Carly Westlake is moving on after several heartaches have threatened her happiness. Breast cancer, unexpected divorce, the death of her best friend, and the death of her father have not destroyed her. In fact, things are starting to look up. Her chocolate spa seems to be doing well, and her high-school crush, Jake Mitchell, has decided to move back to town and is interested in a relationship. Carly is determined to move on with her life. Then secrets begin to be revealed, and Carly's happiness is threatened once again. Will Jake be there for her, or is Scott Hammond, her best friend's widower, becoming more than just a friend?
After reading Smitten I was looking forward to reading Bittersweet Surrender by Diann Hunt. Unfortunately I was disappointed. To me the book was too "busy". Ms. Hunt tried to tackle too many issues for one book and didn't seem to resolve any of them. Also, this book is classified as Christian fiction, but I didn't really see a lot of Biblical direction at all. A few references to prayer and church and a verse here and there just don't do it for me. When I read a Christian book I want to be encouraged and challenged in my faith. That did not happen with this book. Ms. Hunt has a great story-line and ideas. She just didn't take those ideas as far as they could have gone. 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, December 28, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
When the Soul Mends
From the back of the book: After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.
Having left Owl's Perch more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. Hannah has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise; and her life-long dream of being part of the medical community is being realized. But almost immediately after her arrival, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.
As Hannah is thrown together with former fiance Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah's mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah's absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain life-and perhaps to her first love?
My review: Wow! I was up until 1:30 in the morning finishing this book. There just wasn't a good stopping place. I couldn't quit turning pages until it was finished. I have read a few books by Cindy Woodsmall but this is by far the best one I have read yet. My only regret is that I have not had the opportunity to read the first two books in this series before I read this one. Ms. Woodsmall did a good job filling in important details from the previous books, but it just wasn't the same. A message of forgiveness is found throughout the book. Ms. Woodsmall showed that forgiveness is not always easy, but with God's help we can forgive even when grievously sinned against. Her characters were real and the situations believable. I really enjoyed reading When the Soul Mends, and would recommend it to anyone who loves to read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Having left Owl's Perch more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. Hannah has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise; and her life-long dream of being part of the medical community is being realized. But almost immediately after her arrival, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.
As Hannah is thrown together with former fiance Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah's mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah's absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain life-and perhaps to her first love?
My review: Wow! I was up until 1:30 in the morning finishing this book. There just wasn't a good stopping place. I couldn't quit turning pages until it was finished. I have read a few books by Cindy Woodsmall but this is by far the best one I have read yet. My only regret is that I have not had the opportunity to read the first two books in this series before I read this one. Ms. Woodsmall did a good job filling in important details from the previous books, but it just wasn't the same. A message of forgiveness is found throughout the book. Ms. Woodsmall showed that forgiveness is not always easy, but with God's help we can forgive even when grievously sinned against. Her characters were real and the situations believable. I really enjoyed reading When the Soul Mends, and would recommend it to anyone who loves to read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Love Lifted Me
From the back of the book: Jade and Max share a deep love, though revelations from his past have recently shaken their marriage. And Jade is completely smitten with Max's little son, Asa, whom she is now raising as her own. Their blended family brings her joy she's never known. But there is one more secret to be uncovered. One that will impact them all.
Max is doing his best to "man-up" and prove himself worthy of Jade's devotion. As well as that of his young son. It seems like life in Whisper Hollow, Tennessee, will pick up where it left off until Max is faced with an unusual opportunity - leave his family's law firm to coach high-school football in Texas.
Realizing a fresh start will bring healing to their marriage, Jade takes the leap of faith and moves with him and baby Asa, bidding good-bye to her beloved Blue Umbrella shop.
The new beginning in quaint Colby, Texas, is soon sullied when Max discovers the high-school program isn't all it seemed. While Max struggles to rebuild a once glorious football team, Jade wrestles with news that could break Max's heart...and change their lives forever.
My review: A great book to read with the lessons of love, forgiveness, and trust written throughout the pages. The authors, Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck, did a great job writing a story that is down-to-earth and practical. The circumstances surrounding the plot could happen to anyone. The lessons are practical for everyone. As you read you will want to cry, yell, give advice, and cheer. A book that will have your emotions changing from one scene to the next as you read. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone that likes to read Christian fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze blogger program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Max is doing his best to "man-up" and prove himself worthy of Jade's devotion. As well as that of his young son. It seems like life in Whisper Hollow, Tennessee, will pick up where it left off until Max is faced with an unusual opportunity - leave his family's law firm to coach high-school football in Texas.
Realizing a fresh start will bring healing to their marriage, Jade takes the leap of faith and moves with him and baby Asa, bidding good-bye to her beloved Blue Umbrella shop.
The new beginning in quaint Colby, Texas, is soon sullied when Max discovers the high-school program isn't all it seemed. While Max struggles to rebuild a once glorious football team, Jade wrestles with news that could break Max's heart...and change their lives forever.
My review: A great book to read with the lessons of love, forgiveness, and trust written throughout the pages. The authors, Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck, did a great job writing a story that is down-to-earth and practical. The circumstances surrounding the plot could happen to anyone. The lessons are practical for everyone. As you read you will want to cry, yell, give advice, and cheer. A book that will have your emotions changing from one scene to the next as you read. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone that likes to read Christian fiction. I received a complimentary 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, December 7, 2011
Mine is the Night
From the back of the book: Stepping from a battered coach on a rainy April eve, newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr must begin again, without husband or title, property or fortune. She is unafraid of work and gifted with a needle, but how will she stitch together the tattered remnants of her life? And who will mend her heart, torn asunder by betrayal and deception?
Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet joy still comes knocking, and kindness is found in unexpected places.
Then a worthy hero steps forward, rekindling a spark of hope. Will he risk his reputation to defend two women labeled as traitors to the Crown? Or will a wealthy beauty, untainted by scandal, capture his affections?
The heartrending journey of the Kerr women comes to a glorious finish in Mine is the Night, a sparkling gem of redemption and restoration set in eighteenth-century Scotland.
My review: I was so excited to finally be able to read the sequel to Here Burns My Candle. I was not disappointed. Liz Curtis Higgs is an amazing author. Her care in presenting accurate historical details is obvious. I love how she wove the unique setting of Scotland and it's customs into the Biblical account of Ruth and Naomi. The reader must remember that this is a work of fiction, but it is fun to see Ruth and Naomi unfold throughout the pages of this book in the characters of Elisabeth and Marjory. God's faithfulness and the promise of a redeemer are very evident as you read. This is a book that will keep you reading until the wee hours of the morning, and when you are finished you will be drawn to your Bible to read the book of Ruth. I highly recommend Mine is the Night. I hated to see it end! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet joy still comes knocking, and kindness is found in unexpected places.
Then a worthy hero steps forward, rekindling a spark of hope. Will he risk his reputation to defend two women labeled as traitors to the Crown? Or will a wealthy beauty, untainted by scandal, capture his affections?
The heartrending journey of the Kerr women comes to a glorious finish in Mine is the Night, a sparkling gem of redemption and restoration set in eighteenth-century Scotland.
My review: I was so excited to finally be able to read the sequel to Here Burns My Candle. I was not disappointed. Liz Curtis Higgs is an amazing author. Her care in presenting accurate historical details is obvious. I love how she wove the unique setting of Scotland and it's customs into the Biblical account of Ruth and Naomi. The reader must remember that this is a work of fiction, but it is fun to see Ruth and Naomi unfold throughout the pages of this book in the characters of Elisabeth and Marjory. God's faithfulness and the promise of a redeemer are very evident as you read. This is a book that will keep you reading until the wee hours of the morning, and when you are finished you will be drawn to your Bible to read the book of Ruth. I highly recommend Mine is the Night. I hated to see it end! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Smitten
As the title suggests, Smitten is a romantic novel. This book is a collection of four short stories. They all take place in the small town of Smitten where the survival of the town depends on the mill. When four friends hear that the mill is closing, they begin a campaign to save their town. Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese each have their own story. As each one finds a way to capitalize on the name of their town, they realize that love follows closely at their heels. Natalie already owns a small business, Mountain Perks, that will appeal to couples seeking a romantic getaway destination. Julia once worked for a successful spa in NYC. What every romantic destination needs is a high-end spa. Is Julia the person to open one? Shelby has an etiquette school. Incorporating parties, ballroom dancing, and unique clothing designs is her way of adding appeal to their town. Reese is the opposite of Shelby. She is ready to open an outfitters shop to cater to those that love the great outdoors. All four women work hard to change their town from a mill town to a romantic destination.
The authors of this book, Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter have written an enjoyable book. Friends themselves, they have each written a short story about four friends with their own personalities ascribed to their characters. I particularly liked the way each story fit together to tell the story of the town of Smitten. These authors did a great job collaborating. If you are looking for a light read this is the book for you. It is a totally predictable book, but one you can enjoy from beginning to end. I received a complimentary e-book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze blogger program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The authors of this book, Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter have written an enjoyable book. Friends themselves, they have each written a short story about four friends with their own personalities ascribed to their characters. I particularly liked the way each story fit together to tell the story of the town of Smitten. These authors did a great job collaborating. If you are looking for a light read this is the book for you. It is a totally predictable book, but one you can enjoy from beginning to end. I received a complimentary e-book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze blogger program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
An Amish Wedding
An Amish Wedding is a collection of three short stories written by three different authors. A Perfect Secret is written by Kelly Long. A Perfect Match is written by Kathleen Fuller. A Perfect Plan is written by Beth Wiseman. Each story is entertwined as the same characters are found in each story.
