Book Review - Bride By Necessity

I volunteered to read Bride by Necessity directly from the author, a woman I have personally met at our Faithwriter Conference - Linda Glaz. With summer here and I'm free from work responsibilities, I jumped at the chance for a free book, as you can imagine!

Linda is, "married with three children and three grandchildren. Her triple-A personality allows her to be an agent with Hartline as well. She loves anything with the written word, and loves stories based on family lore. Rich stories wait to be fictionalized and written, stories handed down through families, no matter legend or exact truth. Linda loves the opportunity to write or find "just the right book" to shake up the industry. She's a charging train: "All aboard!'"

Bride by Necessity is her fifth Love Inspired Heartsong book with the sixth to come out in October.  As she describes herself, she certainly is a charging train. That's the only way I can resolve myself to give the review that I have to give.

This book takes place in England in 1855. It starts with bad news, as many do. Payton Whittard is the female main character. She is suddenly whisked from a very humble, poor beginning to living with a very rich man she always feared.

I wish that's all the description there was to this book. I was able to guess almost everything that was going to happen. Either too much was given away in order to sell the book or it was too contrived to make it move along faster. That wouldn't be Linda's fault. The Heartsong books are short. I enjoyed the characters: Payton is a tom-boy; Jonathan is still trying to recover from a broken heart.  I also liked several of the servants that Linda brought to life.

I got lost in a couple of places but I believe it was because of the pacing. It was way too fast. First they were mad at each other and the next sentence they weren't. It was hard to keep up - like a teenage romance but neither of these were teens. And Payton was hardly an orphan, as the blurb describes her. She was twenty years old - I'm sure an orphan status in the 1800's but it's still hard to imagine for us now.

I so wish Linda had the opportunity to write this book in full. There is so much more she could have done to let us explore the characters and understand the reasons behind their decisions much better. It's not an awful book but it did put me in frustration mode. I truly enjoyed Payton and Jonathan.

So, even though this was a hard review to write, Linda asked for honesty. I would like to know what you think of it.  Buy it!  Read it. It will take you a day or two and will transport you to another time and place. That's not a bad thing, huh?!

Thank you Linda, for letting me read your book. I can't wait to read more!

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The Pirate Queen

The Pirate Queen, by Patricia Hickman, is one of the best books I've read in awhile.  It's published by Waterbrook Press and I read it on the Nook Color.

This book hits on many topics such as: love, marriage, adultery and forgiveness.  It also includes:  coming to know Jesus in an intimate way, standing up for those who are unable to, and relationships with family and friends.

This would make an awesome Hallmark movie.  I wouldn't be surprised to see it there one of these days. Just watch and see!

The main character in The Pirate Queen, Saphora, had her bags packed, ready to leave her husband, when her husband came home and uttered the words, "I'm dying."  All their lives changed at that point - for the better.

The book is about love and forgiveness and is beautifully written.  It's real.  Not watered down fluff.  Awesome, awesome, awesome! I was sad when the book ended.


"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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Saving Grace

I've just finished reading Saving Grace, by Annie Jones.  I received the book from Blogging for Books, Waterbrook Multnomah.  It's the second in the Prayer Tree series.  I didn't read the first so it's a stand-alone book but I did feel I missed out on a bit.  As in real life, the characters had lives before this book came into being, so I guess it makes sense that life happened that I didn't need to know about.  Yes?  But the author does a good job in explaining things that needs explaining as things play out.

As the title suggests, the book revolves, sort of, around saving Grace, an old woman in the town who everyone stays away from and is scared of because of silly gossip.  A group of very good women friends bond together through various antics, life moments, and prayers, and make a big difference in this woman, Grace's life.  In saving Grace, they tie together their friendships for the long haul.

The book really is good.  It took a bit to get into it but once I got each character figured out, I was truly hooked.  I highly recommend it.  It's a fun read plus it reminds us to not get sucked into gossip but reach out to people and get to know them.  They just might surprise you!

You can find this book at Christianbook.com or Amazon.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Blogging For Books review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Sierra Jensen Series, Volumes 1-4

This is a special teen book review edition brought to you by Waterbrook/Multnomah publishers.  Sierra Jensen, written by Robin Jones Gunn, is wonderful, as well-written teen books often are.  I read the E-book version, which included all four books in one.

It seems I came in the middle of the lives of these characters but it didn't matter.  I didn't get lost at all.  It is a good stand alone series but, if you're interested, you might want to read the Christy Miller series first.  It introduces all of these characters.  You will fall in love with them, for sure. I did, and I'm a forty-something mom.

The book begins with high school junior age, Sierra on a mission trip.  She makes life-long friends with these college-age kids that she works with.  She struggles with many insecurities being the youngest.  She also is scared to be going back home because while she is gone, her family has relocated.  They have moved in with her grandmother.  She will be having to make all new friends in a new school.  It's all very scary.

This young girl has all the insecurities and joys and sorrows of any young Christian teenager and she messes up and she gets into trouble.  It is a fun read.  Once you have begun to read the books, you certainly do not want to stop.  I highly recommend this series for your teenage girl, ages junior high on up.  I enjoyed it.  I'm not too proud to admit that!

