A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer Book Review

A Whisper of PEACE by Kim Vogel Sawyer


From the Publisher:

Ostracized by her tribe because of her white father, Lizzie Dawson lives alone in the mountains of Alaska, practicing the ways of her people even as she resides in the small cabin her father built for her mother. She dreams of reconciling with her grandparents to fulfill her mother's dying request, but she has not yet found a way to bridge the gap that separates her from her tribe.
Clay Selby has always wanted to be like his father, a missionary who holds a great love for the native people and has brought many to God. Clay arrives in Alaska to set up a church and school among the Athabascans. He is totally focused on this goal... until he meets a young, independent Indian woman with the most striking blue eyes he's ever seen.
But Lizzie is clearly not part of the tribe. And befriending her might have dire consequences for his mission. Will Clay be forced to choose between his desire to minister to the natives and the quiet nudging of his heart?

My Review:

This was a very interesting book.  It focuses on the natives that live in Alaska.  I gained a new appreciation for this state and the pioneer missionaries who went against some strong odds. 

I really liked how the author let you gain insight to a village and a missionary's journey to a different kind of culture.  The story itself was intriguing and wonderful.  There were hardships such as food and shelter.  Then the customs that were to be learned.  This book made me grateful to the simpler times we have now.  

As for the love story, it was a little weird to me.  It unfolded a little too fast for me.  I would have liked a little more suspense.  But, that is just my opinion.

  I would recommend this book but it is probably not for little eyes due to the mature content.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

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.

Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble Book Review

Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble


From the publisher:

Eden’s hope is rekindled when Clay delivers astounding news: their baby girl has been found.
Five years ago Eden and Clay Larson’s baby was stolen. When they went to pay the ransom, what happened changed their lives forever—the kidnapper’s car with Baby Brianna inside sunk deep into the river. Eden blamed herself, Clay lost himself in work. Their young and rocky marriage ended. Or so Eden thought.
Now Eden’s moved to a new town. She’s found faith and is trying to rebuild her life. She’s even dating again—a sweet guy named Kent who plans to marry her. But then Clay arrives out of the blue and delivers shocking news: he never signed their divorce papers, so they’re still married. What’s more, Clay has been searching for Brianna all this time. And he believes he’s found her: their daughter is in Bluebird, Texas, at a youth ranch. All five little girls there are the right age—he’s just not sure which one is Brianna. Or how she survived.
To uncover the truth, Eden and Clay sign on as counselors at Bluebird Ranch. They move into small quarters in the bunkhouse and oversee the kids as they try to find out more. Working together, they rediscover their love for each other. But danger is closing in—Eden, Clay, and all their young charges are in jeopardy. As they fight to save their family, Eden realizes that God has been fighting for them all along. And His plans are for a more abundant life than they’d ever hoped.

My Review:

I was excited to read another book from Colleen Coble.  She has a way of keeping me interested and they are usually fun stories.

Sadly, this book was not one of my favorites from her.  It lacked substance.  I felt the characters were just silly at times.  (Leaving with a ex-husband when you are about to marry another man - was way out there!)  There was no real substance. I was highly disappointed.

I will read her books again.  Her first three books in the Lonestar series were great reads - hopefully she will gain in her next book what was missing in this one.

I will say the cover is very pretty.  This book was a stand-alone.  You do not need to read the whole series to understand what was happening.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

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.

i love my 5 kids - Reviews: Falling to Pieces by Vannetta Chapman Book Review

i love my 5 kids - Reviews: Falling to Pieces by Vannetta Chapman Book Review

Falling to Pieces by Vannetta Chapman Book Review

Falling to Pieces (A Shipshewana Amish Mystery)

I read a lot of Amish stories.  This one is really like no other.  It is a mystery with murder, grief, anger, and different motives that could get everyone involved in trouble.

The main characters were very likable and each had their own story.  I liked the way the author combined the "English" way with the "Amish" way.  It was nice to see the way the combined worlds really work in a small town.

This is the first book in the series - I wouldn't mind reading more of the stories in the future.  It was a book that truly kept my attention and had me captivated.

I didn't like the cartoonish cover.  I felt like it took away from the story.  I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover and in this case it is true.

