“The Promise of a Letter” by Kathleen Fuller, book review

“The Promise of a Letter” by Kathleen Fuller, book review

Leeanna is a non-traditional Amish woman. She does not like to cook, clean, can, or garden. And she is not very good at any of these tasks. But she is very skilled at repairing machinery. Because she is 6 feet tall and rather athletic, she can play with the boys. She skates to work and ice skates on the pond in the winter time.

Roman has never been able to please his parents. Finally, he just leaves. He is a good student and in the English world, he finishes high school and applies to college. He dreams of being an engineer. He is always drawing and designing machines and gadgets that will make everyday tasks easier.

When Roman returns to Birch Creek to attempt to repair his broken relationship with his brother, he runs into many roadblocks. But the letter his grandmother sent to him just before his death, keeps pushing him to do what is right.

This book is the first in a new series, but features many characters from previous books by Kathleen Fuller.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Get out of that pit” by Beth Moore, book review

“Get out of that pit” by Beth Moore: Straight Talk about God’s Deliverance, book review

Many of us, especially women, know Beth Moore from her video Bible Study lessons. She teaches the Bible well and from her heart. This book is much the same as her video lessons.

In this book, she teaches using the Biblical story of Joseph. Joseph was unfairly put into a pit by his older brothers and left for dead. Beth uses the illustration of “The Pit” as a terrible place in which all of us want deliverance.

The book has many biblical and personal examples for each chapter, that really helps the reader connect with the intended lesson.

I found the first chapters of the book to be a bit depressing, really, as she described the many types of “pits” that we can find ourselves in. There were many examples and illustrations. But as the reader progresses through the chapters, Moore shares Bible verses and biblical lessons which show us how to get out and stay out of the pit. The book concludes with prayers and discussion questions to be used with a group on individually.

Overall, the book has a strong message of deliverance from the terrible circumstances that we can find ourselves and that God’s love is the only way of deliverance. As I read the book, I was often bogged down by the rather conversational style of Moore’s writing. It was much like her Dvd lessons. Honestly, I think an audio or video of this book would be more enjoyable than reading, do to the writing style. But I would recommend it to any one who feels trapped in “the pit,” and looking for God’s way out.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson and W Publishing Group. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Freedom’s Ring” by Heidi Chiavaroli, book review

“Freedom’s Ring” by Heidi Chiavaroli, book review

This book takes place in Boston and covers two separate time periods- current day (2015) and the American Revolution 1770. The common thread is a ring.

1770 Freedom is in Boston following the death of her parents and on a search for her brother. She finds employment in as a house made for two British soldiers. After being raped by the captain, she steals the valuables from these men and runs away. Her brother is killed during a small battle, and she is truly alone. When she discovers she is pregnant, she visits a midwife to seek to end the pregnancy. Instead, the midwife offers her shelter and to train her in the art of midwifery.

2015 Annie is running in the Boston Marathon when the bomb explodes injuring and killing many around her. She is carried to safety by a man, who in trying to calm her, gives her a ring. During her slow recovery, she clings to that ring and the promise that he will find her again. But Annie is consumed with guilt because her niece is badly injured during the bombing and lost a leg. Gracie was not old enough to run in the marathon, and was there to cheer for her Aunt Annie.

The ring is the center of searching for both of these women. And may hold the key to happiness for them both.

I enjoyed this book. The back and forth between time periods was easy to follow. The mystery of the ring is fun to learn about as the characters develop. I hope there is another book in this series.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Tyndale House. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Beloved Hope” by Tracie Peterson, book review

“Beloved Hope” by Tracie Peterson, book review Heart of the Frontier, book #2

This is the continuation of the story of the Flanagan sisters: Faith, Hope, and Mercy as they make a new home in the Indian Territory of the US. In book #1, Faith married a man who she did not love in order to provide for her younger sisters following the death of her parents. The sisters endured a terrible massacre at the mission where they were staying. Now in book #2, Hope is the center character.

Her experiences at the mission were terrible and she bares many scars, although none are outwardly visible. Now two years later, the US government has apprehended several Indians who were involved in the murders and they are on trial. Hope is tapped as a key witness, as she saw several of the murders and she was raped by the Indians during the captivity that followed.

Lane Kenner is serving his final days in the army and eagerly waiting until he can return to New Orleans to take over his family’s plantation. But then he meets Hope.

I enjoyed this book and I had read book #1. There is enough background given to be able to read this without reading #1, but there is a lot that would be lost. There is a bit of possibly mature content dealing with the Indian’s murder and rape of women at the mission, so might not be suitable for all readers.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House. All opinions expressed are my own.

“The Writing Desk” by Rachel Hauck, book review

Birdie just wants to get her novel published. But her mother and society have declared that it is well past time for her to marry. She is very willing to marry for love, and if her husband will allow her to write.

