Merlin's Blade By Robert Treskillard

Merlin's Blade
Book 1 of The Merlin Spiral Series
Author: Robert Treskillard
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780310735076
Paperback: 432 pages

About the Book:

When a meteorite crashes near a small village in fifth-century Britain, it brings with it a mysterious black stone that bewitches anyone who comes in contact with its glow---a power the druids hope to use to destroy King Uthur’s kingdom, as well as the new Christian faith. The only person who seems immune is a young, shy, half-blind swordsmith’s son named Merlin.

As his family, village, and even the young Arthur, are placed in danger, Merlin must face his fears and his blindness to take hold of the role God ordained for him. But when he is surrounded by adversaries, armed only by a sword he’s named Excalibur, how will he save the girl he cherishes and rid Britain of this deadly evil ... without losing his life?

Book includes location map and detailed character index.

My Thoughts:

If you are a long time follower of my blog, you know how much I love a good Arthurian tale. I haven't decided if it's the magic or the story line that centers around Arthur an/or Merlin, but I just know that when I see a book that involves these characters, I MUST read it!

I was thrilled to have the chance to read "Merlin's Blade". It's a fantastic story that centers around an almost blind Merlin and has quite a different take on the Arthurian tale. With fascinating characters, a captivating story, and a different religious focus, this story held a twist I was not expecting.

Robert Treskillard created a refreshing tale that kept me up long past bedtime and reading more than I should during the day. Although created for the young adult audience, I know that without a doubt that this novel (and series) will be welcomed and embraced by all ages! The only thing I really disliked about this series is having to wait to get my hands on the next book.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy as soon as possible! Highly recommended!!!!

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Simply Delicious Amish Cooking by Sherry Gore

Simply Delicious Amish Cooking
Author: Sherry Gore
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 9780310335542
Spiral Concealed: 256 pages

Book Description

Unbeknownst to many folks outside the Amish Mennonite population in America, Pinecraft, Florida - a village tucked away in the heart of Sarasota - is the vacation paradise of the Plain People. Unlike any other Plain community in the world, this village is a virtual melting pot of Amish and Mennonites from around the world, intermingled with people, like author Sherry Gore’s family, who live there year-round.

Gore has put together a cookbook that represents the people who make Pinecraft unique. With hundreds of easy-to-prepare recipes, 16 full-color photographs and black-and-white photographs throughout, this cookbook includes traditional favorites such as Sweet Potato Sweet Mash and Mrs. Byler’s Glazed Donuts, as well as Florida favorites including Fried Alligator Nuggets, Grilled Lime Fish Fillets, and Strawberry Mango Smoothies. Interspersed with the recipes are true-life stories about births, engagements, weddings, deaths, funerals, celebrations, wildlife encounters, and accidents told through years of Sherry’s Letters from Home column published in The Budget, the Amish newspaper. This delightful cookbook offers readers a faith-based, family-focused perspective of the simple way of life of the Plain People. It is truly a breath of fresh air from Sarasota, Florida!

My Thoughts:

This delightful cookbook was originally inspired by the lack of a community cookbook. Sherry Gore wanted to gift her friend a cookbook that represented her Pinecraft community located in Sarasota, FL, but sadly couldn't find any. She gathered recipes from the local women and also posted in The Budget (a well-known and read Amish paper) for recipes from those that may have visited the Pinecraft community in the past. This task took over three years and more than 700 recipes to weed through before "Simply Delicious Amish Cooking" was born.

When skimming the pages, one will first come across the story of the community, cookbook, the Amish and their beliefs as well as information about The Budget and how it can be obtained. Then comes the sections with the delicious recipes and story excerpts taken from The Budget creating a wonderful blend of food and stories to delight the soul. One soon discovers how important food is to the Amish and Mennonite communities.

I took my time testing and cooking recipe after recipe from "Simply Delicious Amish Cooking" and the title could not be any more correct or self-explanatory! The recipes are simple, using basic ingredients and they are delicious!!! Be prepared to find recipes for Honey Whole Wheat, to Amish Bean Soup, to Hand-Breaded Pork Chops and Creamy Country Gravy to some of the most delightful (and sinful) desserts like Final Exam Brownies. At the end is a chapter called "This and That" and it has recipes for things that didn't seem to fit in the other categories such as Zucchini Relish and Apple Butter.

Every recipe I tried was very, very good. The family wanted seconds and family and friends demanded (yes - you read that right) the recipes. There were a few recipes that called for ingredients that I didn't have on hand because of our location, but then again, I'm not sure if I would really want to try the Alligator Stew. I, too, like to cook simple and that really doesn't fit into my line of simple thinking.

This cookbook is a treasure of both recipes and stories and would make the most wonderful gift for anyone on your gift-list as well as a copy for yourself.  It comes highly recommended by all who have tasted the recipes from it so far and I know a few of those have went out and purchased their own copies!