Also, this is not a family friendly book - it had adult issues that wouldn't be acceptable for the young at heart.

All in all - I truly liked the book and would recommend it for a rainy day!


Blessings to you!  You are loved!

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.

The Harvest of Grace An Ada's House Novel Book Review

The Harvest of Grace: Book 3 in the Ada's House Amish Romance Series (An Ada's House Novel)


Feel free to rate this review!





My Review:

It is a fact I like the Amish way of life.  I love the simplicity and the love of a huge family.
When I see an Amish book, I'm drawn at learning a little more about their closed livelihood.

This book was not the same as most Amish books.  It had more of a soap opera tale to it.  A sister longing for her sibling's beau.  Alcohol taking over someone's life and rehab.  Anger and forgiveness.  Debt and it almost ruining the life of so many.

Not the typical Amish fiction reading material.  However, the ending was very expected.  I would have wanted a little more suspense to call this a good read.

The book was not one of my favorite fiction Amish books.  It at sometimes was hard to follow.  It was almost like the author forgot to finish the thoughts she created.

This is not a book for the younger eyes.  It deals with certain "adult only" issues.

I also would have liked the reference to the Glossary to be put in front of the book.  I had no idea it was back there until I had finished reading the book.

Having said all that - I would still like to read Cindy Woodsmall in the future!  She still can put a lifestyle into words that some would never see.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!


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.

The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller

Measure of Katie Calloway, The: A Novel


My Review:

Katie Calloway is a lady who has had hardships that most people can only imagine.  Thriving before the Civil War and desolate after.  Hated by her husband, she seeks a new life - going far up North as possible.  She finds herself a job in a lumber camp.

Working in a lumber camp in the bitter winter has many challenges.  One being the only lady and having to keep her secret, so her vile husband won't find her.

This is one of those books, that kept me intrigued.  I wanted to be there - to smell the pine trees, to feel the snow, to hear the laughter. 

Each chapter had more challenges that were grimacing.  Even to the end - I was not expecting what happened.  I feel that is the reason, I liked the book so much. The author took me to a place that was expected just not the way I anticipated it.  I love when that happens! 

I would give this book 4 1/2 stars.  That is the highest I give unless it takes my breath away.  However, this book made me question myself - what would I do in this situation?  Would I really lean on a Savior or just lie in self-pity? 

I also learned that life is more precious.  Lumbering in the past was very dangerous and people were affected in so many ways during the Civil War.  This book added so many personal touches - to different situations.

Saying that, this book would not be suitable for the young at heart.  It had more than a few adult situations. 

It was a very easy read and kept me focused.  I would say that it would be a wonderful book to read by the fire or on a road trip.

By the publisher:

The Measure of Katie Calloway (ISBN: 978-0-8007-1998-2, $14.99, October), the newest book from author Serena Miller, transports readers to an era of log jams and shanty boys in the northern woods of Michigan.

The Civil War in America is over and former northerner, Katie Calloway, must flee for her life from Georgia, where her husband, an abusive Confederate officer, is waging war in their own home. Not only does he taunt her about her father and brother dying for the Union army, but she discovers that he is planning to kill her in order to be free to marry a local widow whose still-intact plantation he covets. Katie and her little brother find refuge in a lumber camp where she allows the camp owner to believe she is a widow.

The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he's hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie, worried that Robert will fire her if he discovers she is not the grieving widow she pretends to be, fights to keep her past a secret from this good man she is growing to love.

As Katie and Robert slowly realize their deep love for one another, Katie wonders, can she truly outrun her tumultuous past and learn to trust someone new?

Miller tells the story of an unforgettable journey of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of a world that was unforgiving at best.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!


“Available October 2011 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.

Deeply Devoted by Maggie Brendan Book Review

Deeply Devoted: A Novel (The Blue Willow Brides)

From the publisher:

Acclaimed romance writer Maggie Brendan’s latest offering from the “Blue Willow Bride” series, Deeply Devoted (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3462-6, $14.99, 336 pages, September), introduces readers to Catharine Olsen, a mail-order bride arriving in America from Holland. She carries not only the anticipation of her marriage to Peter Andersen but also the residual pain of a tragic past, her mother’s Blue Willow china, and has her two younger sisters in tow. The fact is, in Wyoming, the single men outnumber the women five to one, so Catharine’s surpassing beauty and willing spirit are priceless gifts for Peter.

