An Amish Love by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Kelly Long

Thomas Nelson publishing company has just sent me a collection of 3 novellas to read, all in one book called An Amish Love, written by 3 familiar authors: Beth Wiseman, Kathllen Fuller & Kelly Long. Each story is around 130 pages and the setting is modern day in Paradise, PA. In A Marriage of the Heart, Abby wishes to escape the lonely life with her widower father, and deceitfully tricks Joseph into marrying her. Joseph has just come back to the Amish faith after living as an Englisher for the past 5 years. Joseph shows her that life in the English world isn't always what it seems, and how to be content in the life that God gave her. In What the Heart Sees, Ellie is blind as the result of an auto accident during her rumschpringe that also took the life of her best friend Caroline. Caroline's boyfriend Christopher is still hurting from her death and has turned away from God and the Amish way of life. Ellie shows Joseph what true forgiveness is and how to accept God's direction in his life, and Joseph realizes that he can still care of someone even if his first love dies. In Healing Hearts Levina and Naaman Lapp were married for 30 years. Then Naaman set off for Middlefield, OH on a type of middle-life crisis where he was trying to find himself. While he is gone for almost a year, Levina takes care of their home and has to deal with the rumors of why her husband left. When Naaman comes home, it is a true test of love, trust, and forgiveness, as well as understanding on Levina's part. They begin to "date" again, and they realize that life just got so busy that they forgot to take time for themselves. I liked all 3 novellas. They made me think of how I would react if I was in that situation. It also challenged me to not take life for granted and appreciate what you have. The characters were strong and easy to relate too. I would have liked it if all 3 novellas had more of an intertwined story. Some of the same characters were mentioned in each book, but only in passing. This is a great read for anyone who likes an Amish story with a happy ending!

A Time to Dance by Karen Kingsbury

A Time to Dance is Book 1 in the Timeless Love Series by Karen Kingsbury. John and Abby Reynolds have been married for 21 years, but in the last couple of years, the fighting has started as they had lead separate lives and neither feels loved anymore. Abby is sure John is having an affair, and John feels Abby criticizes his every move. Then their oldest daughter announces she is getting married on their anniversary in 6 months. Not wanting to upset her happy wedding plans, they vow to wait until after the wedding to announce their divorce plans. As they are thrown together for their daughter they remember what their relationship used to be, and wonder how they got to this place of unhappiness and so far away from God.
I couldn't put this book down!!! And even though I cried through at least half of it, it was easily the best books I had read in months!!! I need to go find Book 2 now! It's a great reminder of God's desire for marriage and how easily it can be to get busy with life- career, kids, friends, etc. and neglect your spouse. It shows how easily temptation can find you when you grow away from God. Every person that is married, or preparing to be should read this book!

Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce

Bethany House Publishers sent me a new book Amy Inspired by new author Bethany Pierce. The story takes place in modern day Ohio. Amy Gallagher is an inspiring author who is currenly teaching freshman English at the local college. She is frustrated by writer's block and feels like everyone's else life is taking off except hers. Her younger brother is soon-to-be married and almost finished with medical school. Her roommate can write stories daily and freely enjoys life. Then unemployed artist Eli comes to live with them until he can get back on his feet. He causes her to look at her life, and her reasons for making lists, praying, going to church, exercising, etc. Amy wants to have courage to follow her dreams, but isn't sure how.
I personally didn't like this book very well. I am not a writer, nor can I understand how they think. And I am not interested in art, so alot of the analogies with writing and art I didn't follow. I did like the part about her soul searching to find out who she really is. But I would probably never read the book again. Just not my type of book. But if you like modern day struggles of an author or artist, this book is for you.

