His Love Endures Forever

 

By Beth Wiseman

 

Book Description

An unplanned pregnancy. An absent father. Can love really endure all things?
Danielle Kent is anything but Amish. But as destiny would have it, she has fallen in love with an Amish man.  Now she’s 18, pregnant, and hopeful that the child’s Amish father—Matthew Lapp—will do the right thing and marry her. She knows Matthew plans to leave his Colorado settlement for a life in the Englisch world. But that plan never included a baby.  When Matthew walks away from her and their unborn child, she has nowhere to turn. Her unlikely friendship with Levi offers some comfort—yet they have so little in common. This wasn’t the plan she had for her life, and she has never felt so alone. She doesn’t want to be pregnant. Doesn’t want to be Amish. Doesn’t want to trust God.
And yet.  God has plans beyond what her mind can imagine . . . loving plans to show a lost young woman that His love never fails but endures forever.

My Review

In the third book of the A Land of Canaan series, Danielle Kent is a teenager in love with Matthew Lapp, her Amish boyfriend.  She has plans but find out that she is carrying his child.  However, he has plans of his own.  He wants to leave the Amish and live in the English world.  He doesn’t want a wife or a child.  And, when she tells him about the baby, he tells her that he never loved her.

Danielle has no idea what to do.  Matthew has broken her heart, her mother is not around and she is scared.  But her childhood Amish friend, Levi, offers to marry her and raise the child as his own.  Though none of these events were in anyone's plans, God works in mysterious ways through the situations and a beautiful love story develops.  However this is not your typical Amish love story.  The story is also about the interaction between the English and Amish worlds. 

The characters are likeable and the plot is certainly believable given that more and more modern people and things are within the Amish world – just by virtue of curiosity.  As you read the story you really feel for Danielle – she is only 18 but she has been through so much – abandonment, feeling unloved, no mother, Matthew not loving her, pregnant, feeling alone, etc.  Levi seems to be a savior of sorts for her but God leads her to make the correct decision.  I recommend this book to all readers – not just those who like Amish fiction.  I would give it five out of five stars.

NOTE:  I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my review.  I was not required to post a positive review.



Whispers In The Wind

By Lauraine Snelling



About The Book

She's Come This Far.... Must She Turn Back Now?

After fleeing North Dakota and the now defunct Wild West Show, Cassie Lockwood and her companions have finally found the hidden valley in South Dakota where her father had dreamed of putting down roots. But to her dismay, she discovers a ranch already built on her land.  Cassie's arrival surprises Mavis Engstrom and forces her to reveal secrets she's kept hidden for years. Her son Ransom is suspicious of Cassie and questions the validity of her claim to the valley. But younger son Lucas decides from the start that he is in love with her and wants to marry her.  Will Cassie be able to build a home on the Bar E Ranch and fulfill her father's dream of raising horses, or will she be forced to return to the itinerant life of her past? 

My Review

I liked this book - but didn't love it.  I love the author's books so I was surprised that I didn't really like this one until I realized that I should have read the first book and maybe I would have liked this one more.

The main character, Cassie (good name), doesn't keep your attention.  Reading the book was sluggish and I found myself wanting to skip a few pages or chapters to see if it improved further into the book.  Since this is a series, I also found that there were no loose ends or unanswered questions at the end that would entice me to want to read Book 3. 

Overall I was disappointed.

NOTE:  I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review. 

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Tidewater Inn

By Colleen Coble

About This Book

Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.  Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.  But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby’s under suspicion for the crime.  Libby’s dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

My Review

This book started off with a bang - a kidnapping in the first chapter.  It is not a mystery story but a story with family, secrets, danger and many other things.  Libby owns her own business and inherits a beautiful inn worth millions.  She visibly sees her business parther,  Nicole, kidnapped but no one believes her when she arrives on the island.  In fact, they suspect her of foul play.  She finds that her father has been alive for years (recently died) even though her mother told her he died.  As she unravels his life story, she finds that she has siblings - and they don't initally like her.  Coast Guard Lt Alec Bourne seems to believe Libby's story and her innocence.  That is all I'll reveal of the story -- you have to read it to find out the rest.

