Review: Hazardous Duty

Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hazardous Duty

Book Summary
On her way to completing a degree in forensic science, Gabby St. Claire dropped out of school and started her own crime scene cleaning business. Now, when a routine cleaning job leads her to a murder weapon the police overlooked, she realizes that the wrong man is in jail. With the help of her new and attractively single neighbor, Riley Thomas, Gabby plays the detective to make sure the right man is put behind bars.

Hazardous Duty
This book was surprisingly very good. I admit my strategy is to read a cheesy book in between really good ones and I kind of thought this was one. However, it ended up having a lot of depth and really was a good read. Gabby's character has been through a lot in life. While it didn't go into details of all that had happened, it was interesting how the author tied everything together. The supporting characters, Sierra, Riley, Parker, and even Veronica were great!! The story line was continuously moving up to and through the climax. I didn't really know until the end who did it but my interest was definitely peaked when a surprise murder happened. I thought the author did a wonderful job of tying everything together.

From a Christian Perspective
I think the Christian aspect is what surprised me the most. Gabby doesn't believe in God. It was interesting to see her journey to faith. One line that stood out the most was "Life hadn't pointed me toward a loving God." And even more so Riley's response later on "I mean sometimes we assume that life is a reflection of God. But it's not. Life is this way because God gave us a choice, and, as humans, we screw up." These two line stood out for me because it's SO TRUE. So many times we shake our head at the horrors in this world, and wonder how it could happen. But we have to remember that Jesus never told us that being a Christian would protect or shield us from the horrors of this world! However he does remind us in John 16:33 that He has overcome the world. That is the faith that we need to hold on. As the series proceeds I look forward to Gabby grabbing hold of this and having the peace she desires!

This was a book from my personal collection, all opinions expressed are my own!

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

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Review: Finders Keepers

Finders Keepers by Catherine Palmer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Finders Keepers

Book Summary
Antiques dealer Elizabeth Hayes hopes to expand her shop by purchasing and refurbishing the Chalmers House next door. Zachary Chalmers, an architect who recently inherited the house, wants to tear it down and build an office. The resulting feud drags the town into a battle of historic value vs. personal property. The only one who doesn't care is Nikolai Hayes, Elizabeth's adopted Romanian son. He's interested in persuading Zachary to be his father and in listening to Boompah's stories of the "nachos" who tyrannized Europe during World War II. Nikolai's endearing attempts to master English provide levity in a romance that tackles deeper issues than land rights.

My Review
I enjoyed the story of Elizabeth, Nikolai, Zachary and of course Boompah! This was a sweet romance with other elements to make the story interesting. Apparently Elizabeth's beloved neighbor held onto a lot of secrets before her death. As her nephew Zachary comes to claim the property she left to him, he finds out he has more on his hands than he bargained for. Young Nikolai is still adjusting to English and his mistakes with the language are endearing at first, but become a little tedious as the story goes on. I have to say this story is so typical of a small town where everyone knows everyone's business. And there is always that one person that wants to make the town modern! In the end, the characters are able to pull together and get the happy ending! Delightful story great for any age.

From a Christian Perspective
You could tell that faith was important to Elizabeth and Nikolai. It was woven throughout the story in so many creative ways! I loved how Nikolai took the bible to the park with them to help with the search. His faith as a child was so complete it really made me think. Jesus did tell us to come to Him as a child (Matthew 18:3-5) and the innocence of that faith is so pure. I think Nick could have paid a little more attention to honor their parents but I'm sure as he matured he did

Overall this was a pleasant and enjoyable story.

This was a book from my personal collection, opinions expressed are purely my own.

Blessings!
Margaret

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Review: Threads of Grace

Threads of Grace by Kelly Long
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Threads of Grace

From the Cover

Grace’s beauty almost cost her everything. This new start is all she has left.

When Grace Beiler was only a girl, she was married off to an older Amish man in order to save her family’s farm. Years later, she finds herself newly widowed and a mother to a young son. She has finally fled her sad past and plans to settle into a quiet life in Pennsylvania.

As soon as she arrives, she captures the attention of Seth Wyse, the most eligible bachelor in Pine Creek. Seth is candid about his feelings for her, and for her son Abel, but Grace is determined to protect her heart. Her determination falters when her brother-in-law reveals the troubling contents of her late husband’s will.

