The Seeker by Ann H. Gabhart Book Review

Seeker by Ann H. Gabhart
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3363-6
Available July 2010; $14.99

From the publisher:

Set during the 1860s, The Seeker introduces readers to Charlotte Vance, a pampered Kentucky gentlewoman who knows what she wants. But when the man she planned to marry joins the Shakers—a religious group that does not allow marriage—she is left dumbfounded. And when her father brings home a new wife who is young enough to be Charlotte’s sister, it is more than she can bear.

With the country—and her own household—on the brink of civil war, Charlotte hatches a plan to avoid her new stepmother and win back her man by joining the Shaker community at Harmony Hill. Little does she know that this decision will lead her down a road of unforeseen consequences.

In this moving and well-researched story, Gabhart brings alive the strikingly different worlds of the Southern gentry, the simple Shakers, and the ravages of war during the 1860s to deliver a touching story of love, freedom, and forgiveness.

My review:

Seriously, this is one of my favorite books I have ever read.  I am amazed how rich the historical factor that was presented in this book.  My husband is from Kentucky and so it was interesting to learn of its part in the civil war.

I usually past by books that have anything to do with the civil war.  I am not a fan of Gone with the Wind – it just makes me sad.  But, this book tells a story of a different kind.

I also was amazed to learn so much about the Shakers.  I had no idea of the religion – I honestly thought they were like the Quakers.  There is much difference.

Would I recommend this book?  In a heartbeat!!!

It is an awesome book to take on vacation or just a rainy day!

“Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz Book Review

Courting Morrow Little: A Novel
by Laura Frantz
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3340-7
Available July 2010; $14.99

From the Publisher:

In Courting Morrow Little, Frantz introduces readers to Morrow Little, who is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love?

Caught between the wilderness and civilization, Morrow Little must find her way to true love.

My Review:

Do you ever read a book and not read the back first?  This is what I did with this book.  I had no idea what was going to happen and loved it every moment of it. 

This book explained the history of the Kentucke (which I was thrilled to learn more about, since my hubs is from there).  The love story was one of purity and the true meaning of love. 

The story itself is meant for mature eyes only because of its reference to the marriage bed and violence.

I would definitely recommend this book to my married friends.  It kept my interest and was a good story!  A perfect book for a getaway weekend!

“Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon Book Review

Touching the Clouds
by Bonnie Leon
Alaskan Skies series
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3359-9

From the publisher:

Author Bonnie Leon takes readers to new heights in her latest book, Touching the Clouds, the first book in the new Alaskan Skies series.

Leon introduces readers to Kate Evans, an adventurous and independent young woman with a pioneering spirit. When she leaves her home in Washington State to follow her dream of being an Alaskan bush pilot, she knows it will be an uphill battle. But she never expected it to be quite like this. As the lone woman in a man's world, she finds that contending with people's expectations is almost as treacherous as navigating the wild arctic storms.

When she crosses paths with a mysterious man living alone in the forbidding wilderness, she faces a new challenge. Can Kate break through the walls he has put up around his heart? And will fear keep her from realizing her dreams?

My Review:

There are some books that I just love and some books that are just time fillers.  This is one that I LOVE! 

The author uses language that just places me in Alaska with pilot that has spunk.  (When I grow up, I want to be like her!)

The book was truly enjoyable.  The main character must get through a internal battle – as well as others.  It is heart pounding in some places.

Because of mature material, I could not suggest this book for the younger reader. 

This book did not provoke any spiritual growth but did help my understanding of the state of Alaska.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!!!

“Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky Book Review

Shades of Morning

A Novel

Written by Marlo Schalesky

• Price: 13.99
• On Sale: Jun 15, 2010
• ISBN: 9781601420251

From the publisher:

Marnie Wittier has life just where she wants it. Quiet. Peaceful. No drama. A long way away from her past. In the privacy of her home, she fills a box with slips of paper, scribbled with her regrets, sins, and sorrows. But that’s nobody else’s business. Her bookstore/coffee shop patrons, her employees, her friends from church—they all think she’s the very model of compassion and kindness.

