissed. When a government acts against God as a whole and seeks to harm the people in general and disregard the Bible and the Constitution, they should be overthrown (Ex. The Patriots and the Confederates).
 
I hope this devotion has been a help to you. I’m by no means calling for us to overthrow the government like some organizations I know. Thank God we haven’t reached that point yet! I’m merely explaining what conditions would merit such actions 😉 Above all, pray for your leaders and our nation!

Until Next Time,
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Good morning everyone! Today I am so excited to share my review of Amanda Tero’s newest book, A Strand of Hope! This is a YA read, and as it is sooooo hard to find clean YA, I am super excited to share this story with you today! Let’s hop right in, shall we?

A Strand of Hope
By Amanda Tero
Librarians of Willow Hollow Series Book #1
(2020)

This book was not at all what I thought it would be. It was so much more! The themes of forgiveness and throwing off bitterness, embracing unconditional love while renouncing sin were so well done, I finished the book in awe! And the ending! It was perfect. I don’t think any other conclusion would have worked for this book. More than once, I felt myself tearing up at the pitiful circumstances surrounding the characters. And while I was angered by Lena’s mom, I even felt a little pity for her as well. So broken and running to the wrong things for help and comfort…

As I said, this book is YA. My personal recommendation is 16+. There is talk of alcohol, and a character was born under unfortunate circumstances. Ms. Tero covered these themes masterfully, in a way that did not glorify or embrace sin. It was clearly written as wrong and tactfully dealt with. If a younger reader has been made aware of such circumstances, I would gladly hand this to a 13-year-old with no hesitation. Ms. Tero deals with the realities of life very gently and subtly. As I have said before, I haven’t read a book by her that I haven’t loved!

*I was gifted an eCopy of the book for promotional purpose and happily provided my honest review. All thoughts are my own and were not impressed on me by anyone.*

Click here for more Release Day Fun!!!

Email: amanda@amandatero.com
Website: amandatero.com
Blog: amandatero.com/blog
Newsletter: amandatero.com/newsletter
Amazon: amazon.com/author/amandatero
Pinterest: pinterest.com/amandateroauthor
Goodreads: goodreads.com/AmandaTero
BookBub: bookbub.com/profile/amanda-tero

That’s it for now! Hope you all have a blessed week!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22