Seth offers Grace his hand in marriage, and thus a means of escape. But despite his having saved her from another loveless marriage, Grace is slow to trust her new husband. And as the months wear on, Seth wonders if he has made a mistake. But God is quietly at work in their hearts, and Seth and Grace soon discover that threads of grace bind them together in a tapestry rich in hope and love.

My Review
I enjoyed the story of Grace, Abel and Seth. The author created a great story to bring Grace's past and present together. There was a lot of mystery and it was rewarding as each peace came together to contribute to the story. Seth and his family's relationship with Abel was heartwarming, really added a nice depth to the story.

While I enjoyed the book, as the story went on, I found it to drag in places. This really made me want to rush through and get to the end. I thought the author wrapped up the story nice.

This is an appropriate book for an older teen+. No sexual situations, very little violence which is dealt with well and brings attention to autism.

From a Christian Perspective
As with most books in this genre, there was a strong element of faith. But in addition to that, there was a strong element of people twisting faith to meet their desires. I felt sad to think about all Grace went through in her first marriage. Knowing that God designed marriage to be a partnership, it makes me angry to think about the evil in her first husband and his brother. But then I'm reminded of Romans 8:28 and I remember that even though she faced challenges, God's goodness will prevail. Oh what joy it is to know that!! I think the quilt she gifted to Seth really symbolized this and the fact that she was able to overcome those challenges with the Lord.

Overall this was a nice quick read! Enjoy!

This was a book I received from BookSneeze for the purpose of review.  I provided my own honest opinion with no influence to provide a positive review. 

Blessings!!
Margaret


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Review: Jacob's Daughter

Jacob's Daughter by Samantha Jillian Bayarr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the Cover
Twenty-eight-year-old Lizzie Barlow is running from her past and present mistakes. Not knowing which direction to go, she finds herself hiding out in the same Amish community in which she grew up. With her ten-year-old daughter Abby, in tow, she fears her secrets will catch up to her.

When Abby discovers her real father may be living just down the road from where they are staying, she sets off on an adventure to meet him. What she doesn't know are the many secrets that her mother never shared with her--the same secrets that will turn her life upside down.

Jacob Yoder is an Amish widower, trying to raise his ten-year-old son, when his past shows up on his doorstep unexpectedly, threatening to change his life forever.

Will life ever be the same for Lizzie and Jacob again? Or will their mistakes change everything?

My Review

I really enjoyed this book. I love Amish stories but I haven't seen many where a person has left and come back. Lizzie was a character with a lot of depth and it was interesting to see her develop throughout the story. I loved how the author wove Abby into the story and how she adjusted to "Amish life" after being born and brought up in the English world. The story has some twists but overall is heartwarming and lovely.

From a Christian Perspective
The Amish are very strong in faith and also in tradition.  When Lizzie found herself in a predicament after her return, her lies put her and Jacob in a very difficult position. However God uses our messes for his miracles (Romans 8:28).  In this case he used the mess Lizzie created to showcase how a beautiful relationship can be built once we abide by His law.  I loved that the families blended so well together, a true family.  And I love God's sense of humor with the little surprise! 

This was a book from my personal Kindle Collection.

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

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Review: The Shadow on the Quilt

The Shadow on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

The Shadow on the Quilt

Book Description
Juliana Sutton’s life looks perfect—from the outside. Until her husband’s untimely death reveals a devastating truth. . . . Cass Gregory is carrying his own dark secrets and feels unworthy to offer comfort to a woman of Juliana’s standing. When circumstances force them together, both Juliana and Cass are wounded and afraid to trust. Will the shadow of her dead husband’s name stand between Juliana and Cass, or will Juliana choose a love she never thought possible?

My Review
This story was much deeper than it initially appeared. In the face of an embarrassing betrayal, Juliana is faced with many choices on how to deal with her husband's death. Not only is she stuck with a behomoth of a house, she is also charged with the care of his elderly aunts. It was quite a pleasure to read through this tale of faith and fortitude. While Juliana went through many different feelings, she grew in her faith and was able to find forgiveness for her husband and others. The Shadow on the Quilt was not what I expected but brought tears to my eyes when it was revealed. Definitely a wonderful read.