In spite of initial culture shock and necessary adjustments, Catharine finds a love with Peter that enraptures both her heart and mind. She is greatly troubled by Peter’s mother’s endeavors to sabotage their precious marriage. Catharine becomes terrified that her haunting past will be discovered, as the story unfolds with tremendous detail and extraordinary characterization.

My Review:

I read a lot of Christian love stories.  Sometimes they just all sound the same.  This one was refreshing and had some new spins.

I'm actually looking forward to the rest in this series, the Blue Willow Brides.  

 The characters were very easy to like and had me thinking twice about certain issues in history.  One was the use of pesticides - I had no idea when people starting using them.  (That is the teacher - coming out in me.)

I could not recommend this book for the young at heart.  It had adult only issues!  Overall, it was a delightful book that was a very easy read.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Available September 2011 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. 

One Call Away by Brenda Warner and Jennifer Schuchmann Book Review

One Call Away: Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith

From the publisher:

Brenda’s life has taken twists and turns that are stranger than fiction. It always seemed as if she was just one phone call away from the next explosive change. Each time her plans fell apart, she had a choice: would she give up, or would she press forward and learn from the unexpected? One Call Away is the inspiring story of a woman who has prevailed through many of the circumstances that discourage women: tragedy, poverty, betrayal, and humiliation. But unlike most women, her life has been on display in the media.

Brenda’s faith and God’s strength enable her to face challenge after challenge: an accident that leaves her son blind and brain damaged, a crumbling marriage, a tornado that kills her parents, a new relationship with promising football player Kurt Warner, and the pressures his sudden success brings to their growing family.

Through food stamps and funerals, Super Bowls and serving others, Brenda’s strength is unwavering. Her determination to dream new dreams, willingness to learn from her mistakes, and commitment to giving back to her community make her a role model for women of all backgrounds.
Her dreams haven’t materialized as she had imagined, but Brenda has found that God has a much bigger plan for her. Conversational and candid, One Call Away invites readers facing their own difficulties to trust God and discover hope in the future.

My Review:

I almost didn't review this book.  I don't normally have an interest in sport stars or their home lives. 

But, something about the cover and the mother of 7 children caught my attention.

Seriously, I felt like I was actually sitting on the sofa with Brenda Warner and her telling me her testimony of how God has used her life to honor Him.  I laughed, cried and even got mad more than once.

I suggest not starting the book at 10:00 at night unless you want to miss some sleep.  She truly has a roller coaster of a ride kind of life.  All while learning who she was in Christ.

This book does address some non-family friendly issues and should be kept for the mature at heart.  However, I have NO reservation of recommending this book for every wife who needs encouragement.

I hope one day to meet Brenda Warner.  (Although, her husband might be a little disappointed to know - I really had no idea who he was before reading this book.)  I feel after reading the book - we are already friends.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

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 Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman Book Review

Heart Revealed, A: A Novel (Winds of Change)



From the publisher:

Julie Lessman’s new novel A Heart Revealed (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3416-9, $14.99, 512 pages, September), the second offering in the “Winds of Change” series, opens in Boston in 1931, where thirty-one-year-old Emma Malloy has fled from an abusive marriage in Ireland.

Although her former husband has left her haunted and deeply scarred. Emma cannot help but develop strong feelings for her friend Charity’s brother, Sean O’Connor.

Described by his sister as very stubborn, Sean maintains that he is not the marrying kind. But as he and Emma draw closer and closer, will her strong, tender heart ensnare him and change his mind?

Transporting readers back to a time when the Empire State Building was brand new and the local speakeasy was a common destination, Lessman outlines the fascinating era and its citizens with deft precision.

My Review:

This is one of those books that took me a long time to get into before I was hooked.  I did not read the previous book so I felt I was a little lost at times with all the characters. 

It still can be read as a stand alone novel but it would have probably meant more if I had read the previous book in the series.

