Monday, January 30, 2017

Amish Wanderer By Laura V. Hilton



Desperate for a Ticket Out
Bethany Weiss is ready to leave town. Tongues haven't stopped clacking in Jamesport, MO, since her daed, the bishop, was admitted to a mental hospital after hurting their small Amish community. But her sharpest wounds Bethany hides from prying eyes, quietly biding her time until she can take a chance at a new life—away from Jamesport and away from God.
Searching for a Home
Silas Beiler was kicked out of his own family's home. Dogged by a rough childhood and a family who blames him for each new disaster, he begins hitchhiking across the country, sleeping in barns where he can, working for food when possible—headed for Pennsylvania, in the hope of some stability.
A Memory of Lemonade
When Bethany spies a man asleep in the hayloft, she first fears the return of an unwelcome suitor. But when it is Silas who turns and speaks, the memories flood back: a happy summer six years ago full of lemonade, long walks, and budding courtship. Now, however, those months of bliss seem naïve and idyllic. Will their old love overcome new pain? Or will hurt and rejection continue to haunt their path?

Pick up your copy here...



LAURA V. HILTON is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the web. Her first series with Whitaker was The Amish of Seymour, including A Harvest of Hearts (2012 Laurel Award winner, first place in the Amish Genre Clash); and her second was The Amish of Webster County. Her most recent series was The Amish of Jamesport, featuring The Post Card, The Snow Globe, and The Birdhouse. Laura and her husband, Steve, live in Arkansas with their five children, whom Laura homeschools.

Hilton is one of the top five Amish authors that I will NOT miss. Her books are so well written you forget your reading a book it's as if your watching a movie.
In this latest masterpiece you are going to be up all night reading unable to put the book down.
Silas, is one of those characters that is not perfect he has struggles and its like he's real not a fictional character. I have to tell you I liked him, a lot.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend you reading this one!
I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Seven Mile Miracle By Steven Furtick




 His Final Words Are Your New Beginning  
It’s Good Friday. The Son of God is giving up his life. What does he want to say to us in His final hours? What does He tell the people standing at the foot of the cross, to pass down to the ages? He speaks only seven short statements. Words of forgiveness, salvation, relationship, abandonment, distress, triumph, and reunion. Seven statements that mean everything.
 
In Seven-Mile Miracle, Pastor Steven Furtick shows us how Jesus’s last words offer mile markers for our journey in relationship with God. It’s a lifelong journey and it’s not always easy. But Jesus is both our guide and our destination as we travel. Put your feet on a proven path—the road that Jesus walked.
 
Includes questions for reflection and a forty-day reading guide to Jesus’s death and resurrection.

A Proven Path for Spiritual Growth
 
 From time to time we all feel stuck in our relationship with God and frustrated by life’s setbacks. Jesus faced what could have been the ultimate defeat on the cross. Yet he emerged triumphant through his relationship with his heavenly Father. And he showed us the way so that we could do the same.
 
In Seven-Mile Miracle, Steven Furtick explores how Jesus’s seven last statements on the cross offer a proven spiritual growth path for us. You will experience the Easter message more personally than ever before as you engage the words of forgiveness, salvation, relationship, abandonment, distress, triumph, reunion.
 
After all, we are not simply believers—people who have put our faith in Jesus. We are not simply disciples—pupils who learn from him. We are called to be followers of Christ. This is your opportunity to follow Jesus through his death, and move forward in his resurrection power, starting now.

Pre-order your copy here...



STEVEN FURTICK is the New York Times bestselling author of Sun Stand Still, Greater, Crash the Chatterbox, and (Un)Qualified. He is also the founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church, based in Charlotte, NC, which since its founding in 2006 has grown to multiple locations across several states. He preaches around the world and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Steven and his wife, Holly, have three children and live near Charlotte, North Carolina.

Follow him on social media @StevenFurtick.

This was a good book. You get to take a good hard look at the presence of God through the last words of Jesus.
I like all the scripture in each mile and I liked some of the commentary. Some of it I did not agree with.
I am a firm believer that when Jesus died he had you and I on his mind because he died for each of us
This is a book that should be read by everyone.
I gladly gave this book 4 stars. I hope that you will pick up a copy.
I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own. 

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Max Gives Thanks to God By Todd & Jackie Courtney





Inspirational Nursery Rhymes are scientifically written to help your child excel into and through adulthood. Rhymes were created to help with learning as far back as the Romans and by reading our rhymes daily, your child will be programmed with limitless possibilities. Max shows everyone how he thanks God for everything in his life such as flowers, trees, birds, friends, family and more.

