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."