This book is NOT meant for the immature at heart.  It has adult only issues.  I was a little caught off guard by some of them. 

The characters, all though, there were many of them - were actually likeable and it was easy to follow their story.  I liked how the author made each character so different and each had their own personal war.

This book was not a book you could read overnight.  Being a fast reader, this one took me a little longer than usual.  It would have been great for a road trip!

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

 

Blessings to you!  You are loved!


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.

Lancaster County Christmas Book Review

Lancaster County Christmas, A






From the publisher:

Jaime Fitzpatrick has a plan. She quit her job and is preparing to launch her photography career in New York City—with or without her husband, C.J.  Mattie Riehl has problems of her own. A recent miscarriage has plunged her into feelings of despair that baffle her husband, Sol.

In Suzanne Woods Fisher’s new A Lancaster County Christmas (ISBN: 978-0-8007-1995-1, $15.99, 208 pages, September), the path of these two couples collide as a winter storm blows Jaime and C.J. off-course and into the Riehl’s home on Christmas Eve, including Tucker, C.J.’s Search and Rescue dog,

Awkward and uncomfortable at first, an unlikely alliance develops as Mattie and Sol’s only child wanders off and disappears in the storm. As C.J., Sol and Tucker search for the child, Jaime and Mattie confront fears they had been avoiding. And both women discover the true meaning of Christmas.

With her trademark plot twists and attention to detail, Fisher offers readers a beautiful story of love, forgiveness, and the miracle of Christmas.

My Review:

This book is one I will keep on shelves to keep.  It was delightful and dealt with some issues that were rather deep.  

I would not recommend this for a read aloud for the family but it is a great book to have by the fire and a cup of hot cocoa - for the more mature at heart.

The cover of the book also was beautiful.  I would love to have a painting of this.  I keep looking at it imagining the cold white snow.  Living in Texas, this is only a fantasy. 

I hope the author will continue this story - it seems like the book could blossom into a series easily.  The story was very easy to follow and you felt like a guest in the Amish home, learning more of their culture.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

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.

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon Book Review

Deadly Pursuit: A Novel (Guardians of Justice)




From the Publisher:

Bestselling author Irene Hannon returns with the second novel in her “Guardians of Justice” series, Deadly Pursuit (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3457-2, $14.99, 352 pages, September). Hannon is the recipient of several high honors in her literary genre. As Library Journal has stated, “RITA Award winner Hannon is a master at character development.”

Alison Taylor is a young, single social worker recovering from a serious accident and a broken relationship, kept busy by her demanding job and her faithful canine companion, Bert. But when her police-detective brother  pushes her into a blind date with his new colleague, ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Morgan,  she’s not sorry—and neither is Mitch. When she begins to receive anonymous calls and threatening gifts, however, their relationship shifts into professional mode as well.  And as Mitch works to protect the woman who is fast stealing his heart, he can only pray they’ll find her tormentor before the man’s game turns deadly.

My Review:

If you like thrillers that have tons of suspense then this book is for you!  It is not a book for the weak of heart.  I knew before I picked it up that it was not meant for everyone and was not family friendly.

Reading this book gave me chills.  It should not be read before bedtime.

I liked how the author brought the characters from her other series, Heroes of Quantico back into this story.  But, you do not have to read that series to understand this story.

I did feel that the story at the end was very rushed.  I felt that the end of the story should have happened in a different way -yet still ending in the same conclusion.

This was a very easy read - however should be read with extreme caution.  It has awful circumstances and does lead to horrible mental images.  It is not a family friendly book.  But, does have an inspirational side.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

“Available September 2011 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.

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin Book Review

Blue Skies Tomorrow (Wings of Glory)

From the Publisher:

 The country is still at war in Blue Skies Tomorrow (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3423-7, $14.99, 448 pages, August 2011) by award-winning author Sarah Sundin. It is 1944 and America longs for the war to be over so their boys can come home. This war has taken too many lives and made too many widows, orphans, and broken hearts. However, the homeland continues to pull together and buy bonds to support the troops, and Helen Carlisle has become the town’s war widow heroine. Doing her part with her son, she faithfully appears at community events asking people to support the troops. But deep down she is troubled. How much longer can she do this? Is she living a lie? Was her dead husband a hero? How can she live with the past?  

