Urban Happenings

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter

2011-12-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

Denise Hunter didn't disappoint in her latest novel, The Accidental Bride. Second in the Big Sky Romance Series, the plot revolves around Shay, a single mom in Moose Creek, Montana. She agrees to play the bride in the Founder's Day reenactment ceremony, to help out Miss Lucy the town's matchmaker and eccentric dollmaker. She had no idea that the groom would be her high school sweetheart that she never quite got over even though 14 years have gone by. Travis is back in town overseeing his parents ranch while they are on a short-term missions trip. Although he has been a success with the rodeo, he never forgot leaving Shay so abruptly and he wants to make it right by helping save her ranch. I LOVED this story! The characters felt so real and I almost read the whole book in one day. I loved the conflict and the bantering between the two main characters. Plus, the characters from the first in this series were in side plots, although you didn't need to read the books in order. Denise Hunter includes Reading Group questions at the end that make you think. I hope the author continues with "the gang from Moose Creek". Thanks Thomas Nelson for my free copy of this book!

Smitten

2011-12-06T06:03:00.000-08:00

Colleen Coble, Kristen Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter have all come together to create the novel, Smitten. Smitten, VT is a dying town. The lumber mill has closed and with no hope of another industry taking its place, the townspeople are thinking to give up. Four friends come up with a plan to turn Smitten, VT into a honeymoon destination similar to the Poconos. Although, some of the men in town grumble at the thought of turning their manly town into something girly, romance is soon in the air. The book is broken down into 4 seasons, with each of the friends taking a turn as the main character. The four authors take their turn as well in the writing of the novel that tells a year in the life of Smitten, VT. I love all these authors and impatiently waited for Thomas Nelson to send me a free copy to review. I practically read the book all in one day b/c I wanted to see how it ended. I could find a little bit in common with each of the women - athletic Reese, energetic Natalie, graceful Shelby, and sophisticated Julia. These women dealt with issues such as single parenting, starting their own business, forgiving their parents, abortion, and falling in love with their best friend. I love how they learned to trust God for their future, and realized they didn't have to "do life" on their own. Can't wait for the sequel that comes out next December!!!!!

Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

2011-11-10T06:02:00.000-08:00

It's 1904 and Georgie Gail is an independant woman. She is a switchboard operator, living on her own in Texas. Unexpectantly, the telephone company sends Luke Palmer along to repair phone lines and Georgie's little work space becomes crowded. Yet, she doesn't realize Luke is a Texas Ranger sent to stop a gang of train robbers. She gets to know the "undercover Luke" and grows to care for him. Luke enjoys being a Texas Ranger and keeping people safe. He has never felt the need to settle down with a family. After meeting Georgie, he begins to think twice about his lonely lifestyle. This is an adventurous story from Deanne Gist, much like her previous novels. Her female characters are strong and fiesty. She has studied the history of the setting and includes events that really happened during that time period, such as Maifest and the Annual Texas State Sportmen's Tournament. So when you read one of her novels you are also learning about history at the same time. There was much action in this story, plus some humor and suspense thrown in. A must read if you like reading historical fiction! Bethany House publishers sent me a free copy to review.

His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons

2011-10-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

Set in Texas during the Civil War, Amanda Belle is determined to care for her younger sisters after her parents pass away. When Union soldiers occupy their home for awhile, she comes to care for Captain Kent Littlefield, a Pennsylvania native. Since her brother is in the Confederate Army, Amanda is torn between love and family. She never excepts the war to last long, nor for all the pain it brings to her family. The North and South were never the same after the war, and only with God's help were both sides able to forgive their enemies. This is a typical story of life during the Civil War. A little mix of the North and South mini-series and Gone with the Wind. The reader gets a true picture of life on the battlefields, prision for the soldiers, and those at home trying to survive with very little. Thanks Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free copy of this book to review!

