MISSIONARY HUDSON TAYLOR: COMPLEE 2 VOLUME BIOGRAPHY (Full Unabridged Audiobook)

 

MISSIONARY HUDSON TAYLOR: COMPLETE TWO VOLUME BIOGRAPHY (FULL UNABRIDGED AUDIO-BOOK) by Dr. And Mrs Howard Taylor produced by Scroll Reader VOLUME 1 Hudson Taylor in Early Years: The growth of a soul; VOLUME 2, Hudson Taylor the growth of a work of God At the time of this writing I am about at hour 9 of 43 total, I don’t think I will finish listening within a month’s time. Each volume is available seperately or as one unit in audio; it is also available in print.

Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV) 
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 

The reason I am writing this review, MISSIONARY HUDSON TAYLOR: COMPLETE 2 VOLUME BIOGRAPHY  (Full Unabridged Audiobook),  though I have not even reached the 20 hour mark? Is because there is so much to learn within the ‘pages’ of this story. I am listening section by section.

The biography begins with an overview of the family history and the birth of Hudson Taylor. It is important for the reader to understand two things: he did not grow up as a perfect follower of Jesus Christ and the call to serve China came before he was ready to serve.

James 1:2-4 (KJV)
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 

As I read his story I understand and appreciate the trials and tribulations Mr. Hudson went through, much was self imposed; there was always an easier road to travel yet he consistently made decisions that would challenge his faith.  It is in these descriptive trials that I started questioning my trust in the Lord. 

Isaiah 28:13 (KJV)
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. 

The road to being a missionary was not easy for Mr. Hudson, he had to learn the language and the culture of a community that in the 1800’s did not desire European intervention. Mr. Hudson decided to trust God for food, clothing and shelter while maintaining an external life of serving. I understood the why but the thought of me trusting that much is something I think about. 

As I continue to listen to the story of Mr. Hudson, I can see how he is being matured precept upon precept. Faith and purpose is the motivating theme of this book. Fast forward to what I see today: far to many church leaders are motivated by money. I see extremely large churches being built, church leaders living in luxury, and wives of the senior church leaders being identified as the “First Lady”; umbilical extravagance. The book is worth the listen or read, it is very very humbling. 

        Written by Marsha L Floyd
       ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

AUDIO LINKS

2 VOLUME BIOGRAPHY HUDSON TAYLOR YOUTUBE 

           VOLUME 1 without Volume 2 

PRINT LINK

THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF JAMES HUDSON TAYLOR FREE 8 page PDF    

HUDSON TAYLOR 2 Volume set    PRINT   This site provides Free access to volume 1 and 2 separate or a hard cover print copy for a fee.

THE BAKERS BRIDE by Cecelia Dowdy

I ordered the e-book version of THE BAKER’S BRIDE by Cecelia Dowdy is a novella (short novel) that is also available on audio  and paperback (118 pages). I chose to read this book because it is a historical fiction featuring  Black Characters. After I began reading the book, I learned the book is promoted as a “Historical, Clean and Wholesome Inspirational Underground Railroad Romance Novella”, this is exactly what it is.  

The story is about a woman who was given her freedom and moved to Philadelphia and worked for a rich Black family. Yes there were wealthy, free Black men and women in the 1800’s.

“Numerous wealthy Black Americans prospered in the 1800s, accumulating fortunes in the face of systemic racism and obstacles. They built their success through entrepreneurship, investment, land ownership, and inheritance. Some were former slaves who achieved great success, while others were born free.”  Google Ai

Within the narrative the discussion of the underground railroad and the abolitionist movement is discussed. Historically the abolitionist movement and the church played a key roll in helping slaves seek freedom. What I appreciated in THE BAKER’S BRIDE is the fact that Black Americans  were presented in a positive manner and the focus was on the unity White and Black individuals were presented. Far to many individuals talk about Whites who owned slaves but neglect the fact that many Whites did not own slaves and some helped slaves escape.

