I usually enjoy historical fiction, and this book is no exception. Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer deals with the topic of women's suffrage in addition to the requisite romance.
Edythe Amsel is the new teacher in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Her teaching methods are at first considered outlandish and inappropriate by many of the town's citizens, but as the school year progresses and the children are excited about going to school at least a few of the parents are beginning to reconsider their initial opinions. This changes when Miss Amsel wants to take her older students to hear Miss Susan Anthony speak about women's suffrage.
Kim Vogel Sawyer's writing style is engaging and this story draws the reader in to the town of Walnut Hill. However, I wasn't as caught up in this story as in her last story, In Every Heartbeat. The only real antagonist in this book is public opinion against changing techniques in teaching and women's suffrage, although one of Miss Amsel's students does provide a challenge as well. This does provide enough motivation to move the story along, but just barely. Overall, the story is interesting but is not a nail-biter by any stretch. Just a good summer read.
I received a copy of this book to review from the publisher, however the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Book Review - Larkspur Cove
This is the second book I've read by author Lisa Wingate, and I have thoroughly enjoyed both of them. My only regret is that I didn't save this book to read on vacation, because it is a perfect book to enjoy while relaxing at the beach or in the mountains! The setting of this book is Moses Lake, a lake community where everything moves at a slower pace. Maybe that's why I wanted to read this book on vacation - because every time I picked it up I could feel myself relaxing as I returned to this wonderful little community.
I enjoyed following Andrea and Mart as they learned more about each other and as they became more involved in the life of a little girl who suddenly appeared at Moses Lake. The book held my attention all the way through and the ending was especially exciting. I hope Lisa Wingate plans to write more books about the people of Moses Lake. It is definitely a community worth visiting again!
Although I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I enjoyed following Andrea and Mart as they learned more about each other and as they became more involved in the life of a little girl who suddenly appeared at Moses Lake. The book held my attention all the way through and the ending was especially exciting. I hope Lisa Wingate plans to write more books about the people of Moses Lake. It is definitely a community worth visiting again!
Although I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Book Review - On This Day In Christian History
The book On This Day In Christian History is a fascinating compilation of stories of Christ followers through the centuries. Each story is a short, one-page synopsis of a well-known or not-so-well-known person from Christian history. In general the stories are fascinating. I've learned a bit about several names from Christian history and many of the stories are intriguing enough to follow up and learn more about. The stories are short enough to read quickly each day and are very interesting. At the bottom of each page is a short scripture which applies directly to the story that day. I like this feature since it allows you to use this book as a devotional with a scripture to meditate on throughout the day. Because each day's reading only takes one page the stories are by necessity abbreviated. Many of the people highlighted in this book lived fascinating lives and this book can easily serve as a catalyst to cause readers to learn more about those people. I also like the topical index located in the back of the book. If you want to find a story on a particular topic (for example pride or perseverance) the index is very useful.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Book Review - Masquerade
What an intriguing story! The plot of this book centers around two young women from England - Charlotte Gleason and her maid Dora. Charlotte's parents are in financial straits and decide to marry their daughter to a rich young American who is more interested in their family name than anything else. Charlotte detests this idea, so on the voyage from England to America she decides to switch identities with her maid Dora. What follows is the "tangled web" that deceit always brings.
This was an exceptionally well-written story with interesting twists and turns. I was especially interested to see how Charlotte and Dora would manage to extract themselves from the mess they created. In the end each of the main characters learned that relying on God is much preferable to attempting to manipulate a situation by altering the truth.
Although I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This was an exceptionally well-written story with interesting twists and turns. I was especially interested to see how Charlotte and Dora would manage to extract themselves from the mess they created. In the end each of the main characters learned that relying on God is much preferable to attempting to manipulate a situation by altering the truth.
Although I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Book Review - Within My Heart
I enjoyed reading this latest book by Tamera Alexander. The plot centers around a widow, Rachel Boyd, who is trying to keep her husband's dream of running a ranch alive, all while raising two young boys. After losing her husband, Rachel is hesitant to marry a second time even though she has been encouraged to marry just to keep her ranch afloat.
Dr. Rand Brookston, the town physician, wants to help Rachel out, but she does her best to avoid him since he reminds her of her father, also a physician. As the plot unfolds both Rachel and Rand are forced to face their fears and learn to trust more fully in God's plan for each of their lives.