You must pick up your copy here...

Jacqueline “Jackie” Courtney, was born and raised in San Jose, CA. and has spent most of her life as an elementary school teacher in the grades of kindergarten through 3rd grade. With her talents as a teacher and private tutor, specializing in the area of reading, it was a natural for Jackie to follow her passion in the creation of children’s books. Todd J. Courtney was raised in San Jose, CA for most of his life. He has spent the past 25 years as a business owner/investor and during the last 5 years, he was teaching what Wallace D. Wattles calls “thinking stuff” to business offices in San Jose. During this time of teaching, while raising three kids with his wife and teaching them the same techniques, he realized his passion lies with helping our youth understand that they too can create the life they truly dream of.

This is such a cute book the message and the illustration's are wonderful. This would make a great baby shower gift or a pick up a copy for your Church nursery , perhaps a birthday gift. Such a positive story for your young child.
When I read this book I though of having a small child in my lap. It is a great book and the perfect gift idea.
This for sure a 5 star book. I recommend it. We need more books like this for our children.
I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own

Friday, January 27, 2017

Stars in the Grass By Ann Marie Stewart



“The summer before I turned ten was idyllic—until August 3, 1970.  It perfectly describes a time when I thought the world was safe and good things lasted forever..."

Nine-year-old Abby McAndrews has just experienced her greatest loss, and in its wake, her family is unraveling with guilt, grief, and anger. Her father, Reverend McAndrews, cannot return to the pulpit because he has more questions than answers. Her older brother Matt’s actions speak louder than the words he needs to confess, as he acts out in dangerous ways. Her mother tries to hold her grieving family together, but when Abby’s dad refuses to move on, the family is at a crossroads.
 
Stars in the Grass, set in a small Midwestern town in 1970, is an uplifting novel that explores a family’s relationships and resiliency. Abby’s heartbreaking remembrances are balanced by humor and nostalgia as her family struggles with—and ultimately celebrates—life after loss.

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I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing stories, putting on plays, or belting songs. Ever since grade school when my dad substituted me in for his turn at the Toastmaster podium and I held a captive audience with my speech, I’ve loved making people laugh and cry.

I grew up in Seattle, Washington and am a die-hard UW Husky (and Wolverine) after earning a Masters in Film/Television from University of Michigan. I originated AMG’s Preparing My Heart series, write the column “Ann’s Lovin’ Ewe” for The Country Register and blog for Mentoring Moments. My first novel, Stars in the Grass comes out February 2017.

When I’m not writing, I’m waving my arms directing musicals, teaching middle schoolers, or watching UVA Basketball or Madam Secretary. In my free time I hang out with my husband, raising two lovely daughters and a whole flock of fuzzy sheep on Skye Moor Farm, in Virginia--where unscripted drama provides plenty of entertaining material.

This book was so hard for me to get into. It is a hard book of loss and a family struggling to cope and to move past the death of a child. It took me a few days to read it. It's a hard storyline.
I loved Abby's voice and the story of hope but there was just something lacking and I can't put my finger on what  it was.
I will say that the author is one that I will try again. I loved the cover.
I gave this book 3.5 this is just one persons opinion. Maybe you will enjoy it.
 I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

The Sisters of Sugarcreek By Cathy Liggett



Many lives were changed the day a fire burned down Faith Community Church, devastating the small town of Sugarcreek, Ohio.

Now a young Amish widow, Lydia Gruber faces an uncertain future. Her husband, a craftsman and volunteer firefighter, always took care of everything, keeping her isolated from others in their community. Without anyone or any skills, how will she survive?

With the death of her beloved aunt Rose in the fire, single mom Jessica Holtz inherits Rose’s Knit One Quilt Too cottage. Though determined to keep the shop open in her aunt’s memory, she doesn’t know the first thing about knitting and quilting and begins to see her aunt’s dream slip through her fingers.

When Liz Cannon lost her dear friend Rose, she also lost her partner in the Secret Stitches Society―the name they gave themselves while delivering gifts of hope to troubled folks in the dark of night. Liz convinces Jessica to keep the anonymous society going, despite the younger women’s inadequacy with knitting and sewing needles. But soon Liz has problems of her own as the life she has rebuilt for herself begins to crumble again.