THE BAKER’S BRIDE by Cecelia Dowdy is a pleasant historical fiction  to read.  It is a quick read that I chose to stretch over 3 days. The next book in the 3 book series is THE DOCTOR’S BRIDE which I will read via e-book  as well as book 3 when it is released: THE BLACKSMITH’S BRIDE. 

For me this book was a great break in between the other books I am reading which includes a few non-fictions. biographies, in depth readings and work.  I am putting the series on my Christmas list because I do love print books! 

The author: Cecelia Dowdy is a wife, mother and a successful author. She is also the author of The Candy Beach 5 book  Series.  

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ELM CREEK QUILTS - QUILT PROJECGTS INSPIRED BY THE ELM CREEK QUILTS NOVELS

 

ELM CREEK QUILTS - QUILT PROJECTS BY THE ELM STREET CREEK QUILTS NOVEL  by Jennifer Chiaverini and Nancy Odom is the “workbook” that could accompany the first four Elm Street Quilt historical novels; The Quilters Apprentice, Round Robin, The Cross Country Quilter, and The Runaway Quilt. If you are not a quilter, this book will not interest you, if you are a quilter you will love this book. 

This book of projects includes a chapter for beginners, Quilting 101. Each chapter includes: a brief story behind the quilt, the templates and directions. I ordered the book because I am reading the series and for the pictures BUT, The Runaway Quilt is now on my list of potential projects. 

I purchased this book from THRIFT BOOKS, a used book store with great deals. I cannot imagine anyone letting go of such a book with such beautiful projects, there are 12 in all.  You do not have to read the series to appreciate this book but if you do I can see a quilter sewing along as he or she reads along! 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MURDER ALL SEWN UP by Sheri Richey

 

Two things I must admit before I tell you how much I like this book: 1) kI did not read the SPICETOWN series, and 2) This is my first print book I have read in a lonnnnng time!  I have been reading ebooks and listening to audio-books.  

MURDER ALL SEWN UP by Sheri Richey, my first venture in reading it myself, is a very good read. I was attracted to the book because the title had my two favorite sources of entertainment: swing and watching murder mysteries. If these two topics interest you then you will love this book IF, and this is a big if, you don’t like blood and gore. In the beginning of the story you learn that a garment was made and someone died; I think I can also tell you the garment was owned by a woman who died 20 years ago.

Did I mention the puppy? He is on the cover of the book so that is not a spoiler! If nothing else you will have to read the book to learn more about the pup, including: What’s his name?

I enjoyed reading this book and will be reading TAILOR MADE TERROR BOOK #2 OF 4 IN THE Carom Seed Cozy series. It is an easy read, a gentle nonviolent 343 page book. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

THE QUILT by T Davis Bunn

 

THE QUILT by T. Davis Bunn, an audio book with my “name on it”. It was a few minutes short of 2 hours to listen to and every second was inspirational. The story reminded me of a book I read as a child: Stone Soup, there are many variations of this theme including woven (pun  intended) within this story. Stone Soup is a short story about someone one preparing a meal and places a stone in a big pot of boiling water, slowly but surely the neighbors came and added ingredients, in the end thre was enough soup to feed the entire village.

THE QUILT is a story of an old woman with severe arthritis who wants to make one last quilt because God told her to. 

The book is inspirational, motivational and full of faith. I needed to hear this story because I am facing challenges that I can overcome but I need to disregard what “they” say just like the main character in this novelette did. 

This book is about having faith in the process. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

THE CHRISTMAS QUILT by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

Jennifer Chiaverini  is skilled at presenting family dynamics that we all can relate to. In the historical fiction THE CHRISTMAS QUILT she takes the reader back, if you have been reading the books in order, to Christmases celebrated in the Bergstrom home. The Christmases covered the family coping with the depression, a war and an ongoing sibling rivalry; it also address death of various individuals.

The quilt; yes there is a quilt, a very unique one that is introduced at the beginning of the story and is created block by block during the Christmas holiday. The difficulties associated with completing the quilt represents the hopes and hindrances in maintaining family cohesiveness..

