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.
My review: I was excited to read another story about the Indians during the time of the treaties with the US government. I have read two other books recently along this same line and have found these stories very interesting. Once I received this book, Through Rushing Water, I realized the author, Catherine Richmond, is the lady that also wrote Spring for Susannah. I really had no intentions of ever reading any more of her books, since I did not like the book Spring for Susannah. Obligated to now read Through Rushing Water, I was hoping to be pleasantly surprised. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Mrs. Richmond has chosen a very interesting story line, but her plot is not well-defined. She has too many loose ends and the story jumps around too much. Although her main characters have a lot of information attached to them, they do not have a lot of depth. Mrs. Richmond does have a sense of humor which I enjoyed in this book. She also introduced a group of Indians to me that I had never heard of before. This has peaked my interest to read more about the Ponca Indians. While I think this book is better than her last one, I have to say that I have no intentions of reading a third one by this author to see if she continually gets better. There are so many other books that I would rather read by authors that I enjoy. For Mrs. Richmond's sake, I'm sorry I could not give this book a more positive review. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze blogger program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Friday, June 1, 2012
Hope Springs
Book Description: 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. It isn’t long before she runs into her first love, and feelings that have been dormant for more than a decade are reawakened. And when Janelle proposes a Bible study a the local diner--and invites both African American and Caucasian women she has met--the group quickly forms a spiritual bond . . . and inadvertently adds to underlying tension in the community.
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: This is a wonderful story with themes such as loving God, loving your neighbor, and forgiveness. I had a hard time getting started on the story though, because I was trying to figure out who everyone was. I think the author, Kim Cash Tate, introduced too many characters too soon in the book. Once I got rolling, I was able to keep everyone straight for the most part. I think that most of the characters had been introduced in other books by the author, so if I had read those stories first it probably wouldn't have been so bad. The story itself can stand alone. Mrs. Tate had some unexpected twists that I did not see coming, which made the story that much more interesting. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would like to read the other books that she has written. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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. It isn’t long before she runs into her first love, and feelings that have been dormant for more than a decade are reawakened. And when Janelle proposes a Bible study a the local diner--and invites both African American and Caucasian women she has met--the group quickly forms a spiritual bond . . . and inadvertently adds to underlying tension in the community.
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: This is a wonderful story with themes such as loving God, loving your neighbor, and forgiveness. I had a hard time getting started on the story though, because I was trying to figure out who everyone was. I think the author, Kim Cash Tate, introduced too many characters too soon in the book. Once I got rolling, I was able to keep everyone straight for the most part. I think that most of the characters had been introduced in other books by the author, so if I had read those stories first it probably wouldn't have been so bad. The story itself can stand alone. Mrs. Tate had some unexpected twists that I did not see coming, which made the story that much more interesting. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would like to read the other books that she has written. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Garden of Madness
Book description: The Untold Story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s Daughter.
For seven years the Babylonian princess Tiamat has waited for the mad king Nebuchadnezzar to return to his family and to his kingdom. Driven from his throne to live as a beast, he prowls his luxurious Hanging Gardens, secreted away from the world.
Since her treaty marriage at a young age, Tia has lived an indulgent palace life. But when her husband dies and a nobleman is found murdered in the palace, Tia must discover who is responsible for the macabre death, even if her own newfound freedom is threatened.
As the queen plans to wed Tia to yet another prince, the powerful mage Shadir plots to expose the family’s secret and set his own man on the throne. Tia enlists the help of a reluctant Jewish captive, her late husband’s brother Pedaiah, who challenges her notions of the gods even as he opens her heart to both truth and love.
In a time when few gave their hearts to Yahweh, one woman must decide if she is willing to risk everything—her possessions, her gods, and her very life—for the Israelite’s one God. Madness, sorcery and sinister plots mingle like an alchemist’s deadly potion, and Tia must dare to risk all – to save the kingdom, and to save herself.