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"Broken Wings" by Shannon Dittemore

Broken Wings
Author: Shannon Dittemore
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781401686376
Paperback: 320 pages
Purchase from Amazon

About the Book:

Angels with wings of blade. Demons with renewed sight. And a girl who has never been more broken.

Brielle has begun to see the world as it really is, a place where angels intermingle with humans. But just when she thinks she’s got things under control, the life she’s pieced together begins to crumble.

Her boyfriend, Jake, is keeping something from her. Something important.

And her overprotective father has turned downright hostile toward Jake. Brielle fears she’ll have to choose between the man who’s always loved her and the one who’s captured her heart.

Then she unearths the truth about her mother’s death and the nightmare starts. Brielle begins seeing visions of mysterious and horrible things.

What she doesn’t know is that she’s been targeted. The Prince of Darkness himself has heard of the boy with healing in his hands and of the girl who saw through the Terrestrial veil. When he pulls the demon Damien from the fiery chasm and sends him back to Earth with new eyes, the stage is set for the ultimate battle of good versus evil.

Brielle has no choice. She must master the weapons she’s been given. She must fight.

But can she fly with broken wings?

My Thoughts:

If you haven't read the first book in the series, "Angel Eyes", do so before you consider reading "Broken Wings". This second book picks up where "Angel Eyes" left off. Brille and Jake aren't sure about their future, and with the ring missing and a dagger in its place, does it mean they will go their separate ways? What is the meaning behind the dagger?

As Brille discovers many answers, many more questions rise to the surface. Was her whole life a lie? Why? And what is it with her Dad these days? So much danger and so many questions... This book will keep you on your toes and wanting answers as much as Brille does. Wait until you find out about the secrets that have been kept from Brille and what makes her question those around her!

"Broken Wings" is a fantastic second book to the series. It will keep you turning pages while you seek the answers to all the mysteries surrounding Brille, Jake, and all the angels and demons. Wow!

This series is written for young adults, but it will please the adult audience as well. If you enjoy books where good -vs- evil is the main theme, where the romance isn't overpowering plus a Christian theme runs through the story, and love fantasy genre, you will enjoy this series.

To learn more about the Shannon Dittemore, you can visit her website at: http://shannondittemore.com/

See what others on the tour are saying about "Broken Wings".

Gillian Adams
Julie Bihn
Jennifer Bogart
Beckie Burnham
Pauline Creeden
Janey DeMeo
Theresa Dunlap
Emma or Audrey Engel
Victor Gentile
Nikole Hahn
Becky Jesse
Jason Joyner
Karielle @ Books à la Mode
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Megan @ Hardcover Feedback
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nathan Reimer
James Somers
Kathleen Smith
Jojo Sutis
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler
Shane Werlinger

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

A Hero's Throne by Ross Lawhead

A Hero's Throne
Book #2 of The Ancient Earth Trilogy
Author: Ross Lawhead
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781595549105
Paperback: 336 Pages

About the Book:

“Knights of Ennor—the time has come to awake. Rise up to fulfill your secret oath and sacred duty.”

Deep beneath the streets of England lies another realm . . . one few in our modern world know exists. Daniel and Freya, however, know it all too well. Eight years ago, these friends first journeyed through portals into the hidden land of Niðergeard—discovering a city filled with stones, secrets, and sleeping knights that serve to protect the world they call home.

But Niðergeard has fallen to dark forces, overrun by its enemies. Gates are being opened between the worlds that should have been kept closed. The battle lines for the war at the end of time have been drawn, and opposing forces are starting to gather.

Having served for centuries as the first and last outpost at the borders to other worlds, Niðergeard must be reclaimed and the mystery of its fall discovered. Daniel and Freya, along with an ancient knight and a Scottish police officer, must return to the legendary city, rally the surviving citizens, and awaken the sleeping knights—knights who are being killed, one by one, as they sleep.

But time is running out faster than they know.

My Thoughts:

First I must greatly urge one to read the first book as this is NOT a stand-alone. I read the first book in the Ancient Earthy Trilogy ("The Realms Thereunder") last year, and still felt quite lost in the beginning and am sure I didn't enjoy the book as much as I could have because I had forgotten some key elements to the story.

In this book we again meet up with Daniel and Freya as they continue on their adventure to awaken the Knights of Ennor. Full of excitement, violence and thrills, I was finding myself being kept up way past my bedtime to find out what was going to happen next! Lawhead has a gift for weaving a fantastic and suspensful story and makes sure you won't want to put it down!

This second book introduces new characters as well as builds upon some old ones. It builds upon "The Realms Thereunder" and sets up for a promising conclusion to the trilogy. I am so looking forward to reading the last book, but am pretty sure I'm going to want to reread the first two books before diving into the last.