This book is very well written and held my attention from beginning to end. I hope a sequel is planned so we can learn more about some of the other characters in the book.
Although I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, the opinions expresed are entirely my own.
Dr. Rand Brookston, the town physician, wants to help Rachel out, but she does her best to avoid him since he reminds her of her father, also a physician. As the plot unfolds both Rachel and Rand are forced to face their fears and learn to trust more fully in God's plan for each of their lives.
This book is very well written and held my attention from beginning to end. I hope a sequel is planned so we can learn more about some of the other characters in the book.
Although I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, the opinions expresed are entirely my own.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Book Review - The American Patriot's Almanac
The American Patriot's Almanac is an excellent collection of interesting excerpts from American history. The book is meant to be read one page a day, with each day's reading outlining an important event from that day in American history. In addition to focusing on one main event each day, at the bottom of each page is a brief synopsis of as many as half a dozen other important events that occurred on that day. At the beginning of each month - or chapter - various interesting topics from American history are covered. One month outlines 50 All-American movies, another month covers 50 American quotes. Each month is a different topic.
This book is excellent for students or anyone who wants to learn more about American history. It covers topics that range from defining moments in American history to more obscure but interesting facts. I can see where it will be a catalyst to encourage my children to learn more about the history of America as they read each day's story.
One other thing about this book that especially appeals to me is its appearance. The cover is attractive and "historic" looking - it reminds me of the look of parchment. The pages are thick with a torn, rough edge, making them look old - a perfect look for a book on history.
Although I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher as part of their book review program, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This book is excellent for students or anyone who wants to learn more about American history. It covers topics that range from defining moments in American history to more obscure but interesting facts. I can see where it will be a catalyst to encourage my children to learn more about the history of America as they read each day's story.
One other thing about this book that especially appeals to me is its appearance. The cover is attractive and "historic" looking - it reminds me of the look of parchment. The pages are thick with a torn, rough edge, making them look old - a perfect look for a book on history.
Although I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher as part of their book review program, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Book Review - In Every Heartbeat
This latest book by Kim Vogel Sawyer is an inspiring and entertaining read. It follows the journey of three young adults who grew up together in an orphanage as they journey to college. The book is set just after the turn of the century. Each of the three main characters struggles with a slightly different issue from their past as they attempt to come to terms with the fact that each of them was abandoned in some way by their birth parents.
As a prospective adoptive parent I found this book interesting just from the standpoint of looking at an orphaned child's perspective of relating to birth family and the myriad emotions they must deal with. Of course, the lives of two of the main characters end up satisfyingly complete without any ugly loose ends while I suspect in real life that would not necessarily be the case - even when an orphaned child has a personal walk with Christ. Still, this book is well written and does take at least a bit of a journey into a type of life that many of us have not given more than superficial thought to.
This book is very well written with life lessons the reader can take from the book in addition to being entertained.
As part of their book reviewer program I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
As a prospective adoptive parent I found this book interesting just from the standpoint of looking at an orphaned child's perspective of relating to birth family and the myriad emotions they must deal with. Of course, the lives of two of the main characters end up satisfyingly complete without any ugly loose ends while I suspect in real life that would not necessarily be the case - even when an orphaned child has a personal walk with Christ. Still, this book is well written and does take at least a bit of a journey into a type of life that many of us have not given more than superficial thought to.
This book is very well written with life lessons the reader can take from the book in addition to being entertained.
As part of their book reviewer program I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Book Review - Big Red Bible
As a book reviewer for Thomas Nelson publishers, I received a complimentary copy of this Bible. The first thing I noticed when I received it is the bright, eye-catching front cover which will appeal to the young children for whom it is designed. On the front cover is the phrase, "The translation children can read and understand". I agree that this translation is ideal for younger children who often do not understand other, more advanced translations. It is not appropriate for older elementary children or even young children who are advanced readers.
The illustrations in this new edition of The Big Red Bible are also eye-catching. They appear to me to be computer-generated versions of what look like 3-D dioramas - like you would find in a museum that has created dioramas of scenes from the Bible.