Then Marnie’s past creeps into her present when her estranged sister dies and makes Marnie guardian of her fifteen-year-old son—a boy Marnie never knew existed. And when Emmit arrives, she discovers he has Down syndrome—and that she’s woefully unprepared to care for him. What’s worse, she has to deal with Taylor Cole, her sister’s attorney, a man Marnie once loved—and abandoned. As Emmit (and Taylor) work their way into her heart, Marnie begins to heal. But when pieces of her dismal past surface again, she must at last face the scripts of paper in her box, all the regrets and sorrows. Can she do it? Or will she run again?

My Review:

This book was very interesting.  At first, I thought it was going to be a very easy read but then it had un-expecting twists and turns.  It is NOT what I was expecting and I was honestly glad.  It provoked questions in my mind and heart that most days are not never on my radar as a stay at home mom.

I appreciate the honesty through out the book dealing with downs syndrome not making it an easy road like some television shows.  It was in part humorous but so very lifelike.

I also appreciated the walks of faith suggested of the characters in the story and how real it seemed.  This could easily be the story of our neighbors and friends.

This book would be quickly recommend as a great read to take on a plane or a long road trip.  I would not recommend this book to younger readers due to the mature material described and suggested.

This book was provided to me by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Perfectly Dateless by Kristin Billerbeck Book Review

Perfectly Dateless
By Kristin Billerbeck
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3439-8
Available July 2010; $9.99

From the publisher:

The countdown to prom has begun. Daisy Crispin has 196 days to find the right date for the prom. There's only one problem--her parents won't let her date or even talk to a guy on the phone. Oh, and she's totally invisible at school, wears lame homemade clothes, and possesses no social skills. Okay, so maybe there's more than one problem.

My Review:

Have you ever seen the series Gilmore Girls?  I felt like I was reading the story, only with a Christian twist. 

The main character is Daisy who has over protective parents.  She also has a best friend who I would not want on my bad side.  This book is meant for the young at heart and is definitely meant to bring humor when the “teenage" years are the hardest.

I thought the book was humorous only because I kept picturing the Gilmore re-runs.  In every chapter, is an allude to something that has happened in either social media or in the last few years.  Again, the same with the Gilmore Girls.  (I doubt my Grandma would understand half the references.)

I would hesitate to allow young young eyes read this book without the permission of the parents.  It had reference to drugs and some parts suggest other things that are for the mature audience.

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

A Love of Her Own by Maggie Brendan

A Love of Her Own by Maggie Brendan, Book 3 in the Heart of the West Series.
(ISBN: 978-0-8007-3351-3; Available June 2010; $14.99)
From the publisher:

A Love of Her Own is the eagerly awaited concluding book in Maggie Brendan’s Heart of the West series. Available in June 2010, it will take readers on an adventurous, spark-filled ride through love in turn-of-the-century Montana.
It’s here, in Lewiston, Montana, where April McBride travels to attend her brother’s wedding. Still cautious after a broken engagement, she fully intends to guard her heart. One look around the small mining town convinces April that doing so won't be difficult—just a bunch of dusty shops, bad service, and ill-bred cowboys. But a run-in with horse trainer Wes Owen opens up vast possibilities for frustration, embarrassment, friendship, and . . . love?
Can April and Wes see past their differences to envision a future together? Or are they destined to live the rest of their lives alone?

My Review:
This book was simply a wonderful simple read.  The author uses language to make you feel that you are right there in Montana with all the characters.  I could even taste the dust and feel the cool weather.
This book dealt with some issues of the heart.  It made me think about my own, whether I’m a giver or a taker.  Although, not a serious book – it still was one that was thought provoking.
I would definitely recommend this book for a weekend read or one for a road trip.  I wouldn’t mind reading more of Maggie Brendan.
Blessings to you!  You are loved!
“Available June 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.