My review: Tracy L. Higley has written a very intriguing story! She has amazing word pictures throughout this book, Garden of Madness. I think her fictionalization along with Scriptural facts was very tastefully done. For me, the book was a little slow getting started; however, once I had read several pages I couldn't put it down. I found myself reading late into the night. Ms. Higley is a new author for me, and I am looking forward to reading other books by her. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
For seven years the Babylonian princess Tiamat has waited for the mad king Nebuchadnezzar to return to his family and to his kingdom. Driven from his throne to live as a beast, he prowls his luxurious Hanging Gardens, secreted away from the world.
Since her treaty marriage at a young age, Tia has lived an indulgent palace life. But when her husband dies and a nobleman is found murdered in the palace, Tia must discover who is responsible for the macabre death, even if her own newfound freedom is threatened.
As the queen plans to wed Tia to yet another prince, the powerful mage Shadir plots to expose the family’s secret and set his own man on the throne. Tia enlists the help of a reluctant Jewish captive, her late husband’s brother Pedaiah, who challenges her notions of the gods even as he opens her heart to both truth and love.
In a time when few gave their hearts to Yahweh, one woman must decide if she is willing to risk everything—her possessions, her gods, and her very life—for the Israelite’s one God. Madness, sorcery and sinister plots mingle like an alchemist’s deadly potion, and Tia must dare to risk all – to save the kingdom, and to save herself.
My review: Tracy L. Higley has written a very intriguing story! She has amazing word pictures throughout this book, Garden of Madness. I think her fictionalization along with Scriptural facts was very tastefully done. For me, the book was a little slow getting started; however, once I had read several pages I couldn't put it down. I found myself reading late into the night. Ms. Higley is a new author for me, and I am looking forward to reading other books by her. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Arms of Love
Book description: The year is 1777. America is in turmoil. And Amish life is far different than today.
Pennsylvania in the late 18th century, once called William Penn’s Woods, was an assortment of different faiths living together for the first time in American history. Included in this tapestry was a small and struggling population called Amish.
Surrounding this peaceful people were unavoidable threats: both Patriots and the British were pillaging land and goods for the sake of the war, young Amishmen were leaving the faith to take up arms and defend freedom. A simple walk in the untamed forests could result in death, if not from bullet or arrow, then from an encounter with a wild animal.
Amid this time of tumult, Adam Wyse is fighting a personal battle. To possibly join the war efforts and leave his faith, which would mean walking away from the only woman he’s ever loved: Lena Yoder. But for that love he’s made a promise that may keep them apart permanently.
My review: Set in the year 1777, this Amish story is different than most. Kelly Long chose an unusual time period, but I think that helped make this a very interesting story. It gave a different perspective and insight into the lives of the Amish. I enjoyed the characters as well as the story-line. The struggles the characters faced were believable and real. The reader is able to enter into the lives of the characters and feel the pain as well as the joy. Ms. Long wrote a "real-life" story with a surprise ending. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze blogger program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Pennsylvania in the late 18th century, once called William Penn’s Woods, was an assortment of different faiths living together for the first time in American history. Included in this tapestry was a small and struggling population called Amish.
Surrounding this peaceful people were unavoidable threats: both Patriots and the British were pillaging land and goods for the sake of the war, young Amishmen were leaving the faith to take up arms and defend freedom. A simple walk in the untamed forests could result in death, if not from bullet or arrow, then from an encounter with a wild animal.
Amid this time of tumult, Adam Wyse is fighting a personal battle. To possibly join the war efforts and leave his faith, which would mean walking away from the only woman he’s ever loved: Lena Yoder. But for that love he’s made a promise that may keep them apart permanently.
My review: Set in the year 1777, this Amish story is different than most. Kelly Long chose an unusual time period, but I think that helped make this a very interesting story. It gave a different perspective and insight into the lives of the Amish. I enjoyed the characters as well as the story-line. The struggles the characters faced were believable and real. The reader is able to enter into the lives of the characters and feel the pain as well as the joy. Ms. Long wrote a "real-life" story with a surprise ending. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze blogger program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Chasing the Sun
From the back of the book: When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but also for the Texas ranch her father recently acquired. A marriage of convenience could ease her predicament...but is it the true desire of her heart?
Wounded soldier William Barnett returns home only to find out that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angered at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.
Despite these circumstances, Hannah and William form an uneasy truce...and an undeniable attraction builds between them. In a land where loyalties are divided in a country ravaged by war, is there any hope that the first blush of love can survive?
My review: Chasing the Sun is the first book of the new series Land of the Lone Star by Tracie Peterson. This is another book I enjoyed so much that I had a hard time putting it down. It kept me reading till late at night. Parts of the story were a little far-fetched, but I guess that is the liberty an author has when writing a fictional story. I will definitely be looking forward to reading book two in this series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Wounded soldier William Barnett returns home only to find out that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angered at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.
Despite these circumstances, Hannah and William form an uneasy truce...and an undeniable attraction builds between them. In a land where loyalties are divided in a country ravaged by war, is there any hope that the first blush of love can survive?
My review: Chasing the Sun is the first book of the new series Land of the Lone Star by Tracie Peterson. This is another book I enjoyed so much that I had a hard time putting it down. It kept me reading till late at night. Parts of the story were a little far-fetched, but I guess that is the liberty an author has when writing a fictional story. I will definitely be looking forward to reading book two in this series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Wildflowers from Winter
From the back of the book: A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built the life she dreamed of during her trailer-park teen years. An unexpected call 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 to her past while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. Then unexpected inheritance of five hundred acres 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. When Bethany is left the land, Evan must fight her decisions to realize his own 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 that she's not even sure exists?
My review: Katie Ganshert is a new author for me, and I enjoyed reading her book Wildflowers from Winter. Bethany's story is so real and believable. I felt like I knew her. Her struggles and her journey toward peace represent the struggles that so many of us face. The book seemed to come to an end a little abruptly, but otherwise I thought this was an excellent book. I look forward to reading more by this author. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Determined to pay her respects to her past while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. Then unexpected inheritance of five hundred acres 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. When Bethany is left the land, Evan must fight her decisions to realize his own 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 that she's not even sure exists?
My review: Katie Ganshert is a new author for me, and I enjoyed reading her book Wildflowers from Winter. Bethany's story is so real and believable. I felt like I knew her. Her struggles and her journey toward peace represent the struggles that so many of us face. The book seemed to come to an end a little abruptly, but otherwise I thought this was an excellent book. I look forward to reading more by this author. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Secret Path of Destiny
Book description: In "The Secret Path of Destiny", a young, disabled, German-American girl, named Isolde, and her destitute mother reach out for a lifeline being offered by a widower in the German town of Fredericksburg, Texas. The year is 1865, and the two travel from New York City through the aftermath of the Civil War. But another war is brewing, this time with Native Americans, and Isolde and her mother are heading right into the heart of Comancheria, the homeland of the Comanche. It is not the Comanche Isolde fears, but her mother’s new employer, who becomes her stepfather. Isolde realizes he is a cunning man who is not who he pretends to be. As the situation worsens, Isolde is forced to make a life-changing decision to escape; desperate, she seeks refuge with a Comanche Indian, who befriends her at first, but later joins a warring band of Comanche. Her malevolent stepfather pursues her across Texas, turning her life upside down. Eventually, Isolde accepts the difficult circumstances of her life and realizes that a person’s destiny is often hidden from view because the path is sometimes rocky.
My review: This is another great book by M.B. Tosi. Once I was finally able to start reading this book, I couldn't put it down! I was totally drawn into the story and into the lives of the characters. Once again, Ms. Tosi has combined historical facts with a fictional story. The Secret Path of Destiny is about the Comanche, and I enjoyed reading the history about the Comanche during this time period as much as I enjoyed the fictional story. Ms. Tosi is a wonderful story teller, and I look forward to reading more of her books. I received a complimentary copy of this book from WestBow press through the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze Blogger program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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