In the back of this Bible there is a dictionary of words that young children especially might not know. For example, firstfruits and covenant are defined. Beyond the dictionary are short sections entitled, "Where Do I Find It?", "What God Promises About...", and "Memory Verses For My Life". Each of these is geared toward younger children and can be a useful tool to enhance Bible study. In addition there is also a set of maps which are clearly marked and are easy for younger children to read.
The one negative aspect in my opinion is that this version is not hardback. My younger children don't always treat books as carefully as a grownup would and this book would be very easy to bend.
The illustrations in this new edition of The Big Red Bible are also eye-catching. They appear to me to be computer-generated versions of what look like 3-D dioramas - like you would find in a museum that has created dioramas of scenes from the Bible.
In the back of this Bible there is a dictionary of words that young children especially might not know. For example, firstfruits and covenant are defined. Beyond the dictionary are short sections entitled, "Where Do I Find It?", "What God Promises About...", and "Memory Verses For My Life". Each of these is geared toward younger children and can be a useful tool to enhance Bible study. In addition there is also a set of maps which are clearly marked and are easy for younger children to read.
The one negative aspect in my opinion is that this version is not hardback. My younger children don't always treat books as carefully as a grownup would and this book would be very easy to bend.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Book Review - Seeds of Turmoil
The focus of the book Seeds of Turmoil: The Biblical Roots of the Inevitable Crisis in the Middle East was fascinating to me. I was hoping to come to a new or deeper understanding of the current state of that part of the world by looking at current world events from a Biblical perspective. Unfortunately, I feel this book doesn't go far enough in its analysis.
Part One of the book is a thorough synopsis of the several chapters of Old Testament history beginning with God's promise to Abram and how he and Sarai tried to "help" God by having Abram father a son with Sarai's maid Hagar. Clearly, from a Biblical perspective this is the root of the problems in the Middle East, but this book contained little if any information that most Christians do not already know.
I found Part Two of the book a bit more interesting. It looks at the current relationship between Muslims, Jews and Christians and also covers several prophecies found in the Bible (some of which have already been fulfilled - others of which have not). It also focuses on the how today's Christians should relate to Jews today.
Overall, in my opinion this book did not delve deep enough into the subject at hand. While there is some interesting information in here, most of it is not as enlightening as I had hoped.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher the views expressed are entirely my own.
Part One of the book is a thorough synopsis of the several chapters of Old Testament history beginning with God's promise to Abram and how he and Sarai tried to "help" God by having Abram father a son with Sarai's maid Hagar. Clearly, from a Biblical perspective this is the root of the problems in the Middle East, but this book contained little if any information that most Christians do not already know.
I found Part Two of the book a bit more interesting. It looks at the current relationship between Muslims, Jews and Christians and also covers several prophecies found in the Bible (some of which have already been fulfilled - others of which have not). It also focuses on the how today's Christians should relate to Jews today.
Overall, in my opinion this book did not delve deep enough into the subject at hand. While there is some interesting information in here, most of it is not as enlightening as I had hoped.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher the views expressed are entirely my own.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Book Review - The Boy Who Changed the World
I always enjoy childrens' books that have a Christian theme. I am happy to add this book by Andy Andrews to my collection. This story is a childrens' version of Andrews' book The Butterfly Effect.
The story starts with a little boy named Norman Borlaug who grew up and saved over two billion people from starving. Then of course, Andrews leads young readers from Borlaug down a chain of people showing how one life impacted another which in turn impacted another. The message is clearly conveyed to young readers that each life matters - including their own - and that the positive, God-honoring decisions we make today can have a lasting impact far beyond what we might imagine.
This book is beautifully illustrated and well-written. The message to young readers is clear. On the last page in colorful bold print is the line, " That means YOU can be the kid who changes the world!"
What a wonderful, positive message to send children. This would be an excellent book to give as a gift to encourage both a love of reading and to encourage with this inspiring message. I don't think enough children in today's society are told that they matter or are encouraged to use the gifts and talents God has given them to help others. This book does both.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The story starts with a little boy named Norman Borlaug who grew up and saved over two billion people from starving. Then of course, Andrews leads young readers from Borlaug down a chain of people showing how one life impacted another which in turn impacted another. The message is clearly conveyed to young readers that each life matters - including their own - and that the positive, God-honoring decisions we make today can have a lasting impact far beyond what we might imagine.