Colleen Coble writes a fast-paced story with action, dialogue, great plotline, etc.  The story is multi-faceted and you quickly become emotionally involved with Libby and you want the story to end well!  There are several conflicts within the story and they are all resolved by the end.  If you read Ms. Coble's Rock Harbor series - you'll love this story because Bree and her search dog appear in this story :-)  I look forward to the next book in this series - Rosemary Cottage comes in July 2013 !!!

NOTE:  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review.  I was in  no way obligated to give a positive review.

The Bride Wore Blue

by Mona Hodgson



Book Description
At last, the sisters are reunited! The youngest Sinclair, the family“ baby”, is moving from Maine to Cripple Creek, Colorado and joining Kat, Nell, and Ida. But Vivian is a young woman with a will of her own, and made some decisions back in Portland that have begun to haunt her. Will she be able to live up to the expectations of her three perfect and now happily-settled sisters?

The sisters warmly welcome Vivian to the mountain west, but the wild-and-woolly mining town isn’t ripe with opportunities for a respectable young woman. The youngest Sinclair sister is determined to make her own way, so when she’s off ered a job as a hostess in a sporting house, she takes it, thinking the position is appropriate for a tainted, unlovable woman like herself. Although she’s convinced she’ll never be asked to entertain privately, Vivian keeps her employment a secret from her sisters, knowing they’d be mortified—as will Carter Alwyn, the kind and godly sheriff ’s deputy who’s sweet on her.

Vivian is descending into a life of secrets, lying to the very people who love her and could help her heal from her mistakes. Will an outpouring of grace remind her that she is still God’s beloved and that her past can be washed as clean as Rocky Mountain snow?

My Review
I really enjoyed getting to know the Sinclair sisters through the author's book and look forward to reading future books in this series.  Her writing is true to the era, but easy to read and easy to visualize yourself in Cripple Creek in the late 1800s.  Vivian and her sisters are very believable characters and the story is interesting although the theme of the book, as so many Christian novels, is one of guil/shamet, forgiveness (one's self), finding grace and finding love again. Of course, the love story was a bit predictable but I still enjoyed reading it and would recommend it for lovers of historical fiction.

Read an excerpt here. 

NOTE:  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Faithful to Laura

by Kathleen Fuller

Book Description

Laura’s Amish faith requires her to forgive, but she can only think of revenge.
Laura Stutzman leaves her Kentucky community for Middlefield, Ohio, with one purpose: to find Mark King, the man who pledged his love to her, then left. She can’t move on with her life until he explains why.  Sawyer Thompson is a Yankee who spent his teen years in an Amish home. Now an adult, he has to make a decision—go back to the life he knew as a child or join the church. Having suffered loss at a young age, he understands Laura’s anger, but is determined to follow God’s will and forgive. As their friendship grows, Laura begins to let her guard down.
New information about Sawyer’s past threatens the couple’s budding relationship. Both Laura and Sawyer will need to release the anger they’re storing in their hearts and forgive the people who’ve harmed them. As Laura struggles to trust God, will Sawyer do whatever it takes to remain faithful to Laura?

My Review
This is the second Middlefield Family Novel and the follow-up to Treasuring Emma.  This book begins with many of the same characters as the first book but introduced new characters as well.  Since I have read both books, it was easy for me to understand and follow the background story references in this book but this book would also be easily read as a stand-alone book.  You can tell from this book most of what happened to Laura but reading the first book told more detail, including how she wound up in Middlefield from Tennessee.   

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  The main themes are forgiveness (we must learn to forgive as our Heavenly Father forgives us) and trust (sometimes we must learn to trust again, after having been hurt tremendously by someone we love).  Ms. Fuller's writing shows that we all have tough issues to face and that telling the truth is the right thing to do, even when it's hard.

The only disappointment in the book was that it has one of those "sudden endings" that just doesn't give you enough detail.  The story was going right along and then, BAM, things are resolved rather quickly - too quickly.  Hopefully this means that characters will be back in a third novel in the series.

NOTE:  I received a complimentary copy of Faithful to Laura through the Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze Blogger program in exchange for an honest review.