This series comes HIGHLY recommended!
**Please note that there is quite a bit of violence and fighting.

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"Sneak" Book 2 of the Swipe Series by Evan Angler

Sneak
Book 2 of the Swipe Series
Author: Evan Angler
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781400318421
Paperback: 288 pages

About the Book:

In a future United States under the power of a charismatic leader, everyone gets the Mark at age thirteen. The Mark lets citizen shop, go to school, and even get medical care—but without it, you are on your own. Few refuse to get the Mark. Those who do . . . disappear.

Logan Langly went in to get his Mark, but he backed out at the last minute. Now he’s on the run from government agents who will stop at nothing to capture him. But Logan is on a mission to find and save his sister, Lily, who disappeared five years ago on her thirteenth birthday, the day she was supposed to receive her Mark.

Logan and his friends, a group of dissenters called the Dust, discover a vast network of the Unmarked, who help them travel safely to the capital city where Lily is imprisoned. Along the way, the Dust receives some startling information from the Markless community, opening their eyes to the message of Christianity and warning that humanity is now entering the End of Days.

When the Dust finally arrives in the capital, it seems that all their careful planning is useless against a government that will do anything to bend its citizens to its will. Can the gentle words Logan has found in a tattered, banned Bible really stand against the most powerful military the world has ever known? Can Logan even sacrifice his own freedom, choosing to act through faith alone?

My Thoughts:

" Sneak" is Book 2 of the "Swipe Series", a young adult dystopian series that will hold the interest of both young adults and adults alike. Picking up where "Swipe" (Book 1) ended, this is not a book that one can pick up and totally enjoy or appreciate without starting at the beginning of the series.

As Logan gets closer to the truth and his goal to find Lily, the Dust is also coming closer to what they are working for. This novel will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat as things happen that you never saw coming. People who were introduced in "Swipe" return in "Sneak" and their roles may surprise you as things unfold.

"Sneak" is as good as or possibly even better than "Swipe" was and now I'm impatiently waiting for the next in the series, "Storm" to be published. May 7th, 2013 cannot come soon enough!

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"An Amish Kitchen" by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston & Kelly Long

An Amish Kitchen
Authors: Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kelly Long
Publication Date: December 18, 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Length: 352 Pages
ISBN: 9781401685676

About the Book:

The Amish Kitchen is the Heart of the Home – and the Ideal Setting for Stories of Love and Hope.

Fall in Paradise, Pennsylvania, always brings a brisk change in the weather. This season also ushers in unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women.

Fern has a green thumb for growing healing herbs, but longs for love to bloom in her life. Then the next-door neighbor’s oldest son, Abram, comes running into Fern’s kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance—until mistrust threatens to end the growing attraction.

Nearby, Hannah runs her parents’ bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn—but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?

When a storm blows a tree onto Eve’s farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents’ home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can’t agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.

Three Amish stories—each celebrating love, family, and faith—all taking place in a tight-knit community where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.

Also Includes Reading Group Guide and 45 Old Order Amish Recipes

My Thoughts:

With three quick and easy to read novellas, "An Amish Kitchen" is the perfect book for those days you just want to curl up with a nice sweet book. Each story has a strong main female character that learns a lesson about love, hope and faith.

Although quite predictable, these stories will warm your heart and make you smile. Beth Wiseman's story appealed to me most, but they were all quite enjoyable. With a nice assortment of recipes in the back of the book, one will be sure to find some recipes that have to be tried right away. Make sure to try the delicious Granola and the Sour Cream Pancakes - they are both very good!

This book will appeal to those that love Amish fiction, clean fiction, and sweet romance type stories.

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"Christmas Stories" By Max Lucado

Christmas Stories
Heartwarming Classics of Angels, a Manger, and the Birth of Hope
Author: Max Lucado
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781401685430
Hardcover: 355 pages

About the Book:

A heartwarming collection of Christmas stories and reflections from Max Lucado

These stories—like your favorite Christmas ornaments—come in all shapes and sizes. They unfold in a variety of settings, from ancient Bethlehem to rural England. From a small Texas town to the heavenly realms. Some are short. Others many chapters long. Some offer reflections. Others imagine Christmas through the eyes of a burnt-out candle maker, a lonely business man, or heavenly angels.

Yet all are vintage Lucado, and all resonate with the wonder of the season.

"In the mystery of Christmas," Max writes, "we find its majesty. The mystery of how God became flesh, why he chose to come, and how much he must love his people. Such mysteries can never be solved, just as love can never be diagrammed. Christmas is best pondered, not with logic, but imagination."

That's what each of these unique Christmas stories help us do. In the midst of the bustle and hurry that often distracts us this time of year, these stories free us to explore the ways in which Christ's coming has forever changed history—and us.

My Thoughts:

Truly a book full of heartwarming stories presented in a style that only Max Lucado can do. These stories will touch your soul and bring tears to your eyes as you snuggle up to get lost in faraway places in both past and present.