This book is beautifully illustrated and well-written. The message to young readers is clear. On the last page in colorful bold print is the line, " That means YOU can be the kid who changes the world!"
What a wonderful, positive message to send children. This would be an excellent book to give as a gift to encourage both a love of reading and to encourage with this inspiring message. I don't think enough children in today's society are told that they matter or are encouraged to use the gifts and talents God has given them to help others. This book does both.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Book Review - Outlive Your Life
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Max Lucado's newest book, Outlive Your Life. The title - "Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference" gives a hint of the inspiring message in this book. It is filled with snippets of true stories of how God has used His followers throughout history to draw others to Him.
Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of how God uses His people. In addition to referencing scripture within each chapter to prove his point, Lucado also quotes a different scripture at the end of each chapter which succinctly captures the message of that chapter. For example, one chapter focuses on how we do not need to be impressive or amazing in the world's eyes in order to be useful to God. At the end of this chapter, Lucado quotes I Corinthians 1:26-27 - a passage which I love and which is very appropriate to the topic.
At the end of the book is a section called Discussion and Action Guide. I can see where this book would be an excellent book for small group study when used with this guide. But even if you're reading the book by yourself as I was, don't skip over this section. It is thought-provoking and you can use it as a jumping-off point to put what you read into practice. Many of the Ideas For Action are not difficult or time-consuming but they will cause you to reevaluate your actions and hopefully become more intentional in serving God. For example, when you enter a room instead of sitting with the people you always do (which is a habit for most of us) choose to sit with someone who is sitting alone.
One thing which everyone who reads this book should take away is that we need to move outside our comfort zones when God calls us to. And He will call us to move outside our comfort zone in some way. Open your eyes and heart to ways God is wanting to use you to help others TODAY. Every interaction we have is an opportunity for God to use us to reach someone else. "Determine how your gifts, passion, and opportunities best fit into God's plan to serve your neighborhood, community, and world." Then choose to use those gifts, passion, and opportunities to serve God by serving others.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of how God uses His people. In addition to referencing scripture within each chapter to prove his point, Lucado also quotes a different scripture at the end of each chapter which succinctly captures the message of that chapter. For example, one chapter focuses on how we do not need to be impressive or amazing in the world's eyes in order to be useful to God. At the end of this chapter, Lucado quotes I Corinthians 1:26-27 - a passage which I love and which is very appropriate to the topic.
At the end of the book is a section called Discussion and Action Guide. I can see where this book would be an excellent book for small group study when used with this guide. But even if you're reading the book by yourself as I was, don't skip over this section. It is thought-provoking and you can use it as a jumping-off point to put what you read into practice. Many of the Ideas For Action are not difficult or time-consuming but they will cause you to reevaluate your actions and hopefully become more intentional in serving God. For example, when you enter a room instead of sitting with the people you always do (which is a habit for most of us) choose to sit with someone who is sitting alone.
One thing which everyone who reads this book should take away is that we need to move outside our comfort zones when God calls us to. And He will call us to move outside our comfort zone in some way. Open your eyes and heart to ways God is wanting to use you to help others TODAY. Every interaction we have is an opportunity for God to use us to reach someone else. "Determine how your gifts, passion, and opportunities best fit into God's plan to serve your neighborhood, community, and world." Then choose to use those gifts, passion, and opportunities to serve God by serving others.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Book Review - Captured by Grace
I couldn't wait to start reading this book because I wanted to learn more about the life of John Newton, writer of the song "Amazing Grace". When I started the book the prelude immediately drew me in with two vignettes from the lives of John Newton and the apostle Paul. I had never really stopped to think about Paul's life before he became a follower of Christ. This book drew beautiful parallels between Paul's life, Newton's life and all our lives before we choose to follow Jesus.
This book isn't so much a biography of Paul or Newton as a focused look at God's grace as evidenced in both their lives. Of course, it also discusses how grace affects the lives of all who accept God's gift of grace. In addition to looking at the lives of the apostle Paul and John Newton, the book also introduces other Christians who have chosen to trust God even in extremely difficult circumstances. I especially enjoyed learning the stories of missionary Helen Roseveare and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Even though each of these women suffered in different ways, God used each of them to further His kingdom. One quote from Helen Roseveare which especially tugged at my heart was, " Can you thank Me for trusting you with this experience, even if I never tell you why?" We may not always understand why we are suffering but God's grace is sufficient in all circumstances.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to spend more time focusing on God's grace. It is thought-provoking, yet easy to read.