Go visit Christianbook.com or Amazon.com.

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The Canary List

This is my first Ebook to read through Waterbrook Multomah.  I don't have an E-reader so I used my computer.  It wouldn't let me use the Kindle reader for PC.  I had to download the Adobe Digital Edition Reader.    It was okay, I suppose.  I don't like the idea of having two different readers, though, taking up space on my computer.  Both are different.  If I had to choose, I'd say I like the Kindle for PC better.  Ideally, a Kindle or Nook is what is needed for this but I don't have one.

Anyway, The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer was different.  Very, very different.  It wound in the lives of an ordinary school teacher, with a young foster child, and a child psychologist, a couple of hired killers, the Vatican, and a plot that makes you think.

The book kept me engrossed.  I never wanted to stop reading yet it was too intense where I had to force myself to stop so I could get to sleep at night.  I'd say it was over my head towards the end.  I'm not interested in the in's and out's of the Catholic church nor am I interested in learning about demon possession.  If you are prone to debates in this area, then you would enjoy the book.  It does cast a bad light on the Catholic Church, too, just for a fair warning.

It was interesting and opened my eyes to some things but all in all, I'd say it was pure fiction.  It's not a book I would read again for fun.  I would be hesitant to recommend it.  Maybe a man might have more of an interest.  It was well-written and intense.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters and felt their pain and hopelessness.  With that, I will leave it up to you and would like to know what you think of the book if you give it a go. It's just different than what I normally read.

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To Be Perfectly Honest

This book, by Phil Callaway, published by Multnomah, is, to be perfectly honest, (haha) very different, unexpectedly funny in a weird captivating way.  I must confess, it kept me up many nights until my eyes drooped and I just barely had enough energy to lay the book down and turn off the light.

This author, Phil, was given an assignment, to not lie for a whole year - that's 365 days of no white lies, no stretching the truth, nothing.  I would say he didn't live up to the task but he shared very truthfully his very fun and not so much fun days.

You know me, I don't like to give away books so I will point out journal entry days -

Day 69 - I said it goes with my pastor's sermon from the past Sunday.  Ah...he said one of his earliest lies he was taught was when he gave his life to God, he would be miserable.

Day 71 - I just wrote funny with a smilie face... let me go look:)  Oh, he said he doesn't wear his watch to church unless he's speaking because someone told him it's a distraction, so he's constantly looking at his wife's watch instead.

Day 85 - I wrote.... awwww... you'll just have to read the book to see why.  He has a romantic little bone in his body for being married thirty years.  Sweet.

Mr. Callaway is very open and honest with his life for these 365 days.  He is a true comedian and it shows.  I had honest-to-goodness belly laughs when I was supposed to be sleeping.  If you are looking for a book that is extraordinarily different; a book that would appeal to both men and women - a book that will make you think about your life and just how much you might lie to save someone's feelings or to get out of doing something you just don't want to do - then I would say THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!

I hope you will go buy it!  I recommend it HIGHLY!

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Her Safari

A very good friend, Lisa Mikitarian, has published her very first book, Her Safari.  She has just released a promotional video and I wanted to share it with my readers.  I can't wait to receive copy so I can do a review for her, meanwhile, I will promote all I can because that's what I do - toot for others until my time has come:)

Mari Thelander is also finishing up her novel, Wellspring, and preparing it to pitch to agents as well as Joanne Sher, Patty Wysong, and Dee Yoder.  So many are rising up in the ranks, fulling their dreams.  I am still battling aliens in my body that seek to keep me down physically and emotionally.  One day it will be my turn but until then - here is my battle plan - help my friends in any way that I can even though we are so many miles apart.

And here it is, Her Safari promotional video with the very graceful and lovely, Lisa Mikitarian:)

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The Girl in the Gatehouse - Book Review

The Girl in the Gatehouse. Julie Klassen. 2011. [January 2011]. Bethany House. 400 pages.


I actually got to sit and read a book for pure enjoyment since school has been out!  The Girl in the Gatehouse has been waiting for me and I for it.  It was worth it!  


If you are drawn to Jane Austin type books, this one is for you, but I, for one, am not - but still, I very much enjoyed it.  I became engrossed in the character of Mariah Aubrey and her companion, Susan Dixon and the many characters that intercepted into their lives.  


There were many plots and mysteries that slowly were revealed and knotted and untied throughout the book.  It was fun to try to figure things out and it was fun to be wrong time and time again.  


I liked the innocent romances, unlike the books that fall into our hands today.  So nicely written, this book is a book within a book within a book, within a book.... you will figure this out as you read yourself.  


I go and read bits and pieces of other people's reviews and they reveal too much of the books, if you ask me.  I say, give you a hint and let you go read.  I mean it - go get the book.  Right now!  It's just a click away on Amazon or Christianbooks.com.   I highly recommend it.  There are very good Christian analogies and values hidden along the way.   Great summer reading out on the beach or hiding in your bedroom on a warm, lazy summer day.  Of  course, that's not where I'm writing this currently.  Of course not!  