Of all the stories, my favorite has to be "The Answer is Yes". It's a story about a man and his daughter and how love will always be able to forgive - no matter how big the mistake. Make sure to have tissues on hand, as this one made me cry.

I also enjoyed how Max brought to life Joseph and his role in the life of Jesus. Joseph is not discussed much in the Bible, but this truly made me step back and consider how it must have been for Joseph and how it affected his life.

One other great piece worth mentioning is a short article on Santa Claus. This look at the man/saint is a fantastic piece that needs to be read by all!

Although all the stories and outtakes are good, the above three are my favorites. This book is certainly a must to everyone's library - and not just for Christmas!

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"Silent Night" By Colleen Coble

Silent Night
A Rock Harbor Christmas Novella
Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Currently only available in eBook format

About the Book:

As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.

Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior's icy shore.

As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.

Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree’s prayer for a baby ever be answered?

My Thoughts:

Colleen Coble is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her books contain realistic places, characters and story lines that are guaranteed to keep you up well past your bedtime while you promise yourself just one more chapter...

"Silent Night" is one of those stories. A short novella that takes place around Christmastime, this story does not need the reader to have read the other books in the Rock Harbor series to enjoy and connect with the characters. I find it amazing that Colleen can have the reader become so involved within the span of a novella - it takes a gifted writer to accomplish that, and her gift shines with this story.

Bree Matthews is a very interesting character who's job is both heartbreaking and rewarding. She is quite realistic with her attitude towards her yearning for a special gift for her husband and her reaction to what he has asked of her. She is a character that I want to get to know much deeper. Her lovable character is responsible for me adding the Rock Harbor series to my TBR list!

This heartwarming and somewhat predictable novella is a must read for anyone who loves sappy yet mysterious Christmas stories. If you've never read a Colleen Coble story before, here's a great place to start!!

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"Return to Sunday Dinner" by Russell Cronkhite

Return to Sunday Dinner (Revised & Updated)
The Simple Delight of Family, Friends, and Food
Author: Russell Cronkhite
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781401604806
Hardbound: 278 Pages

About the Book:

Maybe you can still see it clearly. Your mother, with an apron draped over her Sunday best, standing at the stove, tending to the bubbling pots, sneaking a taste from each one. Somewhere in this memory, you hear the doorbell ring, ushering in aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends from church, all enveloped in the aromas of Sunday dinner—a pot roast in the oven, warm homemade rolls in a basket on the table, a coconut cake cooling on the counter. Wouldn't you like to go back there?

Russell Cronkhite's Return to Sunday Dinner revisits the time-honored tradition of the Sunday meal, a day of thanksgiving, celebrating the ritual with recipes reminiscent of the Sunday table where you pulled up a seat years ago. Cronkhite will help you recreate those memorable meals you savored in your childhood, and remind you of just how meaningful it can be to break bread each week with the people who matter most in your life. Explore this selection of twenty-four different chapters/menus, each one specially arranged for different occasions. Try the Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket for a simple after-church gathering for friends, or assemble a big pot of Chicken and Sausage Gumbo for a large family shindig. Want the crowd to roar at dessert? Be sure to whip up the Peach Cobbler with Frozen Vanilla Custard.

And because we all know that life moves at a quicker pace these days, Cronkhite offers up plenty of time-saving tips that will help make Sunday dinner easier than ever to get on the table. Introduce your family to a treasured tradition, and enjoy the distinct pleasure of preparing and sharing a delicious Sunday dinner.

My Thoughts:

I grew up in a family that didn't do Sunday dinners. We went to my grandmother's house every weekend and since she lived on a farm, there was nothing fancy - just a sit down to a nice hearty dinner after we helped with all the chores.  She didn't get out the fancy plates or anything special, we just had a good meal with family and friends if they happened to drop by.

"Return to Sunday Dinner" is a fantastic book. I was fascinated with the concept of a "traditional" Sunday dinner and enjoyed all the stories of how others celebrated their Sunday gatherings. To take the time and care of laying out a fancy table was a novel idea to me, but sounded like so many others did as a normal routine in years past. The shared stories of how things were done are in themselves a delight to read, and the recipes range from the simple and delicious to a bit more extravagant - but all very doable.

I loved reading all the stories and found that I wanted to start my own Sunday traditions after reading this book, however, the children are off to college, so I don't know if it will be too late to start now or not. We'll try it when they come home for winter and summer breaks.

The recipes are delicious and the the best part is that there are do-ahead hints and tips, so it makes the dinners easier to make on a schedule without feeling overwhelmed. The Coconut Cream Cake is a must and make sure to try Grandma's Fried Chicken!

This is a wonderful book to add to any kitchen library, but even more wonderful is the tradition that goes along with this book. If you are like me and didn't have a traditional Sunday dinner, make sure to pick this book up and start your own traditional Sunday meal. If you are already doing the traditional Sunday meal, you'll want to read this and add some new ideas and meals to your existing menus.

Highly recommended!!!!

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"Through Rushing Water" by Catherine Richmond

Through Rushing Water
Author: Catherine Richmond
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Paperback: 368 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1595549259

About the Book:

Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory.

Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.

With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.

It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When U.S. policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.

My Thoughts:

"Through Rushing Water" is a well written and emotionally charged historical novel that is sure to hold the reader's interest from beginning to end. The characters are wonderfully portrayed and so very realistic and will capture your heart as they take you through the time when the US government treated Indians shamefully - something that's not usually found in a piece of historical fiction!

This novel focuses on the Ponca Indians in the Dakota Territory and how they were treated. When Sophia Makinoff is sent there as a missionary, she was just biding time until she would transfer to the Far East. She had no idea that her destiny held something that would challenge and change her and yet give her a wonderful gift of purpose and happiness. One of my favorite characters, Sophia is one of those that is sure to stick with me for a long time.

Make sure to add this book to you must reads list, as it truly is one you MUST read!! This one comes highly recommended!

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"Covenant Child" by Terri Blackstock

Covenant Child
Author: Terri Blackstock
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN-13: 978-1401686970
Paperback: 336 pages

About the Book:

Amanda’s heart broke as she watched them drive her beloved twins away. She resolved to hope . . . and to fight for them to her last breath.

Kara and Lizzie are heiresses to one of the largest fortunes in the country. But when their father dies suddenly, the toddlers are ripped from the arms of Amanda, their loving stepmother, and given to their maternal grandparents, who only want the children’s fortune for themselves.

While even the stipend their guardians get for supporting them is squandered, the children are left to raise themselves. Kara and Lizzie grow up believing they are worthless . . . until the day when they learn the truth.

My Thoughts:

Gripping me from the first page, this book would have been devoured in one sitting if I had not had to tear myself away for other obligations. I just could not put it down! Terri Blackstock is a true master of storytelling and will keep the reader captivated from beginning to end. She had me gasping more than once at the realism of the abuse that Kara and Lizzie suffered - heartrendingly done by their own grandparents!

This novel has such a wonderful story line of unconditional love and forgiveness, although not apparent at first. As it unfolds, there is such a powerful message of unending love and faith. This book is going to be with me for a long, long time and comes highly recommended. This is one novel that should be on everyone's TBR list! 

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"Faithful to Laura" by Kathleen Fuller

Faithful to Laura
A Middlefield Family Novel
Author: Kathleen Fuller
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: August 7, 2012
ISBN: 9781595547767
Paperback: 304 pages

About the Book:

Laura’s Amish faith requires her to forgive, but she can only think of revenge.

Laura Stutzman leaves her Kentucky community for Middlefield, Ohio, with one purpose: to find Mark King, the man who pledged his love to her, then left. She can’t move on with her life until he explains why.

Sawyer Thompson is a Yankee who spent his teen years in an Amish home. Now an adult, he has to make a decision—go back to the life he knew as a child or join the church. Having suffered loss at a young age, he understands Laura’s anger, but is determined to follow God’s will and forgive. As their friendship grows, Laura begins to let her guard down.

New information about Sawyer’s past threatens the couple’s budding relationship. Both Laura and Sawyer will need to release the anger they’re storing in their hearts and forgive the people who’ve harmed them. As Laura struggles to trust God, will Sawyer do whatever it takes to remain faithful to Laura?

My Thoughts:

This is the second in the Middlefield Family series and I would not recommend starting with this one, but to read them in order starting with "Treasuring Emma". I did not realize this, and was quite lost in the beginning as there was no real backstory given. This book seems jump in where the previous book left off.

As the story continues, one does learn what happened previously to Laura and Sawyer, but the story would have been so much more enjoyable if I had started with the first book. Even so, I found myself totally immersed in the story and really liking the characters.

This was not the typical Amish story, but instead had some dark and unusual secrets that are revealed. Sawyer has to struggle with an introduction of a new person in his life, and Laura has to struggle with her scars. Both have to face issues of trust, love and forgiveness and do what is right.

This turned out to be a very good read and I'm looking forward to getting the first book to see exactly how things had unfolded to get both Laura and Sawyer to the point they are now. I can't wait for the next book in the series as I must know what happens next!!

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"Arms of Love" by Kelly Long

Arms of Love
Author: Kelly Long
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781401684969
Paperback: 320 Pages

About the Book:

The year is 1777. America is in turmoil. And Amish life is far different than today.

Pennsylvania in the late 18th century, once called William Penn’s Woods, was an assortment of different faiths living together for the first time in American history. Included in this tapestry was a small and struggling population called Amish.