The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund

2011-10-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

Bethany House provided me a free copy of The Doctor's Lady to review. Set in 1836, the story begins with Priscilla White feeling the call to be a missionary to India. She has grown up with all the comforts of a wealthy family, yet has been diagnosed with infertility and feels no one wants her. A young doctor Eli Ernest comes to their church with plans to go to Oregon Territory as a missionary. He is headstrong and only wants to get to the mission field. He feels a wife would only slow him down, and the trip would be too hard for a woman. However, the mission board will only allow married couples to go to the mission field. So they agree that a business arrangement will allow them to still fulfill their mission to God, so they hastily marry and head on their journey West. Eli plans an annulment for Priscilla as soon as they arrive. This is a true story of the first white woman to cross the Continental Divide and start a mission to the Nez Perce natives. Author Jody Hedlund does a terrific job making you feel like you are on the trip west with Eli and Priscilla. I couldn't put the book down! I loved the history and adventure in the story, and a map in the front of the book to show their stops along the way really added to the story! This is the first novel I've read from Hedlund, and I will certainly read another.

The Wonder of Your Love by Beth Wiseman

2011-09-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

I received a free copy of Beth Wiseman's new novel, The Wonder of Your Love. It is book 2 in her Land of Canaan series, which takes place in Colorado. Katie Ann Stoltzfus finds her herself widowed at age 40 and raising a newborn. Eli Detweiler has been a widower for 17 years, and during that time raised 6 children on his own. Now he has plans to travel the country and enjoy his freedom. When he travels to Colorado for a wedding, he can't help but feel attracted to Katie Ann. He loves to help others and knows just what to do for a colicky newborn. Katie Ann has never met another man like him, yet she can't trust her heart. Her first husband was unfaithful and she is still trying to pick up the pieces. As they seek God for answers, they realize that God's ultimate plan may be different from their own. I enjoyed reading the continuing story of characters from the first book in the series. It picks up right where the last one left off. The Amish is this book sometimes don't seem like other Amish. They are more outspoken and are allowed more freedoms, so it didn't seem like real life. It was a quick read for me. If you like Amish, this is a typical book in a modern day Amish community.

Out Of Control by Mary Connealy

2011-09-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

In exchange for a review, Bethany House Publishers sent me a free copy of this book. It is Book 1 of the Kincaid Brides Series. Rafe Kincaid is the eldest of 3 brothers. He is used to being in control and giving the orders. When he finds Julia Gilliland trapped in a cavern near his ranch, his life changes. She is fiesty and independent, and enjoys exploring caves for fossils while her father runs a saloon in town. When her father dies, and the Kincaid brothers realize there is someone after Julia, Rafe aims to keep her safe and catch the tracker. He has always been in control of his feelings, but around Julia he can't think straight. There was alot of adventure in this book and I liked the time period of the mid-to-late 1800's. For someone interested in the exploration of caves this has many descriptions of the inside of caves. The men and women alike are strong and hard-working characters. There wasn't really any mention of having a personal relationship with God. They talk about a curcuit riding preacher, but other than that, nothing about the importance of God in your life. It was one of those so-so books that I may read the other books to come in the series, but if I don't, it's okay too.

Cherished by Kim Cash Tate

2011-08-20T16:48:00.001-07:00

I received a free copy of Cherished by Kim Cash Tate from Thomas Nelson. It was a Women of Faith novel that continues with characters from the setting of St. Louis, MO. This time the story centers on Kelli London, younger sister of Cedric and Lindell who were in Tate's novel Faithful. Kelli has grown away from the Lord while living in TX. Song lyrics used to come to her in the past, and she shared a special relationship with Brian Howard. Now Brian is a Christian rapper, and while attending a songwriter's conference she came face-to-face with Brian again, and all her hurt feelings when their relationship ended come flooding back. Brian never dreamed of having a future in Christian music like Kelli did. He was interested in pursing science to the highest academic level. Yet, he feels God has called him into the ministry for a special purpose. They learn the importance of forgiveness and how to use their spiritual gifts to help others. A subplot in this novel includes the continuation of Heather Anderson's story. In Faithful, Heather had an affair with a married man from church, and she is on a downward spiral, farther away from God. While at the songwriter's conference she has a one-night stand with a drummer from a Christian rock band. Cedric's wife Cyd begins a Bible study together with Heather and Kelli to help them see that God loves and cherishes them, and has made them a new person when they committed their life to him and turned from their sin. I absolutely loved this book! I loved that it continued with characters from Kim's first novel. And it is about real modern day life! So many people can see themselves in Kim's characters, and how she shows that God cherishes each one of us and reaffirms that nothing can separate us from His love is amazing! I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone!

Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller

2011-07-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

I recently received a free copy of Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller from Thomas Nelson. The setting is in Middlefield, OH similar to her other novels that I've read. It tells the story of Adam who has been living in the English world in Michigan, who comes home when his best friend and first love Emma loses her mother. He never liked living under his father's rules or those of the Amish community. Yet after he is home, he feels at peace and tries to begin a relationship with Emma again. Emma's brother-in-law has a cousin that arrives in town and shows an interest in her that she has never experienced before. Emma has a hard time putting the past behind her, and is pushed by her sister to face the future when money becomes scarce. She is afraid of trusting Adam again, b/c she knows he won't stay there forever. I found this novel to be slow. I have read books by Kathleen Fuller before, but this one seemed to be lacking something. I would have a hard time recommending it.

Hidden Affections by Delia Parr

2011-06-02T05:21:00.000-07:00

I recently received this free copy of Hidden Affections from Bethany House Publishers. I had never read anything by Delia Parr, but found that I liked her writing style. The setting takes place around Philadelphia in 1831. Annabelle and Harrison find themselves forced into marriage after being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Harrison is an elusive bachelor who does not want to go through the pain of loving and losing, since he has experienced this first hand in his own family. He feels that God has forsaken him and has become self-centered and cynical as well as very wealthy. On the other hand, Annabelle looks for God's blessings everyday and for ways to help the unfortunate, even though she has nothing after being cheated out of her small inheritance. As they go to live in Harrison's mansion, she makes friends with the servants and has a way about her that changes Harrison. He looks for ways to please her, yet is still determined to not love anyone because of fear of being hurt. The storyline flows smoothly and kept my interest. The characters seemed to come alive and made me wish I had lived in this time period with them. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical Christian fiction!

Spring For Susannah by Catherine Richmond

2011-05-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

I received a free copy of this new book from Thomas Nelson. Set in the Dakota Territory after the Civil War, Susannah is to be a mail-order bride to her pastor's brother Jesse. Jesse is a strong Christian who tries to show Susannah how to have confidence in herself and trust God's perfect plan. Susannah has always been shy and has never been allowed to share her opinion with others. Their getting to know each other has some funny dialogue. She discovers that she is a survivor of the wild frontier and that God has been in charge all along, when Jesse sets off to find work and she is left to fend for herself. The book is true to the time period and I liked how Catherine Richmond tells the story of life in the wilderness and the immigrants that are there. There were some slow parts in the middle, and sometimes the scenes would jump from one place to another and I wasn't sure whose thoughts I was reading. Yet, I liked the transformation in the confidence of Susannah. If you like the historical Christian fiction from this time period, you will for sure like this one!

Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott

2011-04-22T14:10:00.001-07:00

Thomas Nelson sent me a free copy of Fairer Than Morning to review. This is the first novel in The Saddler's Legacy series, based on the true story of the Hanby family who were citizens of Westerville, OH. Will Hanby is a saddle-maker's apprentice in Pittsburgh with a very evil master. He longs to be free and loved by God. When Ann and her master saddler father visit Pittsburgh, Ann sees the cruelty that Will regularly receives. Ann has been proposed to by Eli, an inspiring doctor who shares her interest in poetry. She must choose between the 2 young men, when Will escapes his master and comes searching for Ann. I read this book quickly because of the suspense between Will and his master. I enjoyed the historical accuracy of this book and learning the truth of how many endentured apprentices were treated. Some of the violent acts were hard to read b/c of the cruelty involved, even though I knew that was truly what happened in that time period. The characters deepen their personal relationship with God throughout the book and that is a plus! I look forward to reading the second book coming out in February 2012.