From A Christian Perspective
This was a delightful Christian read! Throughout the bible we are taught that forgiveness is important, even for those things we feel should not be forgiven. Matthew 6:14 tells us "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."  Juliana was faced with a very difficult choice, to forgive the husband that betrayed her, to reject the woman he betrayed her with and to leave a helpless child alone.   While she struggled, Juliana chose to be obedient to the word of God.  Through this obedience, she was able to draw strength from the Lord and make choices that would reflect His glory in her life.  I think the shadow of the signature left on the quilt was a good reminder of how we can let unforgiveness create a shadow over our lives.  When the signature was added back to the quilt, it represented freedom!

This was a book I received from NetGalley for the purpose of review.  I was not compensated or encouraged to provide a positive review.

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

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Review: A Moment of Weakness By Karen Kingsbury

A Moment of Weakness by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

A Moment of Weakness

Book Description
Had they found each other again after all these years, only to lose everything that matters most?"
"As children, Jade Conner and Tanner Eastman were best friends--until scandal drove them apart. Then, one golden summer, they find each other again. Through endless days they share their hearts and souls and dreams of forever. Then, in a moment of weakness, they make a decision that will tear them apart for nearly a decade.

In their own separate corners of the country, Jade and Tanner have become fighters for religious freedom. Now Jade's unfaithful husband is determined to destroy her in a custody battle that will rock the nation and shake people's understanding of faith and freedom. Could Jade lose her only child because of her faith? Only one man can help her in her darkest hour. And only one old woman knows the secret about that summer and the truth that can set them all free."

My Review
Once again Karen Kingsbury touches the heart by addressing an issue facing the nation today. Religious freedom is becoming more and more convoluted, especially if you are a Christian. In her novel, Kingsbury tackles this issue dead on. Jade is in danger of losing her son because of her faith and her beliefs. During this difficult time, she has to reach out to Tanner Eastman, the man who she feels betrayed her many years ago. Throughout the story, she has to overcome her bitterness and face people who did everything they could to destroy her relationship with Tanner back then. When she finds the truth, her world is rocked to the core. Tanner helps her to overcome her challenges in regaining custody of her son as well as resolve the issues that tore them apart. Kingsbury weaves a tale like no other! Her attention to detail is amazing and always makes for a great read.

From A Christian Perspection
Being a Christian author, Kingsbury is careful to make God an integral part of the story. It's clear throughout the story that while we are yet sinners, redemption is still available to us. The threads of forgiveness for the unforgivable, faith when everything is against you and strength when you felt you had none, all combine to make this a very powerful story. My recommendation is that you read this book, but keep the tissues nearby!

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

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Review: Once Upon a Summer

Once Upon a Summer by Janette Oke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Summary from Amazon

Josh Jones realizes his family isn't typical, but it's the only life he's ever known. Aunt Lou, Gramps, Uncle Charlie, Grandpa--they all have shaped the young man he has become. But as he grows into manhood, Josh begins to face important questions about life, love, and faith.

My Review

I enjoyed this historical fiction book. The story is told from the point of view of Josh, who is a young man that lives on a farm. Josh was a very likable boy and I fell in love with him and his spirit. Being a young man, Josh faced a lot of uncertainties and was a little bit loss. Thankfully Aunt Lou, Grandpa, Uncle Charlie and later Gramps were there to help him grow and shape him as a young man. I really enjoyed how this story was just about family and how in times of trial, they work together and become stronger. Throughout the book, I could tell how important each member of this family was to the other. I loved that even the men showed emotion and love in tangible ways. Definitely a nice, sweet read and I look forward to reading more in the series.

From a Christian Perspective

This book falls under the Christian fiction genre. Throughout the book, Josh is fighting with God, seeing Him as an enemy rather than an ally. He has that selfish outlook that many of us have when we forget about grace and look at God as only a giver. As I read the book, I recognized some of Josh's struggles as my own. In the end, Preacher Nat helps Josh to find his way to Christ and freedom from all of the anger and hurt. As Josh wept and confessed, he released those burdens that were weighing him down. He finally experienced the rest Jesus told us about in Matthew 11:28: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

This was a book in my personal collection. I was not compensated to provide a positive review.