Surrounding this peaceful people were unavoidable threats: both Patriots and the British were pillaging land and goods for the sake of the war, young Amishmen were leaving the faith to take up arms and defend freedom. A simple walk in the untamed forests could result in death, if not from bullet or arrow, then from an encounter with a wild animal.

Amid this time of tumult, Adam Wyse is fighting a personal battle. To possibly join the war efforts and leave his faith, which would mean walking away from the only woman he’s ever loved: Lena Yoder. But for that love he’s made a promise that may keep them apart permanently.

My Thoughts:

"Arms of Love" was an enjoyable story that I found quite captivating. I enjoyed the theme of doing what is right and trying to listen to God's intent. The story deals with some difficult subjects: death, child abuse, war, and sacrifice, but shows their purpose and demonstrates the power of God's love, forgiveness and healing. 

Yet, I'm torn with the historical setting. I had difficulty with the story centered around the Amish, because they didn't come across to me as anything different than any other colonist. They dressed a bit different and didn't fight, but there were so many things that seemed inappropriate and not what I would expect from the Amish sect. I have not looked into the practices of those that came to  Penn's Woods in the 1700's, but one of the things the Old Order Amish in PA have made clear is that they haven't really changed over the years. So my thought is that if anything, the Amish then would be even more strict then than they are now. That, and of course the language, just didn't work for me. I had to continue telling myself that these characters were Amish. Yet, at the same time I was pleased to see that the practices of foot washing and bundling were included in the story. It was nice to have these historical practices included!

If you are looking for a good and entertaining story and don't mind how historically accurate things are, you will find this an enjoyable read!

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Spirit Fighter by Jerel Law

Spirit Fighter
Son of Angels Book 1
Author: Jerel Law
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781400318438
Paperback: 256 pages

About the Book:

Percy Jackson, move over! Jonah Stone is here!

What if Nephilim—the children of angels and men—still walked the earth? And their very presence put the entire world in danger? In Spirit Fighter, Jonah and Eliza Stone learn that their mother is a Nephilim and that they have special powers as quarter-angels. When their mom is kidnapped by fallen angels, they must use those powers to save her. Along the way, they discover that there is a very real and dangerous war going on between good and evil and that God has a big part for them to play in that war.

My Thoughts:

Spirit Fighter is an action packed novel full of everything that would appeal to a tween male. The story moves along at a good pace, there's action and warfare and it involves a boy that is not totally perfect - just pretty much normal, or so one would think until the boy finds he has powers.

Sounds like a book every tween male would enjoy, but I personally wouldn't recommend it. It blurs the line between Biblical reality and fiction, as it uses scripture and fallen angels to do so. Although the main character, Jonah, uses his power for "good", Scripture says "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one." (Job 14:4) If a child is the grandchild of a fallen angel, he won't be the prize he is made out to be in this story.

Christian children know that magic is not of God, yet in this story we see things that can be done that fall under that magical category. What makes a child decide that since the Bible has been quoted here, that maybe there are others things that aren't quite real in the Scripture? I would much rather hand a child a copy of "Harry Potter" or "The Lightning Thief" because he knows it's pretend and an adult can discuss that with him. Even C. S. Lewis did not mix up Scripture with his children's stories.

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Brush of Angel's Wings by Ruth Reid

Brush of Angel's Wings
A Heaven On Earth Novel Bk #2
Author: Ruth Reid
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 10, 2012)
ISBN: 9781595547897
Paperback: 368 pages

My Thoughts:

"Brush of Angel's Wings" was a difficult book for me to "get into". I had a hard time with both Rachel and Jordan (the main characters). They were supposed to both be at least 20 years old, but they came across as so much younger and quite immature. As I read, I kept picturing them as being around 14 or 15 and had to stop and remind myself they were older. Thankfully, this changed as the story continued.

The book hinted about an event that took place with Rachel's brother and made me feel like I was missing something. One eventually gets most of the back story as the novel continues. I didn't realize until after finishing, that this was the second book in the series. Even though this could be read as a stand alone, I would suggest that one should start with the first book "The Promise of an Angel".

Along with the story of Rachel and Jordan, runs a side story of an angel and a fallen angel. These angels seem to be competing for Rachel's and Jordan's souls. Personally, I didn't feel that this competition did anything to help enhance the story, but instead, sidetracked and at times greatly annoyed me.

After about the first half of the book, the story picked up and the main characters became much more realistic in both attitude and age. I really began to enjoy the story, but then the angel story would interrupt for a few paragraphs, and seemed to pull me out of the world I was getting lost in.

With some really heart-tugging moments and some humor added throughout, this could have been a 4 star book (even with a rough start). However, for me, the good angel/bad angel war didn't add anything to the story, but instead subtracted a star.



Book Description (from Thomas Nelson):

Rachel and Jordan's feelings for each other are hostile at first, but angelic intervention helps the two discover peace . . . and perhaps love.