A Suitor For Jenny by Margaret Brownley

A Suitor For Jenny takes place in Rocky Creek, TX in 1881. Jenny and her 2 younger sisters have just settled in Rocky Creek after reading an article in the newspaper that this was the best city to find eligible men to marry. Jenny is guardian of her 2 sisters after her parents die, and she feels it's up to her to interview the men of the town to find the ones that are wealthiest and have the most proper manners, so her sisters will be guarenteed a good life. She bases her criteria on a book by Miss Abigail Jenkins, while the pastor's wife gentles suggests to her that the Bible would be a much better guidebook. Jenny feels as if God has left her on her own, and one mistake in her past is unforgiveable. Her sisters each meet a godly man that they want to marry, but Jenny has other ideas. Meanwhile, US Marshal Rhett Armstrong confuses her emotions and tests her patience. I enjoyed the story and how the characters interacted with each other. I like how Jenny comes to realize that God never leaves us nor forsakes us, and how He wrote the guidebook for our lives.

Where Hearts Are Free by Golden Keyes Parsons

Where Hearts Are Free is the third book in the Darkness to Light Series. The setting is Philadelphia, PA in 1681. Bridget is from a well-to-do family, and when she informs her parents she is in love with their indentured servant,Phillipe, her father sends him away and quickly arranges a marriage with an older wealthier man that she does not love. Bridget feels trapped into doing what her parents expect of her and feels like God has deserted her. Phillipe was royality in France, until his family came to America where he had to work as a servant to pay for their passage to the New World. Bridget shares with him her secret of witnessing a murder as a young girl and when he finds she is in danger, he sets out to rescue Bridget. I learned about the early history of PA, with the Lenape Indians, and also the history of the religious persecution in Europe that led families to flee to America. Though the story seems to start slowly, it quickly gained my interest. I had not read the first 2 books in the series, but the author reviewed the supporting characters enough that I could understand what had happened in the past novels. I think the author gives a true picture of what life was like for Americans in the late 1680's. The novel is based on her ancestors who were persecuted as French Huguenots and later moved to Bushkill County PA.

Faithful by Kim Cash Tate

This is a Women of Faith fiction book that centers around the lives of 3 friends who belong to the same church in modern day St. Louis. Cydney is 40, a college professor, still single and questioning God about why He hasn't given her the "desires of her heart". When she meets the best man at her younger sister's wedding, she wonders why she is drawn to him b/c he is a non-believer. Phyllis, who is married with 4 young children, is a fairly new Chrisian, yet her husband refuses to have anything to do with church. She meets an old friend, a widower at a college reunion who is a strong Christian and is tempted with the idea of a relationship with him. And then there is Dana. She is married with 2 young children, and discovers that her husband, who leads mentoring groups for young newlyweds at church, is having an affair. She struggles with feelings of inadequacy and despair. All 3 women are dealing with life-altering struggles, and must decide to trust God, and fight the desire to go against His faithfulness. I really enjoyed this book! This was a new author for me, but she was so true to modern day life. I really felt like I knew these characters, even though I haven't gone through the same struggles. My favorite quote from the book is: "Every day in your marriage will NOT be a fairy tale, but everyday God IS faithful. Keep the faith, so that when you don't see the fairy tale, you'll still be able to se the beauty of God working."

Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long

New author Kelly Long writes about Amish life in the Allegany Mountains of PA in the book Sarah's Garden. Sarah is a young Amish woman who has rarely been out in the English world. Then her family needs her to operate their produce stand in town, and she begins to interact more with those who are not Amish. One man in particular, Grant who is the new veterinarian in the area, stops for produce and converation almost daily. A relationship with an Englisher is out of the question for Sarah, but they both feel God has a purpose in bringing them together. Sarah must decide what is most important to her. An excellent story, especially for those interested in the Amish way of life. Kelly Long adds humor along the way, and makes you feel like you know the characters. I'm hoping there will be a second book in this series because there are many supporting characters that have a story to tell of their own!

God's Promises for Boys by Jack Countryman and Amy Parker illustrated by Richard Watson

There is a new gift book available by Thomas Nelson. It is titled God's Promises for Boys, and written by Jack Countryman and Amy Parker. It has a collection of verses, taken from the International Children's Bible, that can comfort and encourage young boys in their everyday life. Each page has colorful illustrations and a 4 line poem, followed by 3 or 4 Bible verses that apply and support that particular truth. The first section is God's Promises When... and that includes topics like when you are worried, feel guilty or lonely, are angry, are afraid, etc. The second section is God's Promises About...God' love, grace, obeying your parents, serving, etc. Then it goes on to subjects like God Wants You To..., God's Promises of Help When..., God's Promises about Making a Difference, God's Promises About Jesus, and God's Promises for You. I feel it is a handy reference book for a school-age boy to see the promises made by God. As a parent you can help teach them how God is there for them through every situation. The verses are right at his fingertips and he can easily find them when going through a tough time. I read this book to my 7 year old boy, and I believe he is just at the starting age for this. He can easily use this book up until at least junior high. The colorful cartoon-like pictures help keep his attention as he hides God's word in his heart!