Through Rushing Water

by Catherine Richmond

Book Description

Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory.  Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.  With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.  It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When U.S. policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.

Review
I read a lot of historical fiction but this is the first one I've read that includes history of a particular indian tribe showing how "Americans" tried to civilize them.  I say that lightly because they are and always were Americans - they were here first after all!  The story was very captivating too - well written, wonderful characters, good history!  The character of Sophia was a strong, spunky woman - not often heard of in the 1870s.  She was a native of Russia who came to America when a little girl - now a teacher.  Her heart was broken when a man she (and everyone else) assumed was courting her for marriage jilted her by proposing to her roommate.  She signed up to be a missionary with hopes of being sent to China.  However, she ends up as a missionary to the Ponca Indian tribe in the Dakota Territory.  She, and the readers, fall in love with the gentle people who only want to save their native land where their deceased are buried.  The government, however, wants to move them into new lands.  Will, a carpenter who is also working at the Indian Agency feels the same about the tribe as Sophia does.  The story goes through the trials they endure - hunger, cold, useless "annuities" from the government, death, raids, etc. 

I really enjoyed this book - it breaks my heart to see how our forefathers ran the Indians out of lands that truly belonged to them.  The book dwells on how the workers at the Agency, Henry (preacher), Will (carpenter), James (Agency head), Sophia (teacher) and Nettie (Henry's mother) come to love the people they are helping.  The work they do does come to fruition of a sort in the end but not without loss, worry, death and lots of prayers.  Of course, Will and Sophia fall in love as well.

One quote from the book - one that led to the books title - is this:  "Ignore the rushing water.....ignore everything that tries to pull you under or knock your feet out, of obscures your view.  Plant your feet on the solid rock."  The quote is written in the context of climbing  a waterfall but it certainly is applicable to our lives - the lives of Christians everywhere.  We have a Solid Rock to stand on and HE is always there.  I give this book a five out of five stars - 5 out of 5.

NOTE:  I received this book from Thomas Nelson publishing via the BookSneeze book review for bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review and I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's guidelines.

Creston Mapes --- Liffuse Blog Tour

About the Author
Best-selling author Creston Mapes grew up in northeast Ohio where he had a type-set printing press and his own neighborhood newspaper. A fair student, he excelled at being creative through the written word. In college he was mentored by a one-of-a-kind journalism professor who was a freelancer for National Geographic; she encouraged him to pursue a career in writing.  Graduating from Bowling Green State University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in magazine journalism, Creston moved to the Gulf Coast of Florida where he began his career as a reporter at a bi-weekly newspaper. Two years later he transferred to a daily paper in central Ohio where he was a city hall reporter, feature writer, and photographer. When Creston received a call from Phoenix Communications of Atlanta in 1986, he and his wife made the move to Atlanta. For four years he served as a creative director for Phoenix, creating, writing & producing high-end marketing materials.  After discovering his need for Jesus Christ in the late 1980s, Creston became creative director for Dr. Bruce Wilkinson (Prayer of Jabez) and Walk Thru the Bible Ministries in Atlanta. It only took a year for him to discover "management" was the farthest thing from his forte--that's when Creston began working out of his home as a freelance writer. For 22 years he has written marketing and magazine copy for clients such as Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A, The Weather Channel, TNT Sports, Oracle Corporation, ABC TV, and others. Creston still writes for many of those fine organizations and is especially enjoying creating inspirational fiction.  His three suspense novels include: DARK STAR: CONFESSIONS OF A ROCK IDOL, FULL TILT, and NOBODY. He is currently at work on a new thriller series to release in 2013. Creston resides in Atlanta with his hometown sweetheart and four children. He loves reading, painting, family outings, watching hockey, baseball and basketball, and listening to all kinds of music, exploring old Atlanta with his wife, and being with friends.

Dark Star

Can Fame, Wealth, and Power Buy Happiness?  Everett Lester and his band, DeathStroke, ride the crest of a wave to superstardom. But the deeper they become immersed in fame, wealth, and power, the more likely they are to be swallowed alive by the drugs, alcohol, and discontentment that have become their only friends. Everett is headed down a perilous road of no apparent return when he’s charged with the murder of his personal psychic. The only hope he can cling to comes from Topeka , Kansas , and the letters written by a prayerful young lady who lives there. Consistent and persistent, the notes cut straight to Everett ’s empty heart, offering a fulfillment he’s never grasped before. But what if he’s found guilty of murder? Will he recognize the spiritual battle that’s raging for his soul?