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

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Review: Summer of Secrets

Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Summary>
Summer of Secrets

Welcome to Willow Ridge, Missouri! In this cozy Amish town along the banks of the river, the Old Ways are celebrated at the Sweet Seasons Bakery Café, and love is a gift God gives with grace. . .

Summer Of Secrets

Summer has come to Willow Ridge, but Rachel Lantz is looking forward to a whole new season in her life--marriage to strapping carpenter Micah Brenneman, her childhood sweetheart. When a strange Englischer arrives in the café claiming to be the long-lost sister of Rachel and her twin Rhoda, Rachel feels the sturdy foundation of her future crumbling--including Micah's steadfast love. As the days heat up and tempers flare, Rachel and Micah will learn that even when God's plan isn't clear, it will always lead them back to each other. . .

My Review

It's no secret that I love Amish stories but they can seem to be the same ole same ole. This was not the case with this book. I thought the author did a great job with building the story from start to finish. I was really caught up in the story of Tiffany but the supporting stories were just as good. The author did a great job of bringing the English and Amish together and weaving the stories around the two cultures. The stories were well developed and the characters were believeable. When Miriam and the Bishop had their disagreement, I was really rooting for Miriam. And I had to smile at Rachel's overreactions when it came to Micah. The details were great and really helped me to imagine the scenes. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

From a Christian Perspective
I thought this book was a good example of Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

There were so many ways that Miriam could have gone when challenged by the Bishop but she chose to obey God. Also, Micah felt the Lord was calling him to reach out to Tiffany, and he listened to the Lord even knowing it could draw the Bishop's anger. I think they both exemplified what it means to lay down our life and receive the Lord's will. I thought there were many other examples in the book but these stood out for me.

Love and Blessings
Margaret

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Review: Ties that Bind

Ties that Bind by Cindy Woodsmall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ties that Bind

Book Summary

Ariana’s comfortable Old Order Amish world is about to unravel. Will holding tightly to the cords of family keep them together—or simply tear them apart?

Twenty-year-old Ariana Brenneman loves her family and the Old Ways. She has two aspirations: open a café in historic Summer Grove to help support her family’s ever-expanding brood and to keep any other Amish from being lured into the Englisch life by Quill Schlabach.

Five years ago Quill, along with her dear friend Frieda, ran off together, and Ariana still carries the wounds of that betrayal. When she unexpectedly encounters him, she soon realizes he has plans to help someone else she loves leave the Amish.
*
Despite how things look, Quill’s goal has always been to protect Ariana from anything that may hurt her, including the reasons he left. After returning to Summer Grove on another matter, he unearths secrets about Ariana and her family that she is unaware of. His love and loyalty to her beckons him to try to win her trust and help her find a way to buy the café—because when she learns the truth that connects her and a stranger named Skylar Nash, Quill knows it may upend her life forever.

Ties That Bind is the first novel in the Amish of Summer Grove series

I received an ARC of this book which in no way influenced my opinion or review.

My Review

I really enjoyed this book. This book was all about family, the love of Christ and doing what is right even when it hurts. The lead up to the stories of Ariana and Skylar was excellent. They were well developed character and the author did a great job of building the connection between the two young women. The supporting characters provided great body to the story and allowed me to really immerse myself into the story. What was also interesting was the element of intrigue surrounding Quill and Ariana's family. I thought that played so well into the outcome of the story. Ariana's decision as she was in a difficult situation brought joy to my heart.

From a Christian Perspective

In this book I met one family who lived to glorify Christ by their actions and beliefs. On the other side was a splintered family with no spiritual direction. How the author brought this together was amazing. She really allowed the love of Christ and of others to shine through in this story. Ariana's parents faith was so strong and showed how you need to believe and trust that God's Will is right and true all the time. Even though we don't always understand it, it is still true. Ariana's story reminds me of Joseph who was also torn away from his family (Gen 37). Even in challenging circumstances, Joseph was able to rise above by trusting in and relying on God.

Overall, I would recommend this book to lovers of Christian Fiction as well as those who love a great story.

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

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Book Review: The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club #bookreview #christianbookreview

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a fantastic read!