When Liz and Jessica choose Lydia for their first mission, the three women cross paths and form an unlikely friendship in the aftermath of tragedy. As they walk together through triumph and heartbreak―through grief and new chances at love―they begin to discover that with friends by your side, a stitch of hope can be found anywhere.

Pick up your copy here...


Coney Island was never at the top of my list when I was a kid (scaredy cat!). My favorite places were the library, the card shop and hardware stores. As my husband will tell you, it's a good thing that books were my first love. I'm a lot better at fixing up characters in stories than anything that involves a hammer and nails or even super glue. Besides writing, I enjoy impromptu visits from our two grown kids and doing the empty-nester thing with my one true love. We're also enjoying the latest addition to our family, a Boxer mix named Chaz.
Please visit me at www.cathyliggett.com. I'd love to hear from you.

This book had such an impact on me. I to love to do things for people in need in secret so I could not wait to see what was going to happen in this book. I was not disappointed at all. I like Amish books, I love books that make a difference, I love romance, family and books about friends. This one had it all. I am so glad I read this book.
The story of romance was so sweet and endearing. This is a book that you will read over and over.
This was the first book of its kind that I have read so  you will be very surprised by it once you get started reading it.
I gave this book 4.5 stars and I plan to read more of Liggett's books. This book is highly recommended.
I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Restoring Love By Jennifer Slattery


Mitch, a contractor and house-flipper, is restoring a beautiful old house in an idyllic Midwestern neighborhood. Angela, a woman filled with regrets and recently transplanted to his area, is anything but idyllic. She's almost his worst nightmare, and she's also working on restoring something herself. As he struggles to keep his business afloat and she works to overcome mistakes of her past, these two unlikely friends soon discover they have something unexpected in common, a young mom who is fighting to give her children a better life after her husband's incarceration. While both Mitch and Angela are drawn to help this young mother survive, they also find themselves drawn to each other. Will a lifetime of regrets hold them back or unite them and bring redemption along with true love?

Restoring Love, part of New Hope Publishers' line of contemporary missional fiction, demonstrates how God can turn our greatest tragedies and failures into beautiful acts of love and grace that can impact the lives of others. Readers will connect with the realistic characters and find they can relate to the complex situations that makes Jennifer Slattery's book so appealing. Readers will be inspired to see how God wants to use us to restore people's perception of love in action.

Pick up your copy here...


Jennifer Slattery, author of Breaking Free, Beyond I Do, Intertwined, and When Dawn Breaks, is an inspiring contemporary novelist whose stories of hope, love, and grace resonate with real people. She also writes Christian Living articles for Crosswalk.com and devotions for her personal blog, JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com; Internet Cafe Devotions; and oversees the blog and social media accounts for Takin' It To The Streets, a ministry serving Omaha Metro's working poor and homeless. When not writing, she enjoys hanging out with her teenage daughter and real-life hero husband, as well as serving in her church.

I have to say Slattery can write a romance and share the love of the Lord all while not being preachy or over the top in your face. She always writes love stories that get you to think.
This was her best book yet in my opinion. I never put it down once I started reading it. The plot, the characters, all so real. It was so good I hated for it to end. For me it was like a box of fine chocolate I savored it until the very end.
Warning: You will not get any thing done once you crack this book open, so cook, clean and do whatever you need to do before you dive in.
I gave this book 4.5 stars and I can't wait to get my hands on Slattery's next book.
I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Grace and the Preacher By Kim Vogel Sawyer



At the age of twenty-four, postmistress Grace Cristler has all but given up hope of finding a husband among the narrowing group of eligible men in her town of Fairland, Kansas. But when her uncle decides to retire from the pulpit, Grace is responsible for corresponding with the new preacher set to take his place. She can’t deny the affection growing in her heart for Reverend Rufus Dille—a man she deeply admires, but has only met through his letters.

Theophil Garrison is on the run from a past and a label he’s desperate to escape. Ten years ago, his outlaw cousins convinced him to take part in a train robbery, but Theo fled the scene, leaving his cousins to face imprisonment. Now their sentence is complete, but the plan for vengeance has only just begun. Branded a coward and running for his life, a chance encounter could provide Theo with the escape he needs. 

But the young man’s desperate con might come at an enormous price for the tenderhearted Grace—and the entire town. Will Grace’s undeserved affection and God’s mercy make something beautiful from the ashes of Theo’s past?


Pre Order your copy here...