Endora Crystal was my rock...

As I staggered through the chaos of rock ’n’ roll fame—the drugs and alcohol, the selfishness and turmoil—Endora was the gentle voice in my ear telling me I was special. Telling me I was adored. She was my personal psychic, and she said I had a unique purpose, a calling to give my fans happiness. To be their god.  My band, DeathStroke, dominated the world of rock. Yet strife ruled our inner circle. My family didn’t know me. I loved no one but myself. 
And yet Karen Bayliss was praying for me, that I would come to know the love of God and the lordship of Jesus Christ. She was not a fan. Didn’t care for my music. Karen just wanted me to know peace.  Now Endora is dead, and I’ve been charged with first-degree murder.

Everett Lester is headed down a perilous road of no apparent return. Will he recognize the spiritual battle that’s raging for his soul?

Full Tilt 

What Good Can Become of Psychotics, Meth Users, or the Mob? In this sequel to Dark Star, rock star Everett Lester is eager to share the redeeming power of Christ’s love with the world through his music. But reaching his family in their twisted lives is another issue altogether. His gambling-addicted brother, Eddie, and the rest of his deteriorating family greet Everett’s attempts with disdain and hatred. When the Mob gets involved, dangerous threats become a haunting reality. And when Eddie’s son, Wesley—who blames Everett for his brother’s death—hooks up with psychotic Tony Badino, the two meth-using antichrists will stop at nothing to bring Everett down and secure his demise!

I ONCE SOWED DESTRUCTION.

Now those I love are reaping pain.  The media hype is fading, and my life is no longer that of a glamorous celebrity. I’m Everett Lester, former lead singer of DeathStroke, acquitted of first-degree murder, now married, a Christian, and ready to take my story to the masses through music. Problem is, the turmoil of my past didn’t end when the reporters left.  My wife, Karen, and I have received news that has rocked our world. My brother Eddie’s gambling is so far out of control that the mob practically owns him. And Eddie’s son, Wesley—who blames me for his brother’s death—is mixed up with meth, a psychotic named Tony Badino, and a satanic voice that’s urging him to take me out.
Will my Living Water tour ever hit the road? Will former fans stop hissing long enough to hear about the transforming power of Christ’s love? Satan once used me for evil—only through God’s power can I be used for good. The question is: w ill my loved ones and I be able to survive the aftermath of a rock star’s life?   Everett Lester faces enemies both human and supernatural. Satan won’t give up his hold on Everett , his family, or his fans without a vicious fight. God’s victory is certain in the supernatural realm, but will Everett survive the earthly battle that’s threatening to obliterate him? 

Nobody

They said, "He's a nobody." They were dead wrong. When reporter Hudson Ambrose hears an early morning call on his police scanner about an injured person at a bus stop on Las Vegas Boulevard, he rushes to the scene to get the scoop. His world is blown off its axis when he discovers a murdered homeless man with a bankbook in his pocket showing a balance of almost one million dollars. Should he wait for the police, knowing the case will get lost in reams of red tape, or swipe the bankbook and take the investigation--and perhaps a chunk of the money--into his own hands? With sirens bearing down on the scene, Hudson makes an impulse decision that whisks him on a frantic search for answers, not only about the mysterious man in the black Converse high-tops, but about the lost soul lurking within himself. Uncovering bizarre links between a plane crash, a Las Vegas pit boss, a dirty cop, and a widowed Atlanta business mogul, Hudson is forced to find out, who was Chester Holte, what was he doing on the streets, and why are his homeless friends convinced he was an angel in disguise.

My Review Summary

Let me first state that mystery books are my second favorite genre.  I hesitated about finishing these because I had a difficult time getting involved in the story lines.  The books are not bad - they are just not my types of mystery reading.  Also, being a huge reader for over 40 years, I know that everyone has different tastes.  If you like suspense novels that are written in a modern way, then these books are a good recommendation for you.  Overall, I would give them a three out of a five rating - 3 out of 5 stars.