In the interest of disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the views expressed here are entirely my own.
This book isn't so much a biography of Paul or Newton as a focused look at God's grace as evidenced in both their lives. Of course, it also discusses how grace affects the lives of all who accept God's gift of grace. In addition to looking at the lives of the apostle Paul and John Newton, the book also introduces other Christians who have chosen to trust God even in extremely difficult circumstances. I especially enjoyed learning the stories of missionary Helen Roseveare and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Even though each of these women suffered in different ways, God used each of them to further His kingdom. One quote from Helen Roseveare which especially tugged at my heart was, " Can you thank Me for trusting you with this experience, even if I never tell you why?" We may not always understand why we are suffering but God's grace is sufficient in all circumstances.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to spend more time focusing on God's grace. It is thought-provoking, yet easy to read.
In the interest of disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the views expressed here are entirely my own.
Book Review - The Butterfly Effect
I'm not normally a big fan of gift books, but I couldn't resist reading this new gift book by Andy Andrews since I enjoy his books. I was not disappointed in this one. As a gift book, I really enjoyed both the design and layout of the pages and the story itself. Of course, as with all gift books this one was a quick read, so it's appropriate even for someone who doesn't consider themselves a reader.
The story itself, though, will make you think more about the impact your life has not only on those around you but also on future generations. Truly, our words and actions matter. I love the illustration of how one life impacts another, which impacts another and so on. One of the two illustrations in this book of how every person's life is important, began with a person I'm sure few people have ever heard of named Norman Borlaug (read the book to find out just who he is!). And the two lives who were highlighted are only examples. Your life matters just as much as Norman Borlaug's.
This would be such a great gift to anyone who thinks their life doesn't matter. It will give its readers a more eternal perspective on the importance of every human life. The decisions we make today to serve God can make a difference in someone's life we may never even meet.
In the interest of disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The story itself, though, will make you think more about the impact your life has not only on those around you but also on future generations. Truly, our words and actions matter. I love the illustration of how one life impacts another, which impacts another and so on. One of the two illustrations in this book of how every person's life is important, began with a person I'm sure few people have ever heard of named Norman Borlaug (read the book to find out just who he is!). And the two lives who were highlighted are only examples. Your life matters just as much as Norman Borlaug's.
This would be such a great gift to anyone who thinks their life doesn't matter. It will give its readers a more eternal perspective on the importance of every human life. The decisions we make today to serve God can make a difference in someone's life we may never even meet.
In the interest of disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Book Review - She Walks In Beauty
Based on the back of this book, I wasn't sure I would enjoy it, but it didn't take me long to become engrossed in this story of New York's Gilded Age. The main character, Clara Carter, is being trained by her aunt and father to "catch" a proper husband. In fact, they have a particular person in mind, and not one that Clara wants to marry. But Clara feels that as a woman she doesn't have any other choices since she has no marketable skills.
As the book progresses, Clara begins to question the direction that has been laid out for her. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her character grow as she began to realize that she alone was responsible for the decisions she made and that making moral choices was preferable to following the crowd ("everyone else does it").
This book is very well written and well researched. I learned several new details about the Gilded Age. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the views expressed are entirely my own.
As the book progresses, Clara begins to question the direction that has been laid out for her. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her character grow as she began to realize that she alone was responsible for the decisions she made and that making moral choices was preferable to following the crowd ("everyone else does it").
This book is very well written and well researched. I learned several new details about the Gilded Age. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the views expressed are entirely my own.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Book Review - Same Kind of Different As Me
What an amazing story! I loved this book from the first page to the last (and would love to read an update). For some reason, when I started this book I thought it was fiction. About halfway through I figured out these were real people and I was amazed at how God brought Denver and Ron into each others' lives. It was wonderful to read how two people whose paths would ordinarily never cross became closer than many families.