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

2011-04-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

Bethany House publishers sent me this book to review. The setting is 1814 in England. Mariah has been banished from her house for inappropriate behavior and sent to live in her distant aunt's gatehouse. She begins to secretly write novels to pay the rent. Matthew is a former Navy captain that comes to lease the estate, and as he begins to see more of Mariah, he wonders why she is there. The story is about how they interact with each other. This was my first book by Julie Klassen. Although, I usually like books in this time period, this one I didn't care for. It moved too slowly, and was hard to get excited about. There was some mystery, but not enough. It reminded me of Wuthering Heights or Pride and Prejudice. The characters didn't come alive for me, nor did I see enough about their relationship with God. I probably would not recommended this book to my family and friends.

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

2011-04-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

Thomas Nelson sent me The Lightkeeper's Ball to review this week. This is Book 3 in the Mercy Falls series, yet this can also be a stand-alone book. I had only read Book 1 before this, and while they do bring in the characters from the first 2 books, you don't need to read them to understand the plot. Olivia Stewart is from a wealthy NY family, and travels to California to investigate her sister Eleanor's death. Olivia's parents had prearranged a marriage for Eleanor and Harrison Bennett, and since Eleanor's death, Olivia is expected to marry Harrison. She is suspicious of anyone that had contact with her sister, and she decides to use her rarely used English title so that no one can identify her before she solves the mystery. Harrison has a passion for building airplanes and his dad believes it is a useless pursuit in 1907. His dad wants him to marry Olivia to solidify the family's financial future. When the truth is discovered at a charity masquerade ball, Olivia learns that even little white lies can hurt those she loves. I loved the mystery and suspense in this book! Plus, with the history and romance thrown in, I couldn't put the book down. This makes me want to read more of Colleen Cobles novels. I would definitely recommend the book, especially to those that love this time period.

A Cowboy's Touch by Denise Hunter

2011-03-13T14:08:00.001-07:00

Denise Hunter's latest novel, A Cowboy's Touch has just been published by Thomas Nelson. The setting is Montana at a ranch owned by widowed cowboy, Wade Ryan. There are secrets he is keeping and investigative reporter Abigail Jones is determined to find the answers. She is in Montana for the summer to spend time with her elderly aunt and get away from the stress of her job in Chicago. Somehow she finds herself as Wade's daughter's nanny for the summer, and her life slowly becomes entangled with theirs. Wade has fears of letting another woman into his life, fears of letting someone down again and guilt over his wife's death. Abigail has fallen away from God and immersed herself into her career, but the longer she stays in Montana, the less important her career seems to be. She reflects back to how an incident in her childhood affected her career choice and her pursuit of the truth. She must decide in the end if people are more important than her latest article.
I LOVED this book! I don't know how Denise Hunter makes the characters come alive for the reader. I couldn't put the book down! I felt like I was living in Montana for the summer and was friends with the people of Moose Creek. I can't wait for her next book!!!!!

Seek Me with all your Heart by Beth Wiseman

2011-02-26T13:27:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of Seek Me with all your Heart by Beth Wiseman this week from Thomas Nelson Publishers. Using some of the same characters from her Daughters of the Promise series, she tells the story of a new Amish community that has begun in Canaan, Colorado. David Stolzfus's family has moved there from Lancaster County, PA and he doesn't know why. He doesn't like their new home and is trying to earn enough money so he can return to PA. Emily Detwiler's family has moved there from OH b/c of a tragedy they are trying to put behind them. However, Emily can't seem to forgive and forget. David and Emily both struggle with understanding God's will for their lives. I read this book in one day; I couldn't put it down! I liked that the characters were interconnected from Beth Wiseman's previous series. The setting was modern day and it was easy to become a part of the characters lives. I can see why it won the Women of Faith Novel of the Year!