Emma Yoder decided that after the death of her beloved Ivan, she was NOT going to depend on her children for support, even though that is the Amish way. Since she had the room in her home and the skill, she decided she would start teaching quilting lessons. What Emma didn't expect was, the response that she received and that she was going to be teaching a lot more than quilting!

My Review:

Emma's first quilting class attracted a unique group who didn't only bring their desire to quilt, but also their emotional baggage. A pastor's wife, a biker, a rocker, a widower and a married couple all join together to make this a wonderful rollercoaster of a book. 

I love books that encourage an emotional connection with the characters. Each character in this book appeals to a different reader, yet appeals to all if that makes any sense! They are knit together into a seamless story.  My favorite character was the biker, he was just full of contradictions but each made him more wonderful and more human. Emma is not without her own struggles with makes her all the more endearing. The interactions between her and her potential suitor are amusing but realistic.  In fact, the interplay between all of the characters is very well done.  

There was one scene in the book towards the end that seemed too obvious, it was something I had suspected from about the midpoint in the book.  That it turned out to be true kind of annoyed me (HA HA), I wanted to be surprised!  But other than that, I thought the conclusion was wonderful. Overall I can say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is my first time reading something from this author, however I can just about guarantee it won't be the last!

From a Christian perspective:

The love and grace of God is apparent throughout this Christian fiction book. It's presented in such a way that really touched my heart but I didn't feel like I was being preached at. Very safe, clean and wonderful read.

Disclaimer: I received and ARC of this book for the purpose of review. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Love and Blessings Always!
Margaret

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Book Review: Need You Now by Beth Wiseman #christianbook #bookreview

Need You Now by Beth Wiseman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What would you do if you felt your child was in danger?

After their son Chad made some poor choices, Brad and Darlene Henderson made the the tough decision to move their family from Houston to the small town of Round Top, Texas. Chad and his sisters, Ansley and Grace, each had their own difficulties with the move, especially Grace. While the pace is much slower, the challenges are still there, just in a different form.

Need You Now takes you through the struggles of a family who faces challenges and finds the only way through is by trusting in God.

Beth Wiseman does an fantastic job of telling this story. The main characters of the Henderson family each have their own personality that you can relate to as a reader. The tone of the book and the language makes it easy to imagine the characters interacting. The supporting characters like Tristan, Myrna, David, Cara and especially Layla, are there for a reason, not just to fluff up the book. I love the realistic situations and the fact that the author was not afraid to address a current problem facing our young women. She did it tastefully and with great sensitivity. While the ending was incredibly sad, it only served to add more depth to the story.

Overall, I thought this Christian fiction was well written, with a well developed story line. The story makes you stop and think about what you would do if you were in those challenging situations. Would you trust in God or would you fall apart? There were a variety of responses in this book and I learned something from each. The overriding theme is that even when we don't trust ourselves, when we don't trust the people around us, we need to trust God.

This was my first Beth Wiseman book but I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.

Disclaimer: This book was provided to me through the Booksneeze program, for the purpose of review. I was not asked to nor required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Love and Blessings Always!
Margaret Rogers

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Book Review: Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Whitson #bookreview

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis from Amazon:

Sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising "prime homesteads" in a "booming community." Unbeknownst to them, the speculator's true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledging community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival!

Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them. These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances--especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.

My review:

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were developed well and the author did a great job of drawing the reader into the story. Each woman was an individual, yet part of the larger story. As each story begins to develop, you can't help be gain a sense of admiration for these women. I loved the character of Caroline Jamison most. She just had such a deep determination to succeed in what she came west to do, all while remaining the lady that she was. In some ways, this helped her to be successful, but in other ways it stood in the way. Ellen and her mama, as well as Ruth and Hettie, were fun, lovable characters.

It was so interesting to see how these women relied on faith, inner strength and intelligence to accomplish their goals. It was only then that we began to see the different romances that were brewing. The author did a great job of weaving all of the elements of the story together.

From a Christian perspective, this is a nice clean read, something I would let my 11 year old read. There is no violence (other than from nature), no sexual situations and no profanity.  It is an example of trusting God when it seems things are hopeless!