NOTE - I received these e-books for free in exchange for an honest, personal review.  There was no expectation of a positive review given.

The Fiddler

By Beverly Lewis

Book Description

Amelia "Amy" DeVries, a 24-year-old violinist, is disillusioned with life and love after the collapse of her long-running romance. Weary of endless rehearsals and performances, Amy sets out on a road trip through the Pennsylvania mountains. She leaves her cell phone behind so life's demands can't intrude on her solitude. She doesn't know, nor care, where she will end up.

When her car breaks down deep in the mountains, Amy realizes the flaw in her "no cell phone" plan. She abandons her car and walks the winding roads, searching for help. Following the smell of woodsmoke and the sound of music, she finds a rustic log cabin. There she meets a young Amishman, Michael --and through him a community--that will change her life forever.

My Review

This is the first book in the new Home to Hickory Hollow Series by Beverly Lewis.  As far as Amish books, this one was different.  I have always loved Amish fiction but was slightly disappointed in this book - quite a different reaction to earlier B Lewis books read.  It was definitely not one of my favorites.  I can't really put my finger on the reason why but the story was difficult to become interested in and it took effort to finish it.  My first thoughts are for you to read this book if given the opportunity or if you want to get it free from you local library but I would not recommend that you rush out to purchase the book.

The Amish character of Michael is in his twenties but still can't make up his mind about joining the church.  He is torn and admits that he has to make a decision.  In the end, he does - but it is very surprising.

Amelia is not Amish but is also straddling the fence about a decision in her life.  She is dissatisfied because her boyfriend and parents have dictated her life and she longs for something totally different.  She doesn't want to disappoint her parents (as Michael does not want to do) but doesn't seem mature enough at the beginning to tell them how she really feels.  There is a lot of time spent on Amelia, her musical ability, her upcoming tour, her secret "fiddling", etc.

I guess my overall conclusion is that this was written as "Amish" fiction but it was lacking in Amish content because a majority of the book dwells on Amelia, her life, her decision, etc.  I did find myself rooting for the "Happy Ending" and my idea of how it should be - which is not how it turned out.  So I was also surprised and disappointed at the ending. 

If you are a Beverly Lewis fan, you will enjoy the book just because she wrote it.  However, I am only giving this one a three out of five stars due to the reason above.  I will leave you with this thought - Beverly Lewis can do much better - and I'm sure she will in her future endeavors. 

NOTE:  I received this book from Bethany House publishing in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions stated here are my own and I was in no way influenced or expected to provide a good review.

Hope Springs

By Kim Cash Tate

About This Book

In a small Southern community where everyone is holding tight to something, the biggest challenge may be learning to let go.

Hope Springs, North Carolina, is the epitome of small town life—a place filled with quiet streets where families have been friends for generations, a place where there’s not a lot of change. Until three women suddenly find themselves planted there for a season.

Janelle Evans hasn’t gone back to Hope Springs for family reunions since losing her husband. But when she arrives for Christmas and learns that her grandmother is gravely ill, she decides to extend the stay.

Becca Anderson is finally on the trajectory she’s longed for. Having been in the ministry trenches for years, she’s been recruited as the newest speaker of a large Christian women’s conference. But her husband feels called to become the pastor of his late father’s church in Hope Springs. Will small town living affect her big ministry dreams?

And Stephanie London has the ideal life—married to a doctor in St. Louis with absolutely nothing she has to do. When her cousin Janelle volunteers to stay in Hope Springs and care for their grandmother, she feels strangely compelled to do the same. It’s a decision that will forever change her.

As these women come together, facing disappointments both public and private, they soon recognize that healing is needed in their hearts, their families, and their churches that have long been divided along racial lines. God's plan for them in Hope Springs—and for Hope Springs itself—is bigger than they ever imagined.

My Review

Well, once again I have a new author to love.  Kathy Cash Tate has it all in this book - Faith, friendship, family, romance - even race relations in the modern South.  This book will make you laugh, cry and will make you want your Faith to be stronger and your family ties to be stronger.  The book starts with family returning home for a family reunion.  Relationships begin to be repaired and re-woven.