Each book in the Elm Street series has given me a glimpse into history through the lens of family. ISo far I am glad I am reading the books in order, the novel itself is a stand alone story line. When you read the first book: THE QUILTER’S APPRENTICE, you are introduced to the characters, with every book you get to know more about them. Like most relationships, the longer you know a person the more you know about that person. We learn more about Sylvia and Sarah in this novel.  

Note: Up to know I have been listening to the stories via audiobook. I am now changing to prin. I am waiting for CIRCLE OF QUILTERS to be delivered. In addition I anticipate reviewing Mrs. Chiaverini’s quilting projects book in the upcoming weeks as well. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT

 

My first impression a historical fiction novel the includes slavery. Jennifer Chiaverini already talked about the underground railroad in a previous novel but this had more. As I continued listening to THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT by Jennifer Chiaverini I thought: This is slavery from a White person’s perspective, not just a White person(s) but one(s) who were anti slavery. 

I have said on more than one of my reviews regarding the Elm Street Quilt series that the stories are cumulative. I also alluded to the idea that there were stories within the stories which is why the reader, or listener, must pay attention to the characters. THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT could be read out of sequence but it is best when read in order of release.

Have you ever researched your family tree? You have to go back in time, dig up the names, dates and places but the personalities, character traits of each individual you may not ever know. THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT, is different in that Sylvia and her team are not even born and racism was not politically incorrect. This is the story of Sylvia’s family. And how they dealt with slavery.

This is a much needed story because it not only discusses the pains of slavery but the sacrifices White people made in order to assist Black people. America needs to understand what non-Black people did to help others appreciate the bigger picture, beore the civil war.

The question you might ask: What about the quilt? There is a quilt, it is the catalyst that reveals the mindset of many people. 

Of course I recommend this book. 

I The Christmas Quilt, Circle of Quilters and a Quilt Project book by the same author

Written by Marsha L Floyd

THE MASTER QUILTER by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

If you are following the Elm Street book series then you know that life is not all about quilts. (Did I, a quilter just write that!) THE MASTER QUILTER (2004) is about planning the unique gift for Sylvia and Andrew  but family drama may ruin everything. Do you remember the competition / animosity between a member of the Elm street group and the other group? Do you remember all the things there children were going through?  (That’s why we get print copies of books and not audio!) Oh and the financial drama! As I have said in previous reviews the book series is not just about making quilts.

The Elm Street Quilt series has very believable plot lines and with Jennifer Chiaverini the one story is the foundation for the next, you never know when a marriage is going to fail or succeed. You don’t know what is going to happen do the children and you, at least I am, curious as to how a quilt is going to get made with so many busy lives. 

The Master Quilt is almost like a family reunion, I am glad to know what happened to various individuals. 

I had not planned on writing book reviews on this series, I usually review non-fiction, thus I had to write back to back reviews so that I could start writing as I read.  This is the last of the books I listened to before I started writing the reviews and so I am all caught up. I am looking forward to telling you about THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT so I can tell you about THE CHRISTMAS QUILT Iwhen I am finished that one! 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

THE QUILTERS LEGACY by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

The Quilter's Legacy (2003)is book 5 of the 6 books I have listened to. By the time you read this I will probably be on book 8 or 9 since I just finished listening to book 6. Let’s take a quick peak at the author Jennifer Chiaverini before I tell you how awesome this book is! 

Jennifer Chiaverini is a best selling author of historical fiction, I discovered her through her Elm Street quilters series however she writes more. She is a college graduate (University of Notre Dame and University of Chicago) and has received rewards related to her writing. She is a wife and mother residing in Wisconsin. 

In my research I discovered she has written a novel about John Wilkes Booth: FATES AND TRAITORS; I am adding the book to my list but at this point my list of books by this particular author will have me reading  well into 2027! I also discovered her books on quilting patterns, there are 4 that I remember, I ordered one when I ordered the print copy of CIRCLE OF QUILTERS, the book I will be reading after listening to THE CHRISTMAS QUILT. 