Lt. Ray Novak prefers to follow his calling into ministry rather than the cockpit. But his current position offers him the luxury of a personal life since he is stateside training B-17 pilots. His interest in Helen, the young war widow, grows, but he knows she is hiding a painful past under a frenzy of volunteer work. Ray is called to fly a European combat mission at the peak of the air war. Their romance is tense because Helen is afraid, but Ray cannot help because he is in Europe. As Helen tries to make ends meet and confronts the past, Ray encounters a deadly enemy of his own. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? Will the truth come out? Will hope and redemption ring true for Helen?
The great era of World War II in Blue Skies Tomorrow is brought to life by Sundin in this emotion-packed novel.

My Review:

 This is one book that will mess with your emotions.  Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen - the author throws in a wrench.

 Even though this was a fiction book - I was surprised to learn a lot about the reality of war in the WWII era.  The author did a wonderful job giving a story a real life effect.  With a war, everyone was expected to make sacrifices.  

It covered some very deep issues - spousal abuse, war, hunger, rationing, government red tape and then trusting in the Lord.  Yep, it was a book that had a lot of substance!

 This book is not meant for younger eyes.  It is meant for an more mature reader. 

I would recommend this book and series in a heartbeat!  It was an easy read that had a great story!  It would be wonderful even to give to someone who lived in that era.

Blessings to you!  You are loved! 

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.
 

“Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

 

Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker

Money Secrets of the Amish: Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving

My Review:

When I received this book - I was really excited about learning little unknown tidbits that the Amish had been keeping to themselves.

I was not disappointed.

 Of course, it is the simple method of "save more - spend less" but there is also how to do it.  Practical living!

The author spends a lot of words explaining bartering (how it works in today's world), garage shopping tips, and even tips on buying furniture or decor.  

The book is written with informative information that includes humor and lets you peek in the lives of the Amish culture.

I appreciate the work ethic the Amish have in this book.  I also value the wisdom that comes from those - that have no debt.

I would recommend this book in a heartbeat - the only thing it is missing is a great Amish recipe, like shoo-fly pie. 

I can't wait to share this book with my kids.  I think it would even help them spend more wisely!

From the publisher:

Discover the money-saving and wealth-building secrets of America’s thriftiest people, the Amish.

Author, journalist, and descendant of the Amish, Lorilee Craker, was just like the rest of us, feeling the pinch from the financial fallout of 2008. As a freelancer, her income was going the way of the dodo—family dollars seemed like an extinct myth, the bank account some archeological evidence of past prosperity.

Then, inspired by a news segment covering her people, the Amish, and how they emerged from the economic crisis unscathed, she realized it was time to get back to her roots and learn a thing or two about their time-tested approach to personal finances. While the middle-class was wringing its hands over the family budget and the wealthy were weeping over their slashed portfolios, the Amish were content as always, spared from the cares of the world and worldliness. They not only had financial health to support their lives, they exuded a wholeness that eludes so many when the financial bottom drops out.

In Money Secrets of the Amish, readers go on an “Amish money makeover,” learning the choices, secrets, and disciplines that safeguarded the contentment and the coffers of America’s favorite plain folk by spending less, saving more, and getting happier doing it.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

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.

Too Rich for a Bride by Mona Hodgson Book Review

Too Rich for a Bride: A Novel (The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek)

Life in the late 1800's had to be tough.  Whether it was sickness, providing for your family or just surviving it was bound to be difficult.  But, being a lady and being a business woman on top of that - was the ultimate hardship.

This book takes you back in time when the Wild West was real.  It is a tale of Christians  taking a stand for what is right when deceit is looking for easy victims.

I really like this book.  It provided a way to turn to God even when all of life seem to close in around the characters.  It also provided a desire to do what is right amidst all adversity.

This would make a cute Hall-Mark movie!  However, I could not recommend this book for younger eyes due to some of the adult issues.

It was a short delightful read that would be good on a road trip or a rainy weekend!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

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.

The First Gardener by Denise Hildreth Jones Book Review

The First Gardener

Ever read a book and just realized you have gone through a whole box of tissues?  This is one of these books!