There are a lot of characters in the book but they are very distinguishable - each different and each memorable and you will empathize with each in some way.  The author has the very unique capability to weave all of the characters together seamlessly - you don't feel as if something is missing.  Each character is developed without drawing away from the overall story or drawing away from the other characters.  The younger women - Janelle, Stephanie, Becca and Libby are the main characters who are dealing with changes and regrets in their lives.  The other characters are necessary to tell the story and reach the climax.  In addition, the flow of the book was well written - no disconnects - with each chapter moving along easily from the previous chapter.

The inclusion of race relations was an integral part of the story and, while it wasn't subtle, it was not the overall conflicting theme.  Mrs. Cash demonstrated a very true picture of most racial relations in the south.  It is not nearly as bad as the media and some people make it out to be.  But lines are still drawn by previous and older generations - lines that shouldn't be there.  Remember - there is no color in Heaven :-)

The element of Faith in the book serves just the right touch as well.  The two pastors of the two churches, Todd and Travis, complete the story.  There are small reference to immorality (infidelity & pre-marital relations) but it is not derogatory - although you see the characters related to the immorality work their way through their regrets, feelings and how to move towards redemption.  There is no foul language in the book as well - something I absolutely loved!  Thank you Mrs. Cash!

I definitely give this novel five out of five stars and I can't wait to read more of Kim Cash Tate's novels.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from THomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of an independent review.  I was not required to post a positive review, all opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Wildflowers From Winter by Katie Ganshert

Read Chapter One of this great book and go here to learn more about the author!

Book Description

A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built a life far removed from her trailer park teen years. Until an interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa. Determined to pay her respects while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.  Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. So when Bethany is left the land, he must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany's vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away. For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn't seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace she's not even sure exists.

 

Review

This is the first book I've read by Katie Ganshert and I have now added her to my life of favorite Christian romance authors.  From the first chapter I loved this story.  The author's style of writing immediately tells you that this a story of tragedy, hurt, guilt, love, redemption, forgiveness and the future.  Bethany has built the perfect life in Chicago away from her childhood home of Peaks.  She left ten years ago with a secret and a past that she thinks she has overcome.  Once she arrives in Peaks, things Price who has helped her grandfather for five years.  He has a strong faith after overcoming his own anger and childhood issues.  He understands her more than she understands herself.  The author writes a lovely story that shows how one can slowly come to know that God is real, he is always there, he is a GOOD God and that he loves you no matter what.  You will not want to put this book down once you begin reading it.

 

Note:  I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing in exchange for a review.

The Beauty Book by Nancy Rue

Book Description

In a society so focused on the idea that beauty matters, it can be difficult for young girls to figure out what ‘true’ beauty is all about. Well, in this unique and creative new book just for girls ages 8-12, Nancy Rue answers common questions girls ask in this often-curious stage in their lives. Filled with fun magazine-type quizzes and imaginative activities, The Beauty Book offers cool information about everything from great hair to tattoos, plus much more. But most important, the message that God-confidence is beautiful is highlighted on each and every page.

Review

I would highly recommend this book - even for girls older than 12 who may be "late bloomers".  The author covers all kinds of topics - skin, hair, self-image, confidence, God's love for each of his individual children, etc.  At the end of each chapter there is a self-quiz to help girls with understanding how they feel about themselves with each topic.  The book is written to show that we are all different, we are are beautiful, we are all God's children.  I think it is a great tool for helping girls feel better about themselves.  The book is not too long and is a very quick read as well so girls who don't like to read won't feel overwhelmed.  I give it a five out of five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Brush of Angel's WIngs

By Ruth Reid

 

Description

He doesn't plan to stay Amish. She doesn't have a plan.  Then an angel draws their hearts toward God . . . and each other.

A buggy-racing champion, a hardworking field-hand, and a terrible cook, Rachel Hartzler does not fit her Amish community's standards for an eligible bride. Hurt by their rejection and still grieving the loss of her brother, Rachel is ready for change. She's not, however, ready for Jordan Engles. Rachel's father hired him to help tend the fields so Rachel can learn to cook and sew, thus increasing her chances of finding a husband. She can't understand why her father doesn't want her help and blames Jordan for trying to replace her beloved brother.  Jordan plans for his time on the Michigan farm to be short. Before his mother passed away, he promised her he'd give her Amish roots a chance. Upon her death, uncertain about what else to do, he came to stay with his Uncle Isaac in Hope Falls. He's curious why his mother left the community she obviously loved. But it doesn't take Jordan long to conclude that the strict lifestyle and the three hour church services are not for him.  But there isn't just human interaction at play. Nathaniel, an angel of God, sees the potential in Jordan and Rachel's hearts from heaven's perspective. His goal is to shepherd them toward the path of healing and love.  When tragedy strikes, then strikes again, this angelic being is sent to guide them toward the healing and abundant life promised in God's Word - if only they will listen.

 

Review 

I have read a lot of Amish fiction novels but have never read one with angels and demons as part of the story.  I'm not really sure how I feel about author's inclusion of Nathaniel the angel or Tangus the demon because they reminded me of those comics that show the red devil on one shoulder and the beautiful angel on the other - both vying for you to do what they say.  We all know that there are angels and demons but we do not really know how they function in today's world.  Aside from this issue, I found the story to be very interesting and one we all can relate to in some way.  All Amish fiction stories are very similar but each one has something that is unique that keeps you interested if you like that genre of story - which I do!  Jordan and Rachel were very believable characters and their story was wonderful.  There were tragedies and difficulties to overcome but the writer was able to show the simplicity of life and how Faith overcomes all things.  It was a good reminder for all Christians (or anyone) that God is always there, we should pray without ceasing, we should learn forgiveness (even of ourselves) and we should live in unity and love.  I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.  

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

By Kelly Long

Description

Northern Pennsylvania, 1777. Adam Wyse is Amish and no patriot, or so the core of his faith decrees. Yet two wars ravage his heart-the longing for the love of young Lena Yoder and the burning desire to defend the country that brought his religious freedom. When Lena's father is imprisoned for being a conscientious objector, Lena is left to raise her two siblings alone. She finds herself imprisoned between her beliefs and her attraction to the rebellious Adam-especially when Adam's older brother, Isaac, presents the opportunity for Lena to regain a sense of balance and rightness with the Lord. How will Derr Herr nurture these two strong hearts into a peace that is "not as the world gives" and bring their love to triumph over all?

Review

I regularly read Amish Fiction books (they are my favorite genre) and I have read Kelly Long books previously but I was not fond of this book.  I am giving it three out of five stars due to the fact that it is an Amish fiction but the storyline, the amount of tragedy and the fact that it was a “historical” Amish fiction tied to the Revolutionary War made it very difficult to read. 

It is set in 1777 and goes into detail about the Pacifists and the Patriots tying it with the Amish conflict of trying to remain neutral during the war but keep their religious freedoms at the same time.  There were parts of the story that did not mesh with other Amish novels.  Ruth, the non-Amish wet  nurse who is brought to help with newborn Faith, spoke only English but most Amish spoke mostly German with a little English.  There was no reference to any language barriers.  Because everyone in the 1700s didn’t not have electricity and they all cooked over a fire the differences between the Amish and other men becomes non-existent resulting in it being so easy to forget that this was an Amish fiction novel.

Also – there are always mild conflicts in Amish novels but usually the stories are heartwarming and give insight to their peaceful and simple way of life with an overall theme of faith, God’s love and love for fellow man.  However, Ms. Long touches on horrible child abuse, murder, hate, anger, superstitions that you don’t really understand and PTSD. 

Lena is the typical Amish woman – faithful, loves a wonderful man, hard working, giving and kind.  Her family has just lost their mother and Lena becomes the woman of the house along with Ruth’s help (the wet nurse).  Adam Yoder and his family are the most conflicted, heart wrenching Amish family I’ve ever read about.  The story makes you so sad that, as you read,  you wonder if anything is going to turn out to be good in the book’s end.  Things do turn out alright in the end but there is never any time reference so it seems that only days pass during this story when in fact it had to have been months.  Something that Ms. Long should consider in future novels.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...]: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."