“Together Forever” by Jody Hedlund, book review

“Together Forever” Orphan Train #2, by Judy Hedlund, book review

Marianne needs to find her sister. She really needs to. Marianne feels she lost Sophie, even though it was Sophie’s decision to leave. With her new job with the Children’s Aid Society, Marianne has to perfect opportunity to look for her.

Andrew is a more experienced Agent with the Children’s Aid Society and is accompanying Marianne on the placing out trip. They quickly learn how to work together to provide a secure and comforting environment for the orphans who are looking for new homes.

As the trip progresses, Marianne and Andrew encounter various trials, but work together and lean on God’s guidance to complete the tasks at hand.

This is the second of the Orphan Train series. While this book has enough back ground for the reader to enjoy and understand the story, it is more enjoyable to read the series in order. The author shares many details that allow the reader to understand the times and the challenges faced by people portrayed in the story.

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

Advertisements

“Road to Magonia Glen” by Pam Hillman, book review

“Road to Magonia Glen” by Pam Hillman, book review.
Quinn O’Shea finally gets to leave Ireland with two of his younger brothers to join his oldest brother in Natchez, Mississippi. The trip by boat takes weeks and there is much turmoil and drama aboard the ship. But this is nothing compared to what happens when they finally get on land!

Kiera Young has traveled by the same ship with her younger sisters to the colonies because her brother-in-law has arranged a marriage for her. This will provide a safe and stable life for the three girls. While she has never met her groom, she is confident that he will be a good husband. Her view changes dramatically when she is taken to a tavern to meet her “husband.”

This is the second in the Natchez series and the characters from the first book are here in the second. The story is deeply rich with complex characters and plots, which show the hardships and joys of the time. The book might stand alone, but it will be easier to understand and enjoy if you read the first book prior to reading this one.

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

“Babylon Bee” book review

“How to Be a Perfect Christian: Your Comprehensive Guide to Flawless Spiritual Living” by Babylon Bee, book review

This was a very interesting book, not what I usually read, but I read it with an open mind. The writing style was well developed and flowed, so it was easy to read. I knew going into it that this was satire, so I was prepared.

Honestly, I did not enjoy the book as I had expected. Living in the world is a really hard thing, and being apart of a Bible believing church is a fundamental aspect that makes it all possible, for me. Making fun of this was just heart breaking. I hope that people who are searching for love and acceptance in a church do not read this and think that this is how Christians really think and act.

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

“The Girls’ Guide to Conquering Life” by Erica and Jonathon Catherman, book review

“The Girls’ Guide to Conquering Life: How to Ace an Interview, Change a Tire, Talk to a Guy, and 97 Other Skills You Need to Thrive” by Erica and Jonathon Catherman, book review

Being a teen age girl is a hard job. There are so many unknowns and new areas of life to explore. Each girl deals with these new challenges differently, but wants to feel in control of her own life. This book is a great resource of useful and practical information for girls. I think it is well written and the format is easy to read. This would make a wonderful birthday gift for a teenage girl or to use with a small group of girls- like a Sunday School class or other small group.

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

“Our Newlywed Kitchen” by Laura Schupp, Book review

Our Newlywed Kitchen: The Art of Cooking, Gathering, and Creating Traditions, by Laura Schupp, book review

You just got engaged! It is so exciting! You have dreamed of this day since you were a little girl playing dress up with a white dish town for a veil. But now it is getting a bit real. You and your beloved are planning to set up your first home together. WOW, there are so many decisions. This book is part journal and part how-to of setting up a new kitchen. The illustrations are inspiring and there is room for personal notes and family memories.

This would be a great gift for a newly engaged couple to use during the wedding planning stage.

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

“Room on the Porch Swing” by Amy Clipson, book review

“Room on the Porch Swing” by Amy Clipson, book review

Laura has finally emerged from the fog of mourning after the sudden death of her mother. But now grief slams her again as her best friend dies from an illness. As the whole community helps Allen with his baby daughter and buggy business, Laura steps in as a nanny when Ira Mae is injured in a fall. Laura quickly bonds with the baby and makes Allen’s life manageable as she cares for the home.