Each character became likable and then true tragedy hits home.  I won't give away what happened but it should touch everyone's heart.

One of the things I didn't like about the book was that the author would lose me.  I would be reading and didn't realize we had been put in a different time or place.  I would have to go back and make sure that I didn't miss something but it just wasn't stated.

However, this book is one I would give as a gift.  The story is just that good!

Even the ending was unexpected - which is always a sign of great novel!

This book, I would think would make anyone would appreciate the "garden of life" and "gardener" a little more!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

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.

The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

 
 Colonel's Lady, The: A Novel 

 From the publisher:

To the trail-weary and frightened women, Fort Endeavor seemed unwelcoming at first, but Roxanna Rowan  knew they needed to get to safety as quickly as possible in The Colonel’s Lady (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3341-4, $14.99, 416 pages, August 2011) by bestselling author Laura Frantz. Deep within the Kentucky Territory, Fort Endeavor could provide a new life for genteel spinster Roxanna as long as she was with her father.   She had to find him in the mass of all these soldiers. But where was he? 

Shortly after arriving at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, the Colonel tells Roxanna that her officer father has died. Penniless and destitute, Roxanna accepts the Scrivener position once held by her father.  Before long, Roxanna discovers secrets that her father uncovered shortly before his death. Who could she trust with this discovery that she found in her father’s Scrivener desk? Could she trust the Colonel? Was his attraction to her real or was he hiding his own secrets including her father’s death? Roxanna needed answers that only the Colonel could provide. 

My Review:

This is one of those books that kept my interest.  Being that my hubby is from Kentucky, it was nice to learn some of the history behind the great state.


Most of the characters in the book warmed my heart.  It gave me a greater appreciation for the frontier life.  This is one of those books that gives you insight to our forefathers, who braved the hard conditions of life. 

 I love when a novel has a great ending but not in the way I thought it was going to happen. However, I did feel the author could have made this book into a series.  It seemed part of the story was still missing at the end.

As a Christian novel, I just didn't see it.  But, it still was a great story that provoked good works.  Due to some of the adult nature - I would be careful of little eyes reading it.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

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.


“Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

The Blessed by Ann H. Gabhart

Blessed, The: A Novel

My Review:

This is one of those books where I kept saying "Really?"  The whole story highlighted the Shaker faith, a very interesting group of people. 

Their obligations made the main character of the book, Lacey, have hard questions for them.  It was good to see a Christian question - why they did certain things. 

This book was a love story.  I truly liked the way the author presented the entire book.

I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.  Due to the serious issues presented, I would use extreme caution for younger eyes. 

I'd love for this book to become a movie or a series.  It presents a very interesting way of life or culture.

From the publisher:

It is 1844. In her twenty years, Lacey Bishop has endured hard times including the death of her mother and her father’s remarriage to a woman with no love for his children. When she was thirteen, Lacey went to live with the preacher and his wife. Upon the sudden death of the preacher’s wife, difficult times return for Lacey. The preacher convinces Lacey to marry him so she can continue to act as a mother to the little girl who was left on the preacher’s doorstop. But Lacey never expected he would decide to take all of them to a Shaker village. At the village her marriage is still legal to the outside world but living in a Shaker community, they believed marriage is a sin. Lacey finds herself drawn to Isaac Kingston, a man who came to the Shakers after his young bride died. Confused and her heart torn between right and wrong, Lacey must choose what to do. Discover how the Shakers lived in The Blessed and if truth, love and forgiveness become reality for Lacey.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

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.

“Available July 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Martha by Diana Wallis Taylor Book Review

Martha: A Novel


This is one of those books that I didn't want to end.  It tells the story of Martha, the sister of Lazarus, in the Bible.

I don't usually like to read fiction that is based on non-fiction, it tends to confuse me.  But, the writer truly does a wonderful job of explaining the story according to the Bible and I didn't get my facts messed up.  I grew a greater understanding of Martha and fell more in love with Jesus. 

I also had to go back to the Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and re-read the chapter about the resurrection and Crucifixion of Jesus.  She points out some facts that I had read before but had forgotten.  Truly, it was perfect timing for me.

Again, I loved this book!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

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.