Review of A Vow for Always

the Discovery (A Lancaster County Saga) Part 6 

by Wanda Brunstetter

Book 6 of an exclusive 6-consecutive-month release Amish serial novel.  Join Meredith and Luke Stoltzfus, an Amish couple who are faced with the greatest challenge of their young lives. A Vow for Always is part six of New York Times Bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunsetter’s The Discovery--A Lancaster County Saga.

MY REVIEW:
Meredith and Luke have come a long way in this 6 part journey.  Luke started out to learn a new trade and was robbed and attacked and left for dead.  He developed amnesia from the injuries to his head and meanwhile, his wife, Meredith, has given birth to their first born child back in Pennsylvania.  A lovely young nurse takes Luke into her grandparents' home to recuperate until he remembers who he is.....IF he remembers who he is......and she ends up falling for him.   Meanwhile, Jonah is an old friend of Meredith's who has returned to his parents' home in Pennsylvania and he has fallen in love with Meredith and adores baby Levi. Will Luke remember who he is and where he is from before Meredith marries Jonah??? or will he be too late?  will he ever remember? he is certainly despaired over this and agonizes at trying to force his memories.   

I won't spoil the ending for readers, but I loved this saga.  I first was unsure how I felt about reading short pieces of the story in separate books, but I found that the cliffhanger in each one made me hungry to read the next book.   I fell in love with the characters and I think most readers will as well.  I love the Lancaster Pennsylvania area and Wanda's descriptions made me feel like I was taking a little mini-vacation there each time I read one of the books.   I hope that Wanda will write more stories in this fashion in the future as I truly enjoyed it and it was definitely different from the usual "novel" style.  

I received a free pdf copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher:  Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.  

About the Author:

A nationally recognized authority on the Amish community, Wanda E. Brunstetter has seen her book sales over the two million mark. Wanda enjoys an uncommon kinship with the Amish and continues to visit their communities  throughout the country. Her books have won numerous awards and topped several bestselling charts.  Visit Wanda's website:  http://www.wandabrunstetter.com/

Review of Bubble Troubles

Review of Bubble Troubles

(Mattie & Mark Miller-Double Trouble)

by Wanda Brunstetter

Welcome to Holmes County, Ohio, where twins Mattie and Mark Miller experience Bubble Troubles. When their out-of-control worries begin to cause big trouble at every turn, will these energetic nine-year-olds learn the value of giving their worries to God before it’s too late? You’ll fall in love with the third release in the Double Trouble series from bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter.

My Review:

Bubble Troubles is a delightful book written for children, but I certainly enjoyed it myself.  Twins, Mattie and Mark Miller, are adorable little Amish children who have plenty to worry about as they go about their busy lives.   This book teaches children to pray and give their worries to God instead of letting it upset them and rule their lives.   I felt like I was out in the snow sledding with them, walking home from the one-room school, and baking pumpkin cookies with mamm.   

I received a gift copy of this book from the author and Barbour Publishing.   I offer my honest review as my gift to Wanda Brunstetter.  

About the Author:

A nationally recognized authority on the Amish community, Wanda E. Brunstetter has seen her book sales over the two million mark. Wanda enjoys an uncommon kinship with the Amish and continues to visit their communities throughout the country. Her books have won numerous awards and topped several bestselling charts.   Visit her website for more information:  http://www.wandabrunstetter.com/

Review of Through the Tears

Review of Through the Tears

by Rosemary Hines

"Michelle Baron sat on the edge of the couch, her heart racing as she looked at the envelope in her hand. I guess this is it, she thought. The return address seemed harmless enough. Fairfield Lab, Portland, Oregon. But this envelope contained information that could change her life forever."

Michelle and her family rejoice when her father begins to regain consciousness after an unsuccessful suicide attempt. But a long journey awaits, as they seek to clear his name of the embezzlement charges that drove him to this desperate act. The days of their vigil at the hospital drag into weeks, and Michelle finds herself repeatedly drawn to the newborn nursery. Observing couples leave with tiny babes in their arms, her heart is stirred, and she begins to yearn for a child of her own. However, an unexpected twist will threaten her new dream.