As the weeks go by, Laura and Allen fall in to an easy friendship that helps them both deal with their grief. But when Laura’s boy friend of four years, Rudy, becomes jealous and informs the Bishop that Laura is spending the night unchaperoned, things get out of hand.

This is the second in the Amish Homestead series and many of the same characters appear that we met in the first book. I enjoyed the book and it might stand on its own, if you do not read the others in the series.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher, Zondervan. All opinions expressed are my own.

“A Breath of Hope” by Lauriane Snelling, book review

“A Breath of Hope” by Lauriane Snelling, book review. Under Northern Skies series.

Nilda has dreamed of coming to America for so long. Her best friend sailed with her family to begin a new life with the promise of property in exchange for work. And now Nilda has received an invitation to come too! While she is sad to leave her parents, the promise of a new life is a blessing!

Signe and Rune have settled into their new life in America. After a rocky start dealing with a difficult relative and employer, they are thriving! The new baby is a wonderful breath of fresh air and reminds them all of the blessings they have been given.

This is a continuation of the series that shares the story of the families moving to America to begin a new life. We are so blessed in the current time that we often forget the sacrifices that those first immigrants made to survive and thrive in America.

I enjoyed this book and could easily follow the plot and characters. I have read all the previous books, which I suggest that you do to fully enjoy the story line.

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

“Return to Bella Terra: Book 3 of The Italian Chronicles Trilogy (Volume 3” book review

Return to Bella Terra: Book 3 of The Italian Chronicles Trilogy (Volume 3), book review

This book continues the story of the immigrant family from Sicily. Maria and her family have been in America for several years and are trying to make it work. But they have learned that the stories they heard were greatly exaggerated- the streets were not paved with gold! But they were committed to becoming Americans. Until…

Maria receives word that her mother is dying! Her sister urges her to come for a last visit. After a quick talk with her husband, Maria and her oldest son, Nico book a trip. Thankfully, they arrive in time to spend the last few days with her mother and attend to the funeral and other details after her mother passes.

Nico, on the other hand, learns that things are a bit different than when he left as a child. He meets a beautiful women and instantly falls in love! He also learns the difficult truth regarding the situation of his birth and gets to know his birth father.

This is an interesting book about a close family who is divided by a wide ocean as well as some secrets. But they have faith that God is working in all their lives.

Disclaimer: The publisher provided me a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

You may purchase this book on Amazon or from a local retailer.

“the Hidden Side” by Heidi Chiavaroli, book review

“the Hidden Side” by Heidi Chiavaroli, book review

Two stories, 200 years apart, slowly come together in this novel by Heidi Chiavoroli. New York 2016- the Abbott family is ok one minute and not ok the next. High school student, Chris, is the shooter at school which kills 3 students. His twin sister witnessed it. Now Natalie, the mother, is trying to keep her family and her whole world from completely falling apart.

New York 1776- Mercy Howard is secretly engaged to Nathan. They hope that the war ends soon so they can wed and begin their lives together. But Nathan Hale is captured and hung as a traitor. Now Mercy goes behind enemy lines to gather intelligence for Washington to further Nathan’s mission.

Both of these stories are full of sadness. In the wake of recent school shootings, it has actually been difficult to read. But the author carefully brings the reader to a place of understanding and peace.

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

“the better mom” by Ruth Schwenk, book review

“the better mom” Growing in Grace between perfection and the mess, by Ruth Schwenk, book review

Motherhood is a wonderful and messy time. Just because we now have a child does not mean that we are automatically a good mom. Ruth Schwenk gives and open and honest look at being a mother, along with examples and encouragement that mothers of all ages can relate to.

This is a wonderful book that is focused on the new mother and the mother of young children. As the mother of four children, she is a expert on these topics. She shares examples from her own life that make us feel that she really understands the struggles of mothers everywhere. She also gives Godly counsel for many situations that can be discouraging for mothers of youngsters.

This would be a great gift for a baby shower!

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