Tenley’s first – and only – book was an instant best seller. And now she must produce another one. But she just can’t. Now her whole world is being turned upside down. Holt proposed. Her mother, who abandoned her 2 years ago, called and wants her to come care for her during cancer treatments. Holt bought tickets to go to Paris and rented an apartment for 3 months. And her deadline is coming soon. What is she to do?

This is a precious story that goes between several generations of writers who sit at the same desk. The back and forth is easy to follow and very interesting.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to another from this author.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Gathering The Threads” by Cindy Woodsmall, book review

“Gathering the Threads” by Cindy Woodsmall, book review. Amish of Summer Grove #3

Ariana has returned to her Amish home after a long 3 months away in the English world. While away, she longed for the comforts of home and family, but now that she is back, it is much harder than she had anticipated. The world has influenced her in ways she did not realize until confronted by her parents and the Bishop. How can she make this all work?

Quill is deep into his work assisting Amish to leave or stay. Often the counseling process is the most difficult and time consuming. But now he is involved in helping a mother and children escape the abusive ex-husband with mob connections.

This is the third book in the series and it starts where #2 left off, with very little intro. However, in the early chapters the author reminds us of the situation from the previous books, so if you have not read #1 and #2 you can quickly get up to speed. I have read the previous books so it is nice to see how the issues are resolved.

This is an easy book to read. Great for the summer beach or pool vacation take a long. I do suggest reading in order, so pick up all 3 before you pack your beach bag.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher as a member of Blogging for books. All opinions expressed are my own.

“With You Always” by Jody Hedlund, book review

“With You Always” by Jody Hedlund, book review Orphan Train Series #1

1850’s was a time of financial crisis for many and the poor were especially hard hit. Families who had recently arrived in the US to establish a better life were confronted with terrible hardships. Elise was now the head of her family, with both her parents dead. And she had 2 toddlers to care for in addition to her little sisters. She is an experienced seamstress and is able to move into the Seventh Street Mission with her small family. She is able to stay until the mission begins to fail and the work dries up. She takes the Orphan train to the west with the guarantee of a job, and then she will send for the children.

Thornton Quincy has always been the shy twin, but as his father issues a deathbed challenge to the boys, he enters into the competition with gusto. He has been working his whole life to do this: build a new city along the rail line. And he will win. But then he unexpectedly meets Elise. Now he sees people in a whole new light.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were real and developed. The plot was compelling and moved at a good pace. I am eager to read book #2 in this series and see how it turns out.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Just Look Up” by Courtey Walsh, book review

“Just Look Up” by Courtney Walsh, book review

Lane Kelly has worked so hard to be successful. And she is! This is the presentation that will get her the promotion. Until her phone rings and she has to go home. Home. Where she left following high school graduation and never looked back. Now she must face it all. But she is a different person, isn’t she?

Ryan Brooks wakes up in the hospital with a huge headache. But he quickly realizes that he is in good shape compared to his buddy, who hit the pole head on when a truck crossed the middle line into their lane. And he was riding a motorcycle. How can he go on from here?

This novel is set in the same small town as the other novels by the same author, but the characters are fresh and new. I enjoyed the other novels and this one was wonderful too.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

“The Divide” by Jolina Pertersheim, book review

“The Divide” by Jolina Pertersheim, book review, #2, following “The Alliance”
This novel picks up the story 6 months after the Mennonite community has fled to the mountain following the failure of the power grid, and modern life as we know it. While the Mennonites are much better equipped to live in a world void of modern conveniences, most other people are not- and this causes many problems as food and medicines run out. Leorna and her family have moved up the mountain and set up a community that is relatively self sufficient. However, they must hide and discourage visitors- friendly and unfriendly- as the food supply is very limited, especially now that winter has settle in.

Moses has healed from the bullet he took while Leorna and her community was escaping. Now he is with a militia that has formed at the air port. He is still concerned about Leorna, and actually is in love with her, but does not see himself as best for her, as he is not a Mennonite.

This book is the second in the series and does not give much background to what has happened in the first book. Even though I read book #1, I had a hard time remembering all the characters and events. I suggest reading the books back to back.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Tyndale house. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Peace in the Valley” by Ruth Logan Herne, book review

“Peace in the Valley” by Ruth Logan Herne, book review- Double S Ranch series #3

Sam Stafford is the heart and soul of Double S Ranch, but his health is not good and in fact, without a serious procedure, he will die. This complicates things with the boys around the ranch have become quite strained. Each must find his place again in the working of the ranch and the family.

Lucy is just trying to keep her ranch afloat, but it seems impossible, not matter how hard she works. When Trey comes to repay a long overdue debt, as instructed by Sam Safford, she is not sure how to handle it. And then there is the matter of Trey- he is someone special, but is he right for her?

This is the 3rd in the Double S Ranch series. The conflicts of the previous books are mentioned and new issues are presented in this book. The grace and love of God and shown through out the series and forgiveness really is the attribute that is allowed to flow through all the characters

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.