In A Perfect Secret the reader is introduced to Rose Bender. She agrees to marry Luke Lantz who has been her best friend most of her life. He is very practical and matter-of-fact. At least Rose thinks he is. As the days progress toward their wedding she begins to wonder is she ever really knew Luke at all.
In A Perfect Match the reader is introduced to Naomi King. She owns her own bakery business, and finds herself agreeing to help her friend and employee Margaret to find a husband. When Zeke Lapp shows up in order to attend a friend's wedding, he finds himself the object of a matchmaking scheme. His ideas differ from theirs as to which girl would be best for him, and Naomi finds herself torn between helping her friend and being true to her own heart.
In A Perfect Plan the reader is introduced to Priscilla King. As she plans for her wedding everything seems to be going wrong. She has always had to have everything planned out and running smoothly. So, when things don't go as planned she begins to wonder if she is in God's will. Is she really supposed to marry Chester Lapp? Her heart says yes, but her circumstances say no.
I really enjoyed reading all three stories. A Perfect Secret had some unexpected surprises that kept me turning the pages. A Perfect Match was predictable, but an enjoyable story nonetheless. A Perfect Plan was a bit unbelievable with all the things that did go wrong. And Priscilla's character was a bit ridiculous, but I did enjoy reading the story anyway. It certainly was not as good as the other three. If you need a quick light read this would be a good book for that. 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.
In A Perfect Secret the reader is introduced to Rose Bender. She agrees to marry Luke Lantz who has been her best friend most of her life. He is very practical and matter-of-fact. At least Rose thinks he is. As the days progress toward their wedding she begins to wonder is she ever really knew Luke at all.
In A Perfect Match the reader is introduced to Naomi King. She owns her own bakery business, and finds herself agreeing to help her friend and employee Margaret to find a husband. When Zeke Lapp shows up in order to attend a friend's wedding, he finds himself the object of a matchmaking scheme. His ideas differ from theirs as to which girl would be best for him, and Naomi finds herself torn between helping her friend and being true to her own heart.
In A Perfect Plan the reader is introduced to Priscilla King. As she plans for her wedding everything seems to be going wrong. She has always had to have everything planned out and running smoothly. So, when things don't go as planned she begins to wonder if she is in God's will. Is she really supposed to marry Chester Lapp? Her heart says yes, but her circumstances say no.
I really enjoyed reading all three stories. A Perfect Secret had some unexpected surprises that kept me turning the pages. A Perfect Match was predictable, but an enjoyable story nonetheless. A Perfect Plan was a bit unbelievable with all the things that did go wrong. And Priscilla's character was a bit ridiculous, but I did enjoy reading the story anyway. It certainly was not as good as the other three. If you need a quick light read this would be a good book for that. 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.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
A Good and Perfect Gift
From the back of the book: Things don't always go as planned-especially when it comes to our children. When her first baby, Penny, is given a frightening diagnosis, Amy Julia's world comes crashing down. Could she continue to trust God's goodness through what felt like personal tragedy? But challenging surprises often lead to unforeseen joy, and disappointments can turn into blessings. This wise and beautiful book is more than a courageous story of raising a child against the odds-it is a journey through the unexpected ups and downs of life and the discoveries that come along the way.
My review: I am required to write a review of this book, A Good and Perfect Gift, by Amy Julia Becker, but how do you write a review of someones life? The cover will capture your attention and draw you into the first pages of the book which in themselves will keep you reading. She has a writing style that will hold your interest. But what about the content of the book? I certainly can't critique it, but I can say that I appreciate the candidness and transparency that Amy Julia displayed. She opened her heart in the pages of this book. Her struggles, fears, and triumphs are all laid out for everyone to read. She was honest and who can argue against that! This book was also eye opening for me. How do we really view children that have special needs? I know this book will help me to think twice about what I say to the parents of these special children. This is a book that I highly recommend. It will teach you a lot. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My review: I am required to write a review of this book, A Good and Perfect Gift, by Amy Julia Becker, but how do you write a review of someones life? The cover will capture your attention and draw you into the first pages of the book which in themselves will keep you reading. She has a writing style that will hold your interest. But what about the content of the book? I certainly can't critique it, but I can say that I appreciate the candidness and transparency that Amy Julia displayed. She opened her heart in the pages of this book. Her struggles, fears, and triumphs are all laid out for everyone to read. She was honest and who can argue against that! This book was also eye opening for me. How do we really view children that have special needs? I know this book will help me to think twice about what I say to the parents of these special children. This is a book that I highly recommend. It will teach you a lot. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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