Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Courting Miss Amsel
From the Publisher: 

Independent, headstrong, and a believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe Amsel is ready to open the world to her new students in the tiny community of Walnut Hill, Nebraska.

Raising his orphaned nephews, Joel Townsend sure didn't bargain on a woman like Miss Amsel. Though she's mighty pretty with her rosy lips and fashionable clothes, her newfangled teaching methods--collecting leaves, catching bugs, and making snow angels--have the entire town up in arms.

If he can't trust her to teach the boys, how can he trust her with his heart?

 My Review:

A true love story.  This book could easily be made into a cute Hallmark movie.  It had a tad drama to love all wrapped in one.

I really appreciate the lessons taught in this book.  The testimony of the Lord was really evident!

This is a book that I will keep on my permanent bookshelf.  It would be great for a road trip or a day at the beach.

Personally, I think this book due to some of the content, is not meant for younger eyes.

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 Dawn of a Dream by Ann Shorey Book Review

Dawn of a Dream, The (At Home in Beldon Grove)

From the Publisher:

The Dawn of a Dream (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3334-6, April 2011, $14.99) introduces readers to the third book in Author Ann Shorey’s At Home In Beldon Grove series.  Set in 1857, this story comes alive when newlywed Luellen O’Connell’s husband of just one month tells her he is leaving – and his reason leaves her completely astonished.

Determined to follow the dreams of her youth, Luellen sets out to obtain her teaching degree. But her wayward husband left something behind when he abandoned her. Can she overcome the odds and achieve her dream? Can she hide her secret, or will it crush her dreams? This is a story of one woman fighting against all odds but finding friends along the way who make the journey bearable.  

My Review:

This book kept surprising me.  From the very beginning, I kept thinking to myself - wow!  I can't imagine being in Luellen's shoes.  She was a very brave lady - even for today's terms.

At times I wanted to reach in the book and change circumstances for her.  The author had a knack for making me feel like I was right there.   The book was very encouraging to me.

Due to the very mature content, I would not suggest this for younger eyes.  

Blessings to you!  You are loved! 

“Available April 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.

Tomorrow's Garden by Amanda Cabot Book Review

 
From the Publisher:   

Author Amanda Cabot takes readers back to Ladreville, Texas for the conclusion of the Texas Dreams series. Tomorrow’s Garden (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3326-1, April 2011 $14.99) is set in the 1850’s with authentic Texas essence and romance. Read as part of the series or as a stand alone title, readers will enjoy this story about Harriet Kirk and her love for family and dedication to their survival. 

Leaving the past behind, Harriett Kirk moves her family to the Texas hill country for a new beginning. Becoming Ladreville's new schoolteacher is just what Harriet needs--a chance to put the past behind her and give her younger siblings a brighter tomorrow. What she didn't count on was meeting the handsome former Texas Ranger Lawrence Wood--or the way he slowly but surely claims her fragile heart. But can Harriet and Lawrence ever truly put the past behind them in order to find happiness?

My Review:

This is a book that took you back in the day of Little House on the Prairie.  I can just imagine the cute little schoolhouse in the town of Laudreville.  I love that the author even gives a map at the beginning of the book to explain the format of the town.

This was the 3rd book in the Texas Dreams series.  You do not have to read the first two to understand the story, which I appreciate about these books.

The story itself is about heartbreak, growing up, and responsibility.   When I read a book, I always try to picture myself in it.  I'm not sure if I could handle the responsibility that was thwarted on the Harriet Kirk.  I enjoyed reading about her ventures and what God had for her.

Due to some of the mature nature of the book - I could not recommend it for younger eyes.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

“Available April 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.

Plain Wisdom by Cindy Woodsmall & Miriam Flaud Book Review

Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women 



From the publisher:  

Best-selling novelist Cindy Woodsmall might seem to have little in common with Miriam Flaud, a woman immersed in the culture of Old Order Amish. But with nine children and almost 60 years of marriage between them, Cindy and Miriam both have found the secrets to facing life with strength and grace. Whether enduring financial setbacks, celebrating new babies and times of prosperity, grieving the crushing losses in the deaths of family and friends, or facing disappointments with their respective communities—through it all they find guidance for each day by looking to God. 

With poignant recollections, unexpected insights, and humorous tales, the two women welcome you into their unique friendship.  You’ll also gain a rare glimpse into the traditions and ways of the Amish as Miriam recalls special occasions and shares family recipes throughout the book.

Plain Wisdom is a heartwarming celebration of God, womanhood, and the search for beauty that unites us all. So grab your cup and your quilt and settle in for a soul-comforting read with Plain Wisdom.

My Review:

I don't normally read non-fiction.  Mostly because I teach non-fiction as a home-school Mom.  It is one extravagance I enjoy is to sit down and enjoy something that can take me to another place or another time.

Even though this book is non-fiction, I loved this book!  It made me smile and encouraged me to the point of tears!  I wanted to say to the authors "YES, I'm there!" many times.  It is amazing how kindred spirits unite even when they come from totally different worlds.

I loved how the book also included some yummy recipes!

This book will be staying on my permanent shelf so that my girls will be able to read it when they are older.  Thank you for writing a book that will encourage so many!  

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.

Heart of Lies by Jill Marie Landis Book Review

Heart of Lies: A Novel (Irish Angel Series)

From the Publisher:

Raised in a tribe of street urchins, Maddie Grande was taught to be a thief and beggar on the streets of New Orleans. But Maddie doesn’t know her real name or where she came from.

Raised by Dexter Grande, Maddie and her twin “brothers” have recently left New Orleans and moved to the bayou. The twins are rarely there, but Maddie has come to love the swamp. She has learned to fish and trap and sell pelts at the local mercantile.

Maddie longs to change her life but knows that her brothers will never give up their lawless ways. When they kidnap the daughter of a wealthy carpetbagger, the twins force Maddie to hide the precocious eight-year-old while they return to New Orleans to wait for notice of a reward.

Pinkerton agent Tom Abbott is assigned to the kidnapping case in which Maddie has become an accomplice. In a journey that takes them to Baton Rouge, a mutual attraction becomes evident, but Tom and Maddie cannot trust each other.

Will Maddie ever discover who she is? Will her real family ever find her? Will Maddie and Tom listen to their hearts? Or will they choose honor over love?

My Review:

This is one of those books I thought I was going to know the ending of the book.  Then I got in the middle of it and thought - well maybe I was wrong.   I was not wrong - it just did not happen the way I thought it would.

 This book made me wonder if the plot could truly happen - today.  I would hope that adults today would care more about children in the streets and the law would step up to care for the orphans.

 Other than that, this was a typical love story.  Quite honestly, I didn't feel the connection between the two.  It wasn't a relationship based on values.  I'm not sure why this was really classified as Christian Fiction.

This is not a book intended for young eyes.  It has some harsh 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.