THE QUILTERS LEGACY continues to bring the past into the present, as it relates to the time the characters are living, Sylvia wants to find “the quilt”. This story hit home because somewhere among one of my family members storage of stuff is a quilt made by my great grandmother, I just want to see it. In searching for the quilt, Sylvia learns more about her family history. 

But wait! There’s more! This book is why I am a strong supporter of reading the series in order because there are always stories developing within the story as the lives of the various women are presented. And of course a quilt is made. 

The one thing I want to say because I did finish reading  book 7; This book is part of a story line but it is foundational for what is to come. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

LESSONS I LEARNED FROM THE FIRE- A Cautionary Tale by Tonya D. Floyd

 

WOW! I don’t know if this book confirms what I already knew or is preparing me for what I am getting ready to do. My ex-husband is trying to sell our “marital home” with all of it’s  pre-purchase problems and I am in the process of renovating a fixer-upper. LESSONS I LEARNED FROM THE FIRE- A CAUTIONARY TALE by Tonya D Floyd is a must read for ANYONE who owns a home, is getting ready to purchase a home, get insurance, has insurance. Is a renter with insurance or, you are making a major purchase with or without insurance. 

DISCLAIMER: Tonya D. Floyd is my “forever” niece and I purchased this book because she wrote it. She has many books but this was the one I was “lead” to get and I had the funds to purchase. But, just because she is family does not mean I will not give an honest review. Generally speaking, when friends ask me to review their books and I take the time to read it then I will post the review on my blog, the cost for my time, but I will not post it on Social Media. Twice in the 10 plus years I have been reviewing books have I not posted a review on Amazon because it was that bad, one of the two I did not post on my blog, she was a good friend and a member of the church I attended; both books were trashed upon completion.  LESSON’S I LEARNED FROM THE FIRE will not be trashed.

Half way through this 30 page booklet, I started “hating” it! BECAUSE it was information I needed to know and I hate being a grown-up. Each of the nine lessons presented in this book I needed to know or be reminded of. Her story, Tonya D Floyd’s, life  lessons, learned the hard way, reinforce the importance of understanding EVERY document you sign. No one plans an accident and some accidents can be avoided, if you take the right steps.We think of insurance as a cushion, but there are unknown variables.  Not knowing, not understanding is costly! 

In addition to rereading the book, and marking it up as I like to do, I plan on purchasing at least 3 copies for gifts for 3 individuals who I know are planning to purchase a home. Truth is I don’t hate-hate the book, I really love and appreciate it, I just don’t like being a grown up. 

I recommend you purchase the book, even if all you have is renters insurance. That fine print will bite you if you need it and discover to late your claims don’t qualify. Ask people who live in disaster areas.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

THE RUNAWAY QUILT by Jennifer Chiaverini

Now she has gone and done it! Author Jennifer Chiaverini has introduced America’s ugly history with The Runaway Quilt (2002). But like all of her other books in this series, she shares with the reader just what needs to be known to complete the novel. Most readers are aware of abolitionist in times of slavery, they know that hundreds of black men, women and children attempted to escape and they know that their was this thing called the underground railroad; in addition, most people are aware that quilts played a key roll in the underground railroad. 

Sylvia, The Elm Street quilters and a woman named Gerda are the basis of this novel.  What I have learned thus far, Jennifer Chiaverini has a way of introducing new characters in one book that play important rolls in the next. (Gerda will visit again!)

Now, don’t think this book is all about slavery and the underground railroad, it’s not.Life goes on outside of Elm Creek, thus: the journey continues!

One of my take- away’s form this book was the importance of appreciating the elder members of your family. There is more to a family history than the date of birth and date of death. Even the elders in the community of family origin may be able to shed a story or two. 

Another take-away from this Historical Fiction is the significance of quilting throughout history. 

Yes, life still goes on within the Elm Street quilters community. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd