Sounds Like a Plan: Stories of Change and the God Who Doesn't

by Lorna Seilstad, Eleanor Bertin, Sara Davison

What happens when the perfect plans you have for your life fall apart?

A Baby in the Mix by Lorna Seilstad
Not By Chance by Eleanor Bertin
Five Things You Know About Me by Sara Davison
Mercy’s Detour by Brenda S. Anderson
Piper’s Sweet Dream by Stacy Monson

What Reviewers are Saying About The Mosaic Collection

Each is a picture of God’s grace working in the hearts of hurting people through individual writing styles.

Each author has her own voice, yet somehow they all fit perfectly together.

The stories are just the right length to relax with at the end of a long day.

I love these Mosaic author anthologies. These are stories about real people with real problems and emotions.

Such beautifully written, inspirational short stories with themes of grace, forgiveness, love, and peace.

Uplifting stories of ordinary people dealing with their faith and life’s struggles.

Thank you to all the Mosaic Collection authors for giving us more lovely stories to remind us that we will never be alone as God is always with us.

Each of these faith-based fiction stories in Sounds Like a Plan is uniquely and beautifully written with believable characters sustained by the amazing grace of God. Memorable, touching, inspiring, and a true reading pleasure. May you be blessed by this collection.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Anthologies

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2024

About the author

For as long as I can remember, I loved writing. I even dreamed in plots. I also grew up attending antique auctions nearly every weekend, so history was as much a part of my life as chores on our farm in Iowa, reading books, and playing with Barbies.

So, writing historical romances fit perfectly. Times may change, the style of clothes, the way we speak, but the common threads that unite us remain the same. Couples fall in love. Injustices
happen. We fight for what we believe in. We struggle. We endure. We grow.

After graduating from York College in York, Nebraska with an A.A. and then receiving a B.S.Ed. from Lubbock Christian University, I met and married the love of my life, David. God had
written our love story, and I knew from the moment we met that he was the one. It was not love at first sight by any means, but I was so sure he was "it" that I wrote that I'd met the man I would marry in my diary. We pledged our hearts to one another two and half years later.

I taught high school English until my oldest child was born. After that I began my career as a professional wiper. I wiped noses, counter tops, tiny tushes, tears, and scraped knees.

Deciding that my children were now older and less in need of my constant supervision, I started pursuing my first love again --writing. After joining American Christian Fiction Writers, I found a wonderful critique group and began studying the craft of writing.

David and I have three children ages 18, 16, and 11. We also work in youth ministry and teach youth and adult Bible classes.

Thank you so much for stopping by, friend!

Reviews

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first book, A Baby in the Mix by Lorna Seilstad, Aimee and Micah have set their wedding date, her newly opened bakery, Baby Cakes, is keeping her busy, and so is coaching the Girl's Club softball team. Then, she gets a call that her cousin, Leah, has had a baby girl, Sarai, and is unable to take care of her. They want to know if Aimee would be willing to become the baby's guardian. Micah tells Aimee that if she takes on the baby, they'll have to postpone their wedding, as Aimee can't manage to do everything. At first, Aimee thinks he's totally calling off their wedding. Micah tells her they need to both take some time to pray and see what God is leading them to do. I love the way that each step of the way Micah and Aimee are trying to do right by each other, Sarai, and God, and are depending on God to guide each step.

In the second book, Not by Chance by Eleanor Bertin, we meet Lily and Ian. Lily has been a caregiver for years, first to her mom, then to her ex-husband, and then to her ex-mother-in-law. Now, she's ready to do things for herself. Her sisters want her to go on a trip, and keep pestering her to do so. She takes the baby step of going and having her hair done, and then going to a local bookstore. While at the store, an accident occurs and she meets Ian. Since they can't leave the store until after they give statements to the police, they chat and get acquainted. It turns out, they have more in common than they would have thought. Love how things work out for them!!

In the third book, Five Things You Know About Me by Sara Davison, we meet Mario and Andrea. Twelve years ago, they were best friends, and Mario asked her to go to the Prom with him. That night, her twin played a cruel joke, and Andrea ran. She's run from Mario for twelve years. Now, they meet again, and both of their lives are on the line. Mario wants a second chance, so he "tricks" her into going on five dates with him, to prove that he still knows her better than anyone. Mario also helps her to see that she needs to break free from her anger and bitterness over the past, and helps her to see that she's also angry with God, and needs to put that aside, too. Love how things work out, and how he keeps bringing out the best in Andrea.

In the fourth book, In Mercy's Detour by Brenda Anderson, Paige is a widow, and at 45, she's ready to go on the trip she and her husband had planned. She's sold her house and bought an RV she's named Mercy. She's set to go, until she receives a phone call that changes everything. Paige learns that trusting involves telling the truth, not trying to keep secrets. The truth DOES set us free!!

In the fifth book, Piper's Sweet Dream by Stacy Monson, Piper's ready to open her own retail store to sell the chocolates she's been selling online for five years. She finally finds the retail space she wants at The Depot. Now, she just has to convince Finn to take a chance on her and her store. In spite of the obstacles in her way, Piper's got some great plans, and even Finn acknowledges that her business plan is good. Now, if everything will just fall into place!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This summer collection from the Mosaic Collection is a culmination of five different stories by different authors. I enjoyed each author's varying styles and stories. Each one brought its characters to life on the page, the setting was well described, and the storylines kept me turning the pages. I was kept glued to the page wondering what would happen next.

All the stories were easy to read and kept my attention, and it would be hard to pick a favorite. I have read quite a few of the Mosaic Collections, and they never disappoint. They are God-inspired, and uplifting stories that will warm your heart—highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the author and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Stephanie Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great collection of stories! All of them were fantastic. These stories examine what happens when our plans get interrupted and each story did that well.
I received an advanced copy, opinions are my own.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this summer Mosaic anthology. And the theme throughout about God working a plan different than our own to bring a better ending. So inspiring! This is a book I will want to read again! I received a copy of this book and all opinions are mine.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though as a general rule of thumb, I tend to not enjoy novella collections, the mosaic collections are a solid exception to that rule as I've enjoyed every one of them I've read. This collection was no exception, and may have actually been my favorite as I really liked ALL of the stories in this one. Though each of the stories was unique, they each centered on a common theme of God's timing being best, in spite of our best-laid plans. Each story was about the length of a short story rather than a novella or full-length novel, but none of the stories felt rushed or incomplete. All of them had good character development, a solid faith thread and a bookstore! Most of them included a romance aspect, but for some of them, it was subtle. And in the 2 where the romance was prominent, the couple had history. One was engaged, and the other reunited after several years apart. Each story line had some unique twists and turns and all of them had a feel-good ending, even those that had tragedies in the midst of them. I thoroughly enjoyed each of these stories and this made for an excellent read over a super busy weekend when I could read a new story in each of the snatches of time I had. If you enjoy inspirational stories, this is a collection I would strongly recommend! Special thanks to the authors for an advance e-copy of this collection. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read. The stories in this anthology are based on the idea of our plans vs God's plans and if we are willing to trust God for the best outcome. The characters are varied in their closeness to & history with God.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really LOVE books that contain a collection of books and stories. Sounds Like a Plan: Stories of Change and the God Who Doesn't by Lorna Seilstad, Eleanor Bertin, Sara Davison, Brenda S. Anderson, and Stacy Monson is an Mosaic Collections book. I have read a few Mosaic Collection books and I always enjoy them.

The book contains 5 short stories and all the stories have a setting of a Bookstore. I LOVE Bookstores and that theme really caught my attention. I wanted to finish the book in one day, but I didn't accomplish that. The flow from one story to the next is seamless. I have a theme in life and it is "God's Plan is always greater then my own plan.". Each story in this book also had that theme. The book is very Faith based and I really LOVE how the characters in each story learn to trust God's plan and not their own. I cannot pick a favorite story as each own has great characters and storylines! I HIGHLY recommend this Summer Anthology Mosaic Collection book! GREAT BOOK!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a light, inspirational read, Sounds Like a Plan is a great option. This book contains a collection of 5 short stories that all point to God's hope in one way or another. With a variety of topics, settings, and ages of characters, it provides something for everyone. Each story is easy to read in a short time, and perfect for a summer afternoon in the sun, morning on the porch, or plane ride to somewhere exotic! I enjoyed the down-to-earth, real-life characters and journeys of each one. I felt for the characters and rooted them on, smiling when they looked to God's guidance or found His purpose for their lives.

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection of novellas! I have a love/hate relationship with novella collections, since I often feel like it's hard to get a lot of character development in such a short story. That was not the case with this collection! Each of the authors did a fantastic job of writing stories that pointed to God being in control of the timing of things in our lives. I also enjoyed the common thread of a bookstore being the center of each story. I highly recommend picking up this book, along with the other Mosaic stories!

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if the authors of this anthology did it intentionally but in each of these stories a library or a shop that sells books figures into the plot of each of these stories.
In A Baby in the Mix the male main character owns a bookstore. I love how Lorna Seilstad gives readers a lesson on priorities with her story. It is all about saying yes to what God asks of you and adjusting your plans to fit His.
In Not by Chance Lily meets a new friend in a bookstore. Eleanor Bertin also shows readers how one character lives out being open to what God is calling her to.
Sara Davison expands on the story of one of the characters in her Two Sparrows for a Penny series. Five Things You Know About Me is a story of reconnecting with a lost love and repairing broken relationships. One of the settings in the book is a used bookstore.
Brenda Anderson's story connection to a bookstore is a little more vague but it is still there. Paige’s daughter runs a boutique and expands into carrying some books (books by Stacy Monson and Cathe Swanson). This plot is a little harder than others because of the heartache involved but the lesson for readers is one that needs to be heard - telling the truth is best, even when it is hard, and in the long run it is best not to hide a difficult truth.
In Piper’s Sweet Dream the characters meet in a bookstore. Stacy Monson used this novella to introduce readers to characters who will appear in later stories which I am thankful for because they are characters I’d like to know more about. This story is really about facing challenges and looking for a new path when doors close. It is also about trusting our future to God.
These stories are all enjoyable - great for a lazy afternoon.
While Sounds Like a Plan is an anthology written for adults, it could find its way into a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for high school students.
I received a complimentary copy of Sounds Like a Plan. This is my honest review.

[Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely collection of short stories! Clean, faith-filled stories that made me want to keep turning the pages! The authors of the Mosaic Collection never disappoint! If you’re looking for quick, enjoyable short stories and don’t want any questionable content… this book is for you! And I have read other books from these authors and I highly recommend them if you love good, clean fiction with Christian themes!

[Brenda S Anderson]

A Mosaic Collection anthology.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good message of faith and family. Deeply relational. A good read!

[Jennifer Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reading

This book is a collection of Christian stories, each with profound meaning and life lessons. I thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciated the work of all the authors.

[Pamela Mytroen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Mosaic Anthology “ Sounds Like a Plan”
by Mosaic Authors Lorna Seilstad, Eleanor Bertin, Sara Davison, Brenda S. Anderson, and Stacy Monson. Each short story shared a few fun things in common and the ones I adored the most follow:
1. The male characters in each story. These stories honour boyfriends, husbands, fathers, sons-in-law, and friends. They were all dignified, principled, and strong with the women in the stories and yet so kind, respectful, and gentle. Not perfect but that gave me hope for our world that we could see men rise up like this and love their girls and their women with courage, kindness, and strength.
2. Another fun element - Romance and magic happens in Bookstores and/or Boutique stores in most of the stories. Irresistible!
3. Caregiving for hurting people or animals also tied these stories together - such a relevant theme!
4. I also loved how somebody in the story knows the main character better than they know themselves and is always one step ahead of them, planning some kind of surprise. They don’t realize they even need it until later. So true in our own lives how God’s plan is always good but it’s not until hindsight that we see the story he traced in our lives.
5. And finally, in each story there’s always a change of plans. How true of life! How the characters handle the changes fills the pages with secrets, sorrow, guilt, adventures, and surprises!
I’ve reviewed each story of the anthology below:

A Baby In The Mix by Lorna Seilstad
A fun story with Aimee and Micah and the Baby Cakes Bakery and Buy the Book bookstore. Aimee has to make a choice. Will she leave the little one in an at-risk situation and save her upcoming wedding and fiancé? Or will she say “Yes” and lose everything she’s ever wanted? Her hard choice came with a surprise. This story gave me hope as I learned a lot about Kinship Care, smash cakes, and the cost of saying “Yes”. I loved this story by Lorna Seilstad.

Not By Chance by Eleanor Bertin

I Love how the Heidelberg Catechism frames this short story with a sweet surprise at the end. Caregiving challenges and an unusual romance between Lily and Ian fill the middle. Rose is gently but so realistically drawn in “Not By Chance” and helps me to have empathy for those going through a similar situation. And I loved how “coincidences” happened in this darling story. “All things, in fact, come to us not by chance but from His heavenly hand”(Heidelberg Catechism). I will read this one again by Eleanor Bertin!

Five Things You Know About Me by Sara Davison.
It’s hard to a romance when there’s a bookstore, roasting coffee beans, oatmeal cookies, puppies, and a scathing betrayal. Throw in a bomb scare and dates that domino forward to a deadline. Will Andrea be impressed? I’d love for my husband to read this book and get some ideas from Mario for the most creative dates! I cried at the end! The humour and forgiveness may have had something to do with that!

Mercy’s Detour by Brenda S Anderson.
Lots of lucious scenes in this story as we journey along with Paige on a Mid-Life Crisis Road Trip! Detours take Paige through unexpected valleys with family misunderstandings and accusations, especially when she finally brings a long-held marital secret to light. Will she have to leave the lovely cottage in the woods? More surprises are around the next bend as Paige heads out in her RV once again.

Piper’s Sweet Dream by Stacy Monson
I hope someday I can visit Pip’s Divine Chocolates in small town Halston, Wisconsin as well as Finn McNally’s Chocolate Brews in his restored train station, and browse through all the unique boutiques. I’d like to meet Finn and ask him some questions - “Are you going to pursue a relationship with Piper or will Jodi get to you first?“ “I have some concerns about Piper - I’m not sure she shares your values although she is meticulous about how she runs her business.” “Did Piper find out who tried to ruin her business?” “Did Piper’s chatty friend, Mary, find love?” I think I’ll have to make a trip soon! Or I’ll read Stacy Monson’s next instalment of this story in Mosaic’s 2024 Christmas anthology, “A Weary World Rejoices”.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of the Mosaic Collection since its inception and always feel uplifted after reading any volume in the series. The pulse of God is felt in these tomes, and I can personally attest to feeling the whispers and nudges. Sounds Like a Plan is a five-novella anthology that are all so very different, yet all touch the spirit.

A Baby in the Mix starts off the quintuple and it packs quite a punch. Though there is not a lot of time for character development it’s clear from the start that both Aimee and Micah have the biggest hearts. I loved that I was able to get a glimpse into their world and see them both show their love and devotions through a very tough situation. The baby cakes and bakery were the sweetest moments and helped balance the heavier subject matters perfectly.

In Not a Chance Lily and Ian’s first meeting is not ideal by any means but this novella ended with one of the most charming scenes of the anthology. Their chemistry is positively palpable and while there were moments I wasn’t sure where the story was headed, it all makes sense in the end. There is a character with dementia which is very close to my heart as this is what took my grandfather a few years ago, but it was handled with the gentlest of care and showed beauty in the broken.

Hands down Five Things You Know About Me was my favorite of the five. This one was such a rollercoaster of emotions in such a short amount of time. There were moments that my heart was swooning and other times I may or may not have teared up, especially during the final chapter. There was one scene in particular that was truly touching, and I know will stick with me for a long time. I wish I could gush about it further but I’d rather you experience it for yourself than spoil it.

An unexpected phone call puts Paige’s midlife road trip on a different course in Mercy’s Detour and what a detour it is. “Funny how you don’t realize how much you love something until it’s taken away” rings true in this story of a lone woman on a personal journey. At first glance, I wasn’t sure why Paige is on this adventure but when the truth is revealed it is quite tragic and sad. Still, there is beauty to be found when truth come to light and that couldn’t be clearer in Paige’s story.

The sweet chocolate-covered cherry on top of this anthology is Piper’s Sweet Dreams, which follows Piper, a passionate entrepreneur working through the pains of a growing business. Poor Piper gets hit from all sides as she tries to open a storefront, but still has the drive and passion to push through, which was very inspiring to me. This novella was the perfect way to end the anthology.

There were so many scenes that I enjoyed throughout the anthology, including moments of tenderness that left my heart warmed, while other occasions I was chuckling to myself and shaking my head. Each story was the perfect length for my nighttime reading, and I love how rich and fully developed they each are, despite their shortened span.

As always, I am beyond thankful that I had the opportunity to read Sounds Like a Plan and grateful to the Mosaic collection and all of the authors for always uplifting and inspiring.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Lori Hooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five wonderful, enriching, encouraging stories that are not to be missed. Each of the stories shows a unique way in which God’s plan is bigger than our own and that to trust Him with that plan will enrich the life lived beyond belief. The stories illustrate how sometimes just saying “yes” to God will bring a blessing unimagined and beautiful, changing and highlighting life in His ways. From babies to trips to relationships, I don’t think I could choose a favorite if asked to because each of the stories is special in it’s own right. The beauty of trusting God is at the forefront of each story. Relationships are highlighted and treasures are found in those relationships. Each special story will bring joy and smiles, as well as hope, as it is read. The Mosaic Collection found between these covers is a treat not to be missed and I look forward to reading more of these collections and more from these authors.

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Baby In The Mix

Very enjoyable novella. I loved the dynamics between Micah and Aimee. Their heart and kindest was endearing and it showed great reliance on the will of God.

Not By Chance.

This was one insightful story. I loved the beautiful way the author crafted it. Lily's heart of service was very admirable and worthy of emulation.

Five Things You Know About Me.

A beautiful story of trusting God with the outcome of our lives, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Mercy's Detour.

Life's detours are not always bad. I loved how this story illustrated that we should trust God with those detours.


Piper's Sweet Dream.

Who doesn't like chocolates! Beautiful story filled with alot of sweetness.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Anna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology is absolutely wonderful, written by some of the best authors in the business.

Each story takes the reader on a journey that brings changes, surprises, and points us to the One whose plans we may not understand, but are perfect—in timing and purpose—for us.

Though this book is unapologetic in its Christian message it will touch the heart of anyone who reads the novellas it contains. Each one paints a picture of real life issues and the God who is greater than them all.

I highly recommend this anthology.

I received a copy courtesy of the authors. This is my honest opinion of the book.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these books, they were a great reminder that we can make plans and think our life is heading in one direction until circumstances change everything. Even then - or especially then - God is in control. We are not in control of circumstances, but we can control our actions and emotions. Sometimes our desire for perfection can cause more problems and we need to be willing to let go, be flexible and realise that dreams change. Unforgiveness can also be a barrier to the life God wants for us but with God's help forgiveness - and freedom - is possible. I received an ARC but this review is my own.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from Brenda S. Anderson, and I was excited to read another Mosaic Collection. There are times in life when novellas are just the perfect kind of story to read. Each one of these had something to do with change in the characters lives, and how their personal faith helped or possibly challenged them.
I especially enjoyed Brenda S. Anderson's contribution to the set, as she brought in some characters from another book.
I would love to read full length novels that pick up each of these characters, and go further with their challenges!!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection of stories that focused on the unexpected and being willing to accept God's plan when it doesn't necessarily line up with ours. Each story was a quick read, but each author managed to make you care about the main characters, even though they were short stories. I have enjoyed all the of the Mosaic Collection books I have read and this was no exception.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun collection of stories! I enjoyed all of them, to a greater or lesser extent. Each of them showed a woman finding her way through life, searching for God’s will for her. Each of the settings and plots was unique, which I enjoyed. Each story had elements that I loved—the unexpected appearance of a baby in the first story, the location of the car crash in the second, a couple of delightful words that I had never come across before in Five Things I Know About You, some of the details at a market in the fourth book, and the business in the last one. I will definitely be watching for more of these collections.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

[Una · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the stories in this collection. They all seemed true to live. We make our plans then we might do our own thing before we ask God what to do. God then makes our plans into his plans. Like in the stories sometimes, they are different from what we think. Each of the stories show how things work out for the best when we trust the Lord.

I received an ARC from the author and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.