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman

Beth Wiseman's fourth book in the Daughters of Promise Series has just come out. This novel takes place in Lancaster County, PA and includes the characters from her previous books. It tells the story of an English woman Josie, who at the age of 17, gave up her baby for an Amish couple to raise. Now Josie is back in PA, longing to know her daughter after 17 years. Her daughter, Linda never knew she was adopted and is totally unprepared to meet her modern mother. Linda is content being Amish and is planning to marry soon. While she is getting reacquainted with her mother, her adoptive mother struggles with feelings of resentment and fear that Linda will leave with her birth mother and reject her Amish upbringing. Josie sees an Amish family that has contentment and no fear of death, and questions her own beliefs and decisions. I enjoyed reading this novel; the characters came to life for me. It is set in modern day and you can really understand the way of the Amish. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, especially one who is wanting to know how they can have eternal peace.

Gigi's Big Break by Sheila Walsh

I had a chance to view Gigi's Big Break by Sheila Walsh tonight. This is 2 fully animated Gigi videos on DVD. This was my first time hearing any of the Gigi stories. Sheila does a great job making the story true to life. In the first story, Gigi lies to hide a sin from her parents, and realizes that you can't hide anything from God, yet He loves us anyways. In the second story, Gigi learns about sharing and how her parents have enough love for her and her new sibling. Both stories end with a Bible verse to reinforce the storyline, much like the Veggie Tales stories. The animation is cute and colorful. I watched it with my 4 children-ages 11, 9, 6, and 4. Though the story is geared towards the younger two, my older two laughed at Gigi's antics and really liked the pets in the stories. There is also questions at the end that you can quiz yourself and your children about how well you learned from the stories. Sheila Walsh gets her point across to kids about honesty and loving your siblings.

Love Your Heart by Tim McGraw & Tom Douglas Illustrated by Abigail Marble

Thomas Nelson publishers have a new children's book available. It is called Love Your Heart, written by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas. This is a perfect book for girls ages 4-10. It tells of a conversation with a young girl and her dad, much like a Butterfly Kisses type story. Yet, this one goes further and tells of what is in the girl, Katie's heart. She willing puts others first in a true to like situation and the reader can easily see the love of God in her heart. Parents and girls alike will enjoy the colorful illustrations throughout the book. It was short enough to keep a 4 year old's attention, yet relevant to a school age girl too. A perfect story to give as a gift that will help a girl understand that God wants us to think of others!

I Wish You Enough by Bob Perks

Author Bob Perks has a new gift book available. It is called I Wish You Enough. This is a book that will challenge you to be content with the life God has given you and to live it to the fullest. He talks about eight special wishes that will have you recognizing the gifts that God gives you everyday. He has included real-life inspirational stories that are similar to the Chicken Soup For The Soul books, although not as tearjerking, as well as scripture after each story to reinforce the truth in God's word. I chose to read this book with my mother-in-law in mind. You see my father-in-law passed away on Christmas Eve after almost 52 years of marriage. Even though she knows he is in Heaven, I thought of this book as a comfort for her as well as a challenge for her to keep living her life to the glory of God. Life isn't easy and this book shows you how you can learn from Sun/Rain, Happiness/Pain, Gain/Loss and Hellos/Good-Byes. Sometimes you can find happiness in sadness, or in just living a grateful life. Anyone from teenager on up would enjoy this book. I love having the verses there for each topic; they are helpful to say to a friend you know that may be going through this particular challenge in their life. The pages are colorful and it truly looks like a gift book. I plan to give it to my mother-in-law tomorrow!