Love and Blessings Always,

Margaret

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Book Review: Not This Time by Vicki Hinze #christianbook

Not This Time: A Novel by Vicki Hinze
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not This Time: A Novel (Crossroads Crisis Center) is the third book in the Crisis Crossroads Center series. I read the first one Forget Me Not: A Novel (Crossroads Crisis Center) , but I did not read the second one, Deadly Ties: A Novel (Crossroads Crisis Center) .

In Not This Time, Sara and Beth are the two main characters. They have built a multimillion dollar company and are successful in their own right. When an act of terrorism occurs at a local wedding, the questions start. Who is behind this act and why? Who can they trust and who is the traitor? Beth is sure it has something to do with Sara's husband Robert but then he is kidnapped and presumably murdered, so she has no idea who to trust.  Even Sara, her best friend, is lying to her!  Beth puts everything she has into finding the truth about the attack and about Sara.  The more she finds out, the more danger surrounds Beth, Sara and the other residents of Seagrove Village.

My Review:
The author, Vicki Hinze, does a wonderful job of weaving the story. As you progress through the book, the author lures you into a false sense of "I have this all figured out" when BOOM! another twist comes. Your are kept guessing until the end chapters. 

I also thought the author did a great job of developing the characters, particularly Sara and Beth. The NINA team fit their roles so well as did the "good guys." How she managed to seamlessly weave in romances, I do not know but she did and did it well!  I found myself with emotional connections to the characters even though the were fictional.


It's been a while since I read the first book and I did feel like I was missing some of the nuances. There were some refreshers in there but not enough to make me remember the characters and players in this series. Even though this works as a standalone book, having read the first one, I knew I was missing some important tie-ins from the second book. For that reason, I would recommend reading this series from start to finish. I'm tempted to go back and read the first and second books.


While this is a Christian thriller, it's not slap you in the face religion. The characters faith, or lack, is subtly woven in throughout the story. Reliance on God is evident and comforting. I really love how this author was able to make the story exciting and fluid without having to remove the presence of God in the character's lives.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author. Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for allowing me to review this book as part of the blogging for books program.

If you want a sneak peek, go here to read the first chapter!

Love and Blessings Always!

Margaret

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

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Book Review: The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country by Cindy Woodsmall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the book:
Annie Martin loves the Plain ways of her Old Order Mennonite people, like those revered by her beloved grandfather. Retreating from a contentious relationship with her mother, Annie goes to live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge.

But as spring moves into Pennsylvania and Annie spends time amongst the cherry trees with the handsome Aden Zook, she wishes she could forget how deeply the lines between the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite are drawn.

Can Annie and Aden find a place for their love to bloom in the midst of the brewing storm?

My review:

This book is a sister story to The Christmas Singing by the same author which involves Mattie and Gideon.

I enjoyed the story, the blossoming romance and the innocence of Annie and Aden's love. The story line while not strong, was interesting and did keep my attention. In fact, I read the book in two days!

I've always had a fascination with the Amish but I was not aware of the Old Order Mennonites. It was interesting to learn the different cultures and to see how they could clash on some fronts like dating, but mesh on others like work partnerships. The author did a very good job of describing these differences and attitudes.

Overall I thought this was a pleasing read and I enjoyed it. You can check out the first chapter of the book here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/75790909/The-Scent-of-Cherry-Blossoms-by-Cindy-Woodsmall-Chapter-1-Excerpt

About Cindy Woodsmall:
Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. She is the author of six novels, two novellas and Plain Wisdom, a work of non-fiction co-authored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend. Cindy lives in Georgia with her family.

This book was provided to me by Waterbrook Multnomah as part of the Blogging for Books program. All opinions expressed are my own.

Love and Blessings!

Margaret

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Book Review: Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the book:
In 1837, Lisbeth Wainwright is born to the white mistress of a sprawling Virginia plantation. Seconds later, she is delivered into the arms of her black wet nurse, Mattie. For a field hand like Mattie, her transfer to the big house is supposed to be considered an honor—except that the move tears Mattie away from her beloved grandfather and her infant son, Samuel. But Mattie is a slave, with no say in the matter, and so she devotes herself to her master’s daughter, though she longs to be raising her own child. Growing up under Mattie’s tender care, little Lisbeth adopts the woman’s deep-seated faith in God, her love of music and black-eyed peas, and the tradition of hunting for yellow crocuses in the early days of spring.