"Through the Tears" -- the second novel in the Sandy Cove series -- delivers a message of hope in the midst of longing and disappointment.

My Review:

Through the Tears deals with suicide, infertility, adoption, and abortion as well as infidelity and then there is forgiveness and hope.  Rosemary Hines truly gripped at my heart as I was cheering Michelle on.   Of course, there is a "bad guy" in every story and Trevor fits the bill for that title.   Michelle also finds herself having to defend her newfound faith in the aftermath of her experimentation with the New Age spirituality practices.   My heart broke for Michelle as they experienced infertility and the pain associated with it.   I was constantly finding myself waiting with bated breath as I read.  I loved this book and am eager to read the third book in the Sandy Cove series.  

I received a free pdf version of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.  
About the Author: 

Christian Novelist reviewed and recommended at Calvary Chapel Pastors' Wives annual conferences on West Coast and East Coast 2011 and 2012. Author of the Sandy Cove Series ~ fiction with a message.

Review of Praying the Prayers of the Bible

by James Banks

Spending time in prayer is necessary to develop and maintain a personal relationship with God. In Praying the Prayers of the Bible, author James Banks provides a collection of prayers to help readers engage in intimate conversations with God. Readers can find prayers of praise and thanksgiving, prayers for wisdom and direction, prayers for blessing, and much more. This powerful book of prayers encourages readers not only to strengthen their relationship with God, but also to apply His Word to their daily life. Readers can discover how to respond to God’s invitation to draw nearer to Him as they pray the prayers of the Bible.

MY REVIEW:
Praying the Prayers of the Bible is a wonderful resource to improve and enhance your daily prayer life.  I really appreciate the layout of the book.  Each section has a short reflection, related scripture, prayers from the Bible to pray, and prayer starters.  Topics include Prayers to Say Thank You, Prayers to Strengthen Faith and Give Ourselves to God, Prayers about Everyday Needs, Prayers to Confess Sin and Humble Ourselves, Prayers for Guidance and Direction, Prayers for Help and Protection, Wrestling Prayers, and Blessing Prayers.   I am enjoying using the prayers of the Bible that James Banks has researched and gleaned from the Bible for readers.   Jesus himself prayed by quoting the scriptures and used the prayers of the Bible to commune with His Father.  Jesus is our example and I appreciate the insights included in this book.    

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Discovery House, in exchange for an honest review.   

About the Author:

Dr. James Banks is the pastor of Peace Church in Durham, North Carolina, and is the author of The Lost Art of Praying Together and Prayers of Prodigals. He and his wife, Cari, have been married over twenty-eight years and make their home in Durham, North Carolina.   They have two adult children.  James is a much loved speaker at conferences, retreats, and churches.  Visit his website:  www.JamesBanks.org.

Review of The Moses Quilt

by Kathi Macias

The Moses Quilt is a contemporary novel that bridges racial and generational divides. With a realistic and compassionate look into a twenty-first-century dilemma, multiple award-winning author Kathi Macias introduces readers to a confused and apprehensive young woman, Mazie Hartford. Facing major decisions about the love of her life and her future, she must also wrestle with a nagging question about her family's past. She finds the answer to her questions in a most unexpected way--her great-grandmother's Moses quilt. As her great-grandmother begins to explain how each patch represents a story of courage and freedom, Mazie must decide if she has the courage and freedom to overcome her own personal fears and prejudices.

MY REVIEW:

Kathi Macias is a master story teller and has obviously spent a great deal of time in research for her story.  She could easily be a history teacher or museum curator.  Kathi uses a quilt based on the life of Harriet Tubman as the main focus of her story in The Moses Quilt.  Mazie and Edward are in love, but she is a young white woman and Edward is a successful young African American lawyer.   Mazie is hesitant to accept his marriage proposal and much of the story is spent in examining the thoughts and conversations of many of the characters concerning whether or not the couple will ever marry.  Mazie's great-grandmother, Mimi, whom she helps her mother to care for, tells the story of Harriet Tubman to the young couple.  Will Mimi's Moses Quilt and story help Mazie to take the plunge or will the couple end their relationship?   Will Mimi have time to finish the story of the quilt?  Read this beautiful story to find the answers.   