This book was inspiring on several levels. On a personal level I believe that every Christian who reads this book will be challenged to listen and to act on the call to follow Christ in His work. He won't call everyone to the same place, but He does call each of us to move outside our comfort zone just as He called both Denver and Ron to move outside of theirs. It was wonderful to read a first hand account of how God is working in our world today in miraculous ways. So many of these stories are never told, so it was great to get to read Denver and Ron's story.
This book is very well written and it is so much more than an inspiring story. It's a call to action for every Christian to follow Christ in His work - where He has called us. If you don't read another non-fiction book this year, you should do yourself a favor and read this one.
In the interest of disclosure I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This book was inspiring on several levels. On a personal level I believe that every Christian who reads this book will be challenged to listen and to act on the call to follow Christ in His work. He won't call everyone to the same place, but He does call each of us to move outside our comfort zone just as He called both Denver and Ron to move outside of theirs. It was wonderful to read a first hand account of how God is working in our world today in miraculous ways. So many of these stories are never told, so it was great to get to read Denver and Ron's story.
This book is very well written and it is so much more than an inspiring story. It's a call to action for every Christian to follow Christ in His work - where He has called us. If you don't read another non-fiction book this year, you should do yourself a favor and read this one.
In the interest of disclosure I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Book Review - Somewhere To Belong
This book by Judith Miller seems to be the first in a new series called Daughters of Amana. The book is set in a Christian colony called Amana - similar to an Amish or Mennonite colony but no particular group is named. This story follows two girls - Berta and Johanna - who are both trying to figure out what direction their lives will take. Berta just moved to Amana while Johanna has lived there her whole life.
The story line of this book caught my attention from the beginning. Watching two young women whose lives to this point had been so different and who were thrown together in a unique environment at a pivotal point in both their lives was very interesting. I enjoyed watching Berta and Johanna mature as they also became good friends. While this book is complete in itself, I can see several other stories waiting to be told. I'm also looking forward to learning more about the citizens of Amana in future books.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the views expressed are entirely my own.
The story line of this book caught my attention from the beginning. Watching two young women whose lives to this point had been so different and who were thrown together in a unique environment at a pivotal point in both their lives was very interesting. I enjoyed watching Berta and Johanna mature as they also became good friends. While this book is complete in itself, I can see several other stories waiting to be told. I'm also looking forward to learning more about the citizens of Amana in future books.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the views expressed are entirely my own.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Book Review - Sarah's Garden
I thoroughly enjoyed Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long. Perhaps it especially appealed to me because it centered around both simple living and gardening - two of my favorite subjects. The main female character, Sarah King, is a member of the Amish community in Pennsylvania and is an avid gardener. Unfortunately for her, she falls in love with an outsider - the new veterinarian to the community.
As Sarah and Grant, the vet, get to know each other they reach a point where they can no longer deny their love for each other. They seem to be at an impasse since Sarah will not leave her community for the outside world and Grant is not Amish. The resolution of the book is a testimony to allowing God to work in our lives. When He calls us to go in a certain direction He can overcome any obstacles blocking our path. We just have to be faithful to continue to walk in the direction He calls.
This is a very enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more books in this new Patch of Heaven series.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
As Sarah and Grant, the vet, get to know each other they reach a point where they can no longer deny their love for each other. They seem to be at an impasse since Sarah will not leave her community for the outside world and Grant is not Amish. The resolution of the book is a testimony to allowing God to work in our lives. When He calls us to go in a certain direction He can overcome any obstacles blocking our path. We just have to be faithful to continue to walk in the direction He calls.
This is a very enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more books in this new Patch of Heaven series.
Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Book Review - Hand of Fate
I love a good mystery novel, so I looked forward to reading Hand of Fate by Lis Wiehl, although I hadn't read the first book in the series. This book follows the murder of conservative radio personality Jim Fate from the perspectives of three friends, each with her own point of view of the crime.
I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the lives of each of the three main characters - FBI agent Nicole Hedges, television crime reporter Cassidy Shaw, and Federal prosecutor Allison Pierce. The murder and process of solving the crime was good, but the part of the book that caught my attention the most was getting to know the three friends with their ongoing problems. I would be interested to read more books in the series to see how some of the ongoing issues in their lives get resolved.