Save The Date by Jenny B. Jones

2011-01-15T08:01:00.000-08:00

Save the Date is the latest book I received from Thomas Nelson Publishers. The plot revolves around Alex, a former NFL player who is running for Congress in South Carolina. He has wealth, charm, and popularity, but the voters are looking for a more stable, caring, family type guy. He is searching for who he is, and what is his real purpose in life now that neither football nor money has made him happy. Lucy grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and is now running a non-profit organization for girls. Her funding has been cut and she needs a way to keep her girls' home open. She desperately accepts Alex's plan to pose as his girlfriend to help him get votes while she gets money to save her project. I LOVED this book!!!! The characters were so real, and their romantic banter was hilarious. I had laughter and tears as I read this book. There is a message of God's grace and forgiveness cleverly woven in. Lucy struggles with feelings of not being good enough because of not being part of the wealthy crowd and having klutzy moments while at social functions. Alex feels like he hasn't done anything important enough for God in his life and has turned away from his family when they needed him. I loved the adventure that they went through in this book and how they found their way back to God. Although, I had never read any books by Jenny B. Jones, I will surely be looking for more of them!!!!

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

2010-12-13T12:04:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-01T04:46:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-14T08:43:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-22T05:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-09T18:25:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-22T19:01:00.000-08:00

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!

Healing Sands by Nancy Rue & Stephen Arterburn

2009-12-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading Healing Sands by Nancy Rue & Stephen Arterburn. This is in the Sullivan Crisp series. It tells of the struggle that photojournalist Ryan Coe is going through now that she is divorced and her 2 boys have chosen to live with their dad. She moves to New Mexico to be near them, and has a difficult time controlling her anger. While at an accident scene for work, she finds her son being arrested for a crime that she is sure he didn't commit. She knows she needs helps for her anger and goes to Dr. Sullivan Crisp, a well-known Christian counselor, who himself is dealing with pain from his wife's death over a decade ago. Ryan wants to solve the case on her own, and wants to be in control of the whole situation. She is frustrated with her son, her ex-husband, the legal system, and her own actions. While in counseling Ryan learns about herself and begins to build friendships with other Christian moms that help her through this time. This is a mystery novel, but also something of a counseling one as well. I at first thought I wouldn't like it, but the authors slowly reeled me in, and I found I needed to know how the mystery was solved. Although, set in the southwest, in places I have never heard of nor can imagine, I liked the court "scenes" and also the in-depth dialogue between counselor and patient. The author added the characters thoughts as well as what they said. The characters came to life and it made me feel like I really knew Ryan and her family personally. An excellent story of surrender and learning how to let God have control of your life!

The Story of Christmas by Gwen Ellis, Illustrated by Steve Smallman

2009-11-13T17:43:00.000-08:00

The Story of Christmas is a children's book that tells the complete Christmas story for young children around the ages of 4-10. It begins with an angel coming to both Elizabeth and Mary, continues on to Jesus's birth, and ends with visits from the shepherds and wisemen before Mary and Joseph return home to Nazareth. The author has written the story well, and has broken the book down into 10 mini-stories. So for preschool age children you could read one story each night leading up to Christmas, without overwhelming them all at once with the whole story. Each mini-story has the Scripture reference of where it is taken from in the Bible, and there is a question for thought at the conclusion of each mini-story that a school age child could answer. At the end of the book, there are "snapshot" scenes taken from the stories for your children to put in order and retell the story to you. Every page has a bright and colorful picture. Also included is a 17 minute DVD of the life of Jesus, told in 6 different stories. The first 3 stories are from the Christmas story, and the remaining 3 are about Jesus being tempted by Satan, his miracles, and how Jesus loves all children. They are narrated clearly and kept my child's attention. However, I didn't care for how the DVD portrayed Satan. He was pictured in a long brown cape with a black cloth covered face, much like the Grim Reaper. My children didn't know who he was, and therefore really didn't understand the story of Jesus being tempted by Satan. That particular story seemed to be too mature for them, and didn't go along with the other stories on the DVD. I would recommend the The Story of Christmas to anyone who wants their children to have an illustrated book of the true meaning of Christmas!