I won a copy of this book from a fellow blogger in a giveaway on the site.  Thanks!  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and recently won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time riding their Harley.  http://www.kathimacias.com/

Review of Letters to Katie

by Kathleen Fuller

Everything changed between them the first time he called her Katie.
Katherine Yoder has loved Johnny Mullet since they were children, but he never actively returned her affections. Like so many things in their world, he assumes Katherine will always be there. Once his horse farm is a success, then he will court her in earnest.
For several weeks, Katherine has been plagued by severe headaches and dizziness. While resting at home, Johnny unexpectedly visits, but when dizziness strikes, she loses consciousness. She awakens hours later in a hospital bed, unable to remember how she got there.
Seeing Katherine injured and vulnerable stirs something in Johnny, and his guilt compels him to spend time with her while she heals. Soon his heart begins to stir with questions: Does she even remember why he’d come to her house that day?
As Katherine struggles to recall recent memories of Johnny, a surprise visitor arrives in her already unsteady world—a man named Isaac who claims they had been writing letters to each other, even considering marriage, before her illness.
With two men vying for her attention and her memory still elusive, Katherine has never felt so divided. The answer may lie behind a door she never considered opening.

MY REVIEW:

Letters to Katie is a beautiful story of love among several young Amish couples....Johnny and Katie, Sawyer and Laura, and Mary Beth and Chris and their new baby.  Sawyer has recently been reunited with his biological grandmother, Cora, after his mother died and he was adopted by an Amish family.  Cora is rich and wants Sawyer to take over her business as she has Parkinson's and doesn't expect to live much longer.  Sawyer does not want anything to do with the business as he plans to join the Amish church and marry Laura.   Read this wonderful book to find out what happens for these complex characters.   

I received a free kindle copy of this book from booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Kathleen is the author of several books, including the upcoming Amish series Hearts of Middlefieldfor Thomas Nelson. She is also included in two Amish anthologies for Thomas Nelson, An Amish Christmas and An Amish Gathering. Kathleen loves to hear from readers. Visit her website at:  http://www.kathleenfuller.com/.

Review of Out of a Dream

Review of Out of a Dream

by Rosemary Hines

Michelle Baron should be reveling in her new life in Sandy Cove, Oregon. From the outside, it all looks idyllic. A newlywed settling into a quaint coastal town, her husband establishing himself as a junior partner in a law firm-what more could she want?But a series of disturbing nightmares haunts Michelle. Her quest to understand these dreams leads her to the New World bookstore, where she begins a spiritual journey that will challenge her Christian heritage as well as her marriage.
My Review:
Out of a Dream was a delightful surprise!  I was constantly anxious to read further just to see what was coming next.   The characters were dealing with many temptations and issues and so I really could not figure out their next move.  This book was filled with suspense, love, forgiveness,and depression/suicidal thoughts.   I will not reveal the ending or the actions of the characters as that would SPOIL it for you, the reader, but I will say that I was left with a hopeful, joyful feeling when I finished this book!   Now I really want to read the other books in this series from this "new-to-me author".....wonderful work, Rosemary!   You hooked me from the very first page!  
I received a free pdf copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rosemary Hines writes contemporary, suspenseful fiction from a Christian worldview. Her characters and their struggles and triumphs reflect life in our 21st century culture in America. Boldly tackling tough subjects such as suicide, abortion, and the ever-increasing efforts of secular society to silence the faith of many, she is known for her sensitive approach and strong messages of hope and redemption. Rosemary taught writing at a secondary level for fifteen years. Her books have been reviewed and recommended at Christian conferences across the United States. Active in her church as a Sunday school teacher and a women's Bible study leader, she and her husband have also served as missionaries in Ukraine, delivering humanitarian relief to orphanages and hospitals. They reside in Southern California where they enjoy spending time with their grown children and grandchildren.
Visit her webpage:  https://www.facebook.com/RosemaryHinesAuthorPage