As the years pass, Lisbeth is drawn slowly back into her white parents’ world and begins to learn the ins and outs of life for a high-born young lady. Still she retains her connection to Mattie, befriending Samuel and drifting comfortably between the two worlds. She accepts her parents’ assertion that their slaves depend upon them for guidance and protection, yet that notion becomes more and more difficult to believe as she gains awareness of the inequality of life in the big house versus the slave quarters. When, on the threshold of her society wedding to debonair Edward Cunningham, Lisbeth bears witness to a shockingly brutal act, the final vestiges of her naiveté crumble around her. Just twenty-one years old, she is forced to choose between what is socially acceptable and what is right, a decision that will change her life forever.

This compelling historical novel chronicles young Lisbeth Wainwright’s coming-of-age during one of the most difficult chapters of American history. Lisbeth’s powerful bond with Mattie makes her loss of innocence in the face of society’s ugly secrets all the more heartbreaking, and yet it is the courage she learns from her stand in mother that enables Lisbeth to blaze a new path for herself. Yellow Crocus offers moving proof of how the greatest social change often blooms forth from small personal acts of love.

My review:

Included the whole book description here because it pretty much captures what I would say regarding the book.

My first impression was that this was going to be another I love my slave mammy more than my white mother. And it was that a little bit. But it was a lot more too. Following Lisbeth through her life and her thought processes was interesting. She was extremely naive and I guess innocent as to what was going on around her on the slave plantation.  Her family "believed" the slaves needed them to survive. As she matured and realized that things were not exactly as they seemed, she developed an attitude of blindness. Fortunately for her, she reached the point where she realized the terrible legacy of slavery and made some difficult choices.

By the end of the book I had gained a certain respect for Lisbeth and Mattie. I enjoyed the book very much.

This is a book from my personal collection.

Love and Blessings!

Margaret

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Book Review: Stand By Me by Neta Jackson

Stand By Me by Neta Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the book:
Kathryn Davies is a bright young woman form a prominent Phoenix family. But after making a leap of faith at a Christian music fest, dropping out of med school, and moving to inner city Chicago, her family all but disowns her.

When Kat discovers SouledOut Community Church, she longs to become a part of the multicultural church family. But her tendency to immediately say whatever she's thinking steps on the toes of nearly everyone she meets-especially Avis Douglass.

Avis has a strong faith, is the principal of one of Chicago's highest performing elementary schools, and is a founding member of SouledOut. But the country's economic downturn has thrown both her and her husband's jobs in question. And Avis hasn't heard from her youngest daughter in months-an estrangement that gnaws at her every day. Where is God in this?

Kat's flamboyant zeal for living a "radical" Christian life is a stark contrast to Avis's more reserved faith. But in God's timing, the two women discover they need each other in ways neither of them expected.

My review:
I wasn't sure what to think about this book at first. It takes place in Chicago at a diverse church called Souled Out Community Church. Avis is leading worship and four white college students are coming in. What is book is not is a sappy romance where everything is smooth sailing. What this book is, is a realistic picture of relationships including the one we as Christians have with Jesus. This is a truly Christian fiction book where the author was not afraid to proclaim the gospel or share bits of scripture throughout. I loved that she had the characters worshipping, praying, and ministering. A lot of times the author is so concerned about appealing to the crossover audiences, they forget to include Jesus.

As far as the characters, it was interesting to see the relationship between Avis and Kat develop. I feel like most of the story was about them even though the author did an excellent job of developing the other characters, especially Peter, Nick and Rochelle. Judging people is something that I think we all do. That type of attitude almost cost Avis her daughter and Kat a valuable friendship. It wasn't until they took a deeper look that they realized they needed each other.

What I took away the most is that having a relationship with Jesus is not just one thing. It's not just praying or worshiping or meeting for Bible Study. It's about living the life the Jesus lived. I think by the end of this book, each of the characters learned a lot more about their relationship with Jesus and some important ways to build on it. So did I.

I will look forward to future books in this series.

This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Love and Blessings!

Margaret

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