This mystery takes plenty of twists and turns, and although some may solve the crime before the end of the book, the murderer was a bit of a surprise until several pages before the official reveal. Although this is a Christian novel, the underlying theme of Christianity is not in-your-face. I really liked the way it was incorporated into the book, and I can see how it could become a more major theme in a later book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publisher.
I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the lives of each of the three main characters - FBI agent Nicole Hedges, television crime reporter Cassidy Shaw, and Federal prosecutor Allison Pierce. The murder and process of solving the crime was good, but the part of the book that caught my attention the most was getting to know the three friends with their ongoing problems. I would be interested to read more books in the series to see how some of the ongoing issues in their lives get resolved.
This mystery takes plenty of twists and turns, and although some may solve the crime before the end of the book, the murderer was a bit of a surprise until several pages before the official reveal. Although this is a Christian novel, the underlying theme of Christianity is not in-your-face. I really liked the way it was incorporated into the book, and I can see how it could become a more major theme in a later book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publisher.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Book Review - Hearts Awakening
This novel by Delia Parr tells the story of how a young widower with two children and an "old spinster" named Ellie fall in love. The story revolves around Ellie first becoming the nanny for Jackson's two sons, then entering a marriage of convenience with Jackson just to provide the children with a mother and Ellie with a home. Of course as with all marriages of convenience in novels, Ellie and Jackson eventually discover they love each other.
Overall I enjoyed this book. The descriptions of the island where Jackson lives with its large apple orchard make me want to visit it - even though it's a fictional place. The conflict Jackson must resolve of still thinking he's in love with an old girlfriend is also interesting. I wasn't completely sold on the conflict resolution between Jackson and Ellie, though. I can't put my finger on it, but it didn't quite ring true. Maybe because Ellie was so understanding and long suffering. I'm not sure how realistic her reactions were to Jackson's emotional unfaithfulness to their marriage - even if it was a marriage of convenience. That said, it was still a good book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, however the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Overall I enjoyed this book. The descriptions of the island where Jackson lives with its large apple orchard make me want to visit it - even though it's a fictional place. The conflict Jackson must resolve of still thinking he's in love with an old girlfriend is also interesting. I wasn't completely sold on the conflict resolution between Jackson and Ellie, though. I can't put my finger on it, but it didn't quite ring true. Maybe because Ellie was so understanding and long suffering. I'm not sure how realistic her reactions were to Jackson's emotional unfaithfulness to their marriage - even if it was a marriage of convenience. That said, it was still a good book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, however the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Book Review Sixteen Brides
Before I began this book I wondered how in the world the author was going to follow the stories of sixteen different women and create a coherent story out of it. Well, it turns out the story is really only about five of them - and the author does a great job of making each character's story interesting and easy to follow.
The premise of this book intrigued me. Apparently, in the aftermath of the Civil War when many families immigrated West there was also a subset of women - mostly widows from the war - who also went West in search of a new start. The fictional women in this book represented women who planned on homesteading on 160 acre tracts of land free to anyone (man or woman) who would live on it for five years. Although the people of the town of Plum Creek, Nevada had been told they were out west looking for husbands the women themselves had no intentions of marrying and left the "bride train" as soon as they found out they had been promised as brides at the next train stop west. From that point onward the book follows the stories of the five women as they settle their property and earn the respect of the people of Plum Creek.
This was an engaging book and quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and although no sequel was hinted at I would love to continue following stories of the homesteaders in Plum Creek.
Although I received a free copy of this book from the publisher the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The premise of this book intrigued me. Apparently, in the aftermath of the Civil War when many families immigrated West there was also a subset of women - mostly widows from the war - who also went West in search of a new start. The fictional women in this book represented women who planned on homesteading on 160 acre tracts of land free to anyone (man or woman) who would live on it for five years. Although the people of the town of Plum Creek, Nevada had been told they were out west looking for husbands the women themselves had no intentions of marrying and left the "bride train" as soon as they found out they had been promised as brides at the next train stop west. From that point onward the book follows the stories of the five women as they settle their property and earn the respect of the people of Plum Creek.
This was an engaging book and quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and although no sequel was hinted at I would love to continue following stories of the homesteaders in Plum Creek.
Although I received a free copy of this book from the publisher the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
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