KIM VOGEL SAWYER is a highly acclaimed, best-selling author with more than one million books in print, in seven different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and grandchildren.

 
As a huge Sawyer fan, I have never read one of her books that have not touched me and left me wanting more. Grace and the Preacher was so enjoyable and left me wanting more. I am so excited for this new book. The characters were so real to me and the story was very endearing. A book about God's grace, well we all need to read this one.
I can't wait for Sawyers next book.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend it.
 I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Friday, January 13, 2017

Amish Weddings By Leslie Gould


Gould's Series Concludes in Love and Marriage
Gregarious Rose Lehman, who's always the life of the Amish youth singings, is determined to marry the bishop's son, Reuben Byler--until the handsome Army buddy of her future brother-in-law shows up in Lancaster County. In comparison to Trevor, Reuben seems downright boring. Trevor shares Rose's sense of fun and adventure, and her easygoing disposition.

When her sister Lila's buggy is rear-ended and Lila is horribly injured, Rose finds herself with more freedom than she's ever experienced. Everyone is so concerned about Lila that no one realizes Rose is sneaking out with Trevor. Except for Reuben. But in his usual passive way, he doesn't confront her, nor does he address the situation with her Dat or anyone else in the district. Rose appreciates Reuben's discretion, but she also resents it. Part of her relishes the freedom she's found with Trevor, but the other part of her wishes Reuben would "fight" for her, as much as any Amish man would. Too late, she realizes the foolish choice she's made. Has she ruined her best chance at love, or is there another path to happiness she just hasn't seen yet?

Pick up your copy here...



Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels including two Lancaster Amish series. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her husband and four children in Oregon. Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.

This is book three in the Neighbors of Lancaster County. Gould reading all night, she out did herself with this one. This can be read as a stand alone and enjoyed but I recommend the whole series. 
I could not get enough of these characters. Rose and Lila have been so much fun getting to know. Gould wants you to know that no one is perfect and that forgiveness is a must.
Oh you will never see the weddings coming in this one. I loved them!
I have to say I loved the ending, I did not see it coming but I was a happy girl.
I gave this book 4 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it.
 I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Friday, January 6, 2017

A Moonbow Night By Laura Frantz




From the beloved author of The Frontiersman's Daughter and Courting Morrow Little comes a new Kentucky novel...On the vast, uncharted Kentucky frontier of the 1770s, Temperance Tucker has learned to be fleet of foot, accurate with her rifle, and silent about the past. But her family secrets complicate her growing attraction to a handsome Virginia land surveyor with a harsh history of his own. Will the hurts and hardships of the past prevent them from a fulfilling future?

Pick up your copy here...


Award-winning author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.

According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.
 
Being from the Kentucky area I was super excited to read this book. Frantz paints the perfect picture of the wilderness and scenery that makes you feel part of the setting she is writing about.  I love Tempe, she is the perfect strong willed character that carries this story very well. You  have a wonderful romance that develops the entire book that will take your breath away. The author slowly develops a bond between Tempe and Sion. Each chapter begins with a quote from someone that lived in the era of the book. This is a great novel of love, loss, courage, and the strength to trust God and continue life.
I gave this book 4 stars and highly recommend it to Historical Christian fiction  lovers.
I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own.
 

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Summer on Sunset Ridge By Sharlene MacLaren



Brought up on a Quaker farm near Philadelphia at the brink of the Civil War, plainspoken Rebecca Albright is expected to be charitable, peace-loving, and submissive. However, those traits don't always come naturally to the feisty abolitionist. Spirited and spunky, Rebecca's chief ambition is to aid the Underground Railroad no matter the cost - until her path collides with slave-catcher Sheriff Clay Dalton who's grimly fighting battles of his own. When tensions between the North and South escalate, the two find themselves propelled on a journey to discover just who God has called them to be and to determine whether their newfound friendship can stand up to a myriad of conflicts.

Pick up your copy here...



Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree in 1971, she taught second grade for two years then accepted an invitation to travel internationally for a year with a singing ensemble. In 1975, she married her childhood sweetheart. Together they raised two lovely, wonderful daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired in 2003 from 31-years of teaching, "Shar" loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family, in particular, her wonderful, adorable grandchildren!

All of the Amish books out there, everyone who loves them is sure to love this new book about Quakers.
It will have you reading well into the night. I could not put it down until I read the very last page.
MacLaren is one you are going to want to add to your book shelf.
The Characters were easy to love and the rich history was very well told.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.