The youngest and last unmarried of four sisters, Rachel Hartlzer spends most of her time helping with barn chores. Her role abruptly changes when her father hires Jordan Engles, the son he always wanted.

As Jordan takes on brotherly roles around the house, like escorting Rachel to the youth singing, the enmity between the two grows. Besides, Jordan has one foot in the Englisch world and is determined not to get involved with an Amish girl.

Neither realizes that God has sent an angel, Nathaniel, to help mend their hearts. The angel’s intervention helps them find peace and healing in accepting God's will for their lives.

About the Author:

Ruth Reid is a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children. When attending Ferris State University School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms. Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life.

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"The Wedding Dress" by Rachel Hauck

The Wedding Dress
Author: Rachel Hauck
ISBN: 9781595549631
Trade Paper 352 pages
Retail Price: $15.99
Can be purchased from Thomas Nelson

My Thoughts:

Once again Rachel Hauck has captured my heart with her ability to pen such a beautiful story. From the beginning, I was captivated with Charlotte and her gift to find the perfect wedding gown. She could make everyone happy, but she couldn't seem do the same for herself.

When Charlotte buys a mysterious trunk, the contents make her search for answers about the woman or women who owned the beautiful item before and why they had the trunk sealed. As she continues on her search, she finds out about three other women spanning a century and what happened to each of them and how they connect to her.

There are times when one feels connected to a story and when that story ends, one feels a loss because they don't want to close the book and say goodbye to the characters. This is how I felt about Charlotte and her quest. Her being able to help others and not herself rang true for me. The curiosity of a sealed trunk and its contents would have also driven me to want to find out more, so again, I found a real connection with Charlotte.

What Charlotte discovers and the answers it brings gives a most satisfying ending to such a heartfelt story. Rachel's prose and gift for writing makes this a story that I will remember for a long time!

About the Book:

Four brides. One dress.

A tale of faith, redemption, and timeless love.

Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift—and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can’t she find the perfect dress—or feel certain she should marry Tim?

Then Charlotte purchases a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new, shimmering with pearls and satin, hand-stitched and timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it? Who welded the lock shut and tucked the dog tags in that little sachet? Who left it in the basement for a ten-year-old girl? And what about the mysterious man in the purple vest who insists the dress had been “redeemed”?

Charlotte’s search for the gown’s history—and its new bride—begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with her own story of promise, pain, and destiny. And each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte’s heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the beauty of finding true love.

Want to learn more about the author?
You can find out more about Rachel Hauck and her work by visiting her website at: http://www.rachelhauck.com/

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

KJV American Patriot's Bible

The American Patriot's Bible, KJV
The Word of God and the Shaping of America
By Dr. Richard Lee
Format: Hardcover
Edging: White
Trim Size: 7.30 x 9.40 x 1.80
Page Count: 1640
Retail Price: $44.99
ISBN: 9781418548919

This beautiful Bible can be purchased from Thomas Nelson or Christianbook.com

My Thoughts:

My first impression of "The American Patriot's Bible" was how well constructed and beautiful it is. The hard binding is nice and tight and lays flat making it easy to read. In the beginning is an illustrated presentation plate and numerous pages for your family records, ie: husband and wife family tree, children, grandchildren, church and service records, deaths, and even a place for special family history and ancestors of interest. Also included is a map of the United States, a chart when the states were added and the Seven Principals of Judeo-Christian Ethic (which our forefathers followed).

There is so much to love about this Bible. It is not only beautiful to look at, but full of information that made our United States a great nation. There are full color pages that highlight important parts of US history and throughout the Bible are many famous people who were important to making the United States a great nation. There were many moving articles, but one sticks out for me:  the founder of the Hilton Hotel chain had a prayer printed in many well known magazines on July 4, 1952 -this  prayer is included in its entirety.

This is the King James Version (KJV) and is one that every American would be proud to have in their Christian library. Because of its beauty and theme, this is perfect for gift-giving and would make a wonderful gift for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces. It would also be a wonderful gift for that favorite history student or teacher.

About This Bible:

THE ONE BIBLE THAT SHOWS HOW ‘A LIGHT FROM ABOVE’ SHAPED OUR NATION. Never has a version of the Bible targeted the spiritual needs of those who love our country more than The American Patriot’s Bible. This extremely unique Bible shows how the history of the United States connects the people and events of the Bible to our lives in a modern world. The story of the United States is wonderfully woven into the teachings of the Bible and includes a beautiful full-color family record section, memorable images from our nation’s history and hundreds of enlightening articles which complement the historic King James Version Bible text.