The Tallest of Smalls by Max Lucado illustrated by Maria Monescillo

2009-10-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

The Tallest of Smalls is the latest children's book by Max Lucado. Written much like a Dr. Suess book in a rhyming/singsong way, Lucado reminds children that they are created by God and therefore neither small nor insignificant. This book, suited for elementary school-age children, tells of a boy who feels unimportant and desires to be one of the "cool" people in his village. It shows children that only God's opinion really matters. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and even humorous in some places. My 6, 8, and 10 year old followed the story closely and could summarize at the end what it was about. So I feel like Max Lucado was able to get his point across to children that they are precious just the way they are. I would recommend this book to any parent with young children. A book like this can open up conversations of how to treat others and what being "popular" and "cool" really means. What a way to raise a child's self-esteem when they hear that they belong to God and that He loves them always!

Plain Promise by Beth Wiseman

2009-09-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Plain Promise by Beth Wiseman. Set in Paradise, PA this is an excellent story of a young Amish widow, Sadie who takes in a non-Amish boarder. Kade is a wealthy man who is trying to escape his life. He finds peace in the Amish community and sees something in Sadie's life that he feels he is lacking. To add to his stress, he becomes the sole caretaker of his young autistic son, Tyler. In a community that is like "life in a fishbowl", Sadie is confused as to how much time she should spend in their company. She wants to help Kade, and especially his son, but knows the bishop is always watching. She has always believed in God's promises but is unsure of her future now that her husband is dead. When a blizzard hits, with help from Tyler, Sadie and Kade learn from each other about God's will for their lives. Beth Wiseman does a wonderful job in showing life with an autistic child and what life is like for the Amish that you feel like you are living in this town too. The book stirred my emotions and left me wanting to read a sequel. I finished the book in about 24 hours...very hard to put down!

A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller

2009-08-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller and I would recommend it to anyone, especially those interested in the Amish way of life. The story is set in an Amish community in Northeast Ohio. Newlywed Moriah has been abandoned by her husband who had grown weary of all the Amish rules and thought life "was greener on the other side". His twin brother is left to pick up the pieces, while trying to hide his true feelings of love for Moriah. The story moves along quickly and brings in sub-plots of additional characters as they deal with relationships in the community. Moriah deals with feelings of insecurity and self-worth, and learns that God's love is ever-present. This is the first book in the Hearts of Middlefield series and I eagerly anticipate the next book coming out next spring!

What's He Really Thinking

2009-08-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Can we ever really know what is in a man's mind? Author Paula Rinehart helps us better understand the men in our lives in her book What's He Really Thinking? In Part One, she highlights 7 different personality types and what drives them. She is scientific in how she desribes the male brain, and how God wired them differently right from birth. She pointed out that men are shaped by how they related to their fathers and how they can have hurts. I liked how she said that men are not going to sit down over a cup of coffee and just pour out their feelings. Men may not be able to express that in words. Rinehart goes on in Part Two of the book to talk about how women can effectively communicate with men. Men have different expectations and needs than women do. I especially liked the chapter on Respect; it made me really reflect on how I speak to my husband. This is an excellent book, a must read for anyone going through pre-martial counseling. Even for those that have been married awhile you can still learn much from this book. In the back, Rinehart has discussion questions, so this book could be used at a ladies Bible Study. Plus, there are great "conversation starters" at the end for those women that seek to explore all there is to know about the man in their life!