Features include:

• Full-color presentation and family record section
• 48 beautiful full-color insert pages including memorable images from America's history
• The historic King James Version Bible text, large print
• 1600 Bible pages (illustrated, two-color) with: 80 full-page articles, 70 half-page articles, 104 quarter-page articles, and 66 book introductions
• Index and concordance

This Bible is part of the Signature Series line of Thomas Nelson Bibles.
American Patriot's Bibles sold to date: More than 125,000
The King James Version—The most successful Bible translation in history with billions of copies published.

I received this Bible through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"The Realms Thereunder" by Ross Lawhead

The Realms Thereunder
Author: Ross Lawhead
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781595549099
Paperback: 384 pages
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
May be purchased from Thomas Nelson or Amazon

Freya and Daniel are closer than they will ever want to admit. The are connected in many ways: they went to the same school, they were both born on the same day, and they both went on the same class trip that ended up changing their lives forever.

From the beginning, Mr. Lawhead knew just how to capture my interest and he wove such a fantastical story that I read it in two sittings (and that was only because I had to sleep). Crossing between time periods and worlds, this story reminded me a little of "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" yet with more of an adult appeal.

The story focuses on three characters: Freya, Alex and Daniel and jumps between them as well as past and present. I found this switching kept me on my toes and very interested of what was going to happen next and to whom.

Fast paced and full of action, this book may be even better than Lawhead's father's "Bright Empire" series. I could be biased though, as I love books that center around "special" children that have a specific task they must accomplish. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series as I need to know what these three will do next!!

Buy		Read

If you'd like to learn more about Mr. Lawhead or his work, you can visit his website at: http://www.rosslawhead.com/blog/

Stop by the following blogs to see what they are saying about "The Realms Thereunder":

Gillian Adams

Red Bissell

Keanan Brand

Beckie Burnham

Melissa Carswell

Jeff Chapman

CSFF Blog Tour

Theresa Dunlap

Emmalyn Edwards

April Erwin

Victor Gentile

Tori Greene

Nikole Hahn

Ryan Heart

Bruce Hennigan

Timothy Hicks

Christopher Hopper

Jason Joyner

Carol Keen

Krystine Kercher

Rebekah Loper

Marzabeth

Shannon McDermott

Rebecca LuElla Miller

Mirriam Neal

Eve Nielsen

Nissa

John W. Otte

Donita K. Paul

Joan Nienhuis

Crista Richey

Sarah Sawyer

Chawna Schroeder

Kathleen Smith

Donna Swanson

Rachel Starr Thomson

Steve Trower

Fred Warren

Dona Watson

Shane Werlinger

Nicole White

Rachel Wyant

This book was provided by the Book Sneeze program and was used in conjunction with CSFF Tours. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

" The Treasure of God's Word" - Review

The Treasure of God's Word
Celebrating 400 Years of the Kings James Bible
Compiled by Jack Countryman
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781404189768
Genre: Religion, Christian Life, Inspirational

When I removed this book from the packaging, I was in awe with how beautiful it was! The cover is a faux burgundy leather with tooling and gold embossed letters and stitching around the edge of the cover. The pages are printed with brown ink on a brownish faux "antique looking paper" with edges that have gold guilding (like a bible). The whole effect is one of richness.

The book itself contains history of the King James Bible and include pictures of what the bible once looked like. After the history, the book is divided into sections which contain verses that match the sections:  God's Hope, God's Love, etc. There are also parts that include changes that occurred with the times.

This is a gorgeous book that would be perfect for gift giving - a nice inexpensive yet very rich looking addition to anyone's collection. With that said, I was disappointed in the contents of the book. With the description, I was looking for whole pages replicated from the original KJV, but instead was supplied with small graphics of them. I had expected with a 400th Anniversary edition, that there would be a lot more history of the KJV, and not a glorified gift book of verses with some history thrown in.

This book was supplied by the Book Sneeze Program for me to honestly review.

"The Heart Mender" by Andy Andrews

The Heart mender: A Story of Second Chances
Author: Andy Andrews
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9780785231035
Genre: Self-help, Motivational, Inspirational

While digging in his back yard, author Andy Andrews finds a rusty tin of Nazi German artifacts. After curiosity gets the best of him, he decides to do some research and find out more about it. The information that he uncovers is startling and becomes the background of this story.

Helen lost her husband during WWII. She is lost and angry because of her tragic loss. Josef is a German U-boat officer that washed upon the bank of the gulf shores, who Helen finds nearly dead. Her feelings of hatred make her want to leave him to die, but something changes her mind. Those feelings of hatred develop into feelings of friendship, forgiveness, then healing and love.

This is a beautifully written story told only the way that Andy Andrews can tell it. He delivers a very powerful message of forgiveness and what happens when we forgive. This is a story one should not miss and be prepared to have your heartstrings tugged. This is one story I will not soon forget. I highly recommend it!!!



Would you like to learn more about the author or see what other books he's written? You can visit Andy Andrews at his website at : http://www.andyandrews.com/

This book was provided by Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze Program for me to review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.