Bethany House continually puts out wonderful books and I'm thankful to be able to get hold of this one.  Are you still here?  Go!  Shoo!  Go.  Buy. the book!  The Girl in the Gatehouse.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers' book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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The Chocolate Diaries

I chose The Chocolate Diaries from Waterbrook Press to review because...well...it should be quite obvious --  chocolate is in its title.  The book did not disappoint my obvious craving for the sweet treat.  In fact, as I write this review, I'm taste-testing a recipe my vbgf gave me for a Nutella Slimfast Espresso Frappe.  Yumm...  Needless to say - I'm on a caffeinated, chocolate high.

Anyway, this book is written by Karen Scalf Linamen and she shares "Secrets for a Sweeter Journey on the Rocky Road of Life."  Everyone can certainly relate to this.

Each chapter is fairly short and towards the middle has a section for a question/answer from someone she has asked that follows along with what the chapter is about. At the end of each chapter, the author has a - Food for Thought, where she asks questions directed to the reader.  The very best part of each chapter is her chocolate recipes she's received from readers.  I can't wait to try some of them!

One quote in the book that stands out in my mind is this, "To live an extraordinary life, you have to let someone else do the ordinary."  (pg. 99)  Many times we, as mothers, wives, friends... become the support staff so others can follow their dreams.  There comes a time when it's OUR turn to spread our wings and fly and others can support us in our endeavors.  True, yes?

If you are looking for a really involved Bible Beth Moore-like study, then this isn't the book for you. If you are looking for something fun and quick, maybe to do together with a friend, then this is perfect!  Karen shares her life story with us and it isn't wrapped up in a pretty bow, so if you like perfect Christian lives show-cased in books - then again, this book is NOT for you.  If you do like real Christians who aren't afraid to show themselves and their real crazy lives, then just maybe you will enjoy this book.

There now.  I am going to finish my caffeinated, chocolate goodness.  I will see you at Amazon in the checkout line!

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The Miracle of Mercy Land

The Miracle of Mercy Land a novel, written by River Jordan, and published by Waterbrook Press, is a spectacular read and very much out-of-the-box for me; an extraordinary ride down the unfamiliar.  A tale woven around very believable characters that I grew to love in a very short amount of time.

The book is written in the eyes of three of the main characters:  Mercy Land, the Doc, and John Quincy.  A book of sorts landed in Doc's office.  This book had the power to change the past.  In the wrong hands, it would change the course of history.  In the right hands, who knows what good could be done?  

The present and past of these three people get mixed up and collide and intercept until sometimes it's hard to know what's up.  This book is hard to explain.  It's a book made to be read and enjoyed and maybe even read again.  

I highly recommend The Miracle of Mercy Land, if nothing else, because it's so very original.  A must-read for sure!

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Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes!

Sistersicks in Wooden Shoes! by Robin Jones Gunn, published by Multnomah, is one of the BEST fun books I've read in a long time.  It may be the whole timing of the read, too.  In less than five weeks now, my best friend is coming to visit in Central Illinois from Washington state.

The book begins with a middle-aged empty-nester, Summer, from Midwest United States, who receives some disturbing news from her doctor.  Instead of facing it head-on, she decides to run to her best friend, Noelle, in the Netherlands.  They found each other as pen pals in grade school and kept up their relationship all their lives.  They wrote letters and later as technology improved, they emailed but have never once seen each other in person.

I laughed so much as I read this because the characters kept switching between my best friend and myself.  The silly situations they got themselves into reminded me of the crazy things we went and go through, too.  Some not so funny at the time but now we can laugh about them.

Even though Summer was in denial about her health situation, God followed her to Noelle's house and spoke to her through each experience.  Summer learned many things about herself as she lived a week of her life with her friend.  Noelle 'gently persuaded' Summer to milk a cow.  This is what Summer learned from the experience.

"This is pretty amazing," I said a few moments later.  My voice was more soothing than it had been earlier.  "I feel very organic.  I need to have a piece of straw hanging out the side of my mouth."

Noelle smiled.  "I wish I had my camera.  You're a little Dutch barn maid."

"I don't think I'll need a picture to remember that I did this."

"It's pretty cool doing things you wouldn't normally do, isn't it?"  (pg. 114)

I don't want to ruin the book for you so I won't mention rental bikes that fall into the canal or 2 women who sail in a wooden shoe.  I sure wouldn't want to say anything about pesky sea gulls, either.  Awesome book.  Perfect for middle-aged women who have friends who are in another city, another state, or maybe even across an ocean.  We all crave friendship; maybe even more as we grow older.

If you want some big smiles and some giggles, please read this book.  I must warn you, there might be some tears that come along with it, too.  Where two good friends come together, tears inevitably follow: tears of healing and joy.  Thank you Robin Jones Gunn for a book written just for me, for just a time as this!

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Blind Hope, An Unwanted Dog & the Woman She Rescued

Blind Hope by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher is my second book to read and review from Multnomah Books.  I was drawn to this book because the cover was so adorable and I knew the perfect friend who would like to read it when I was done.

Most of this book is a conversation between the co-authors, Kim and Laurie.  Kim is the owner of the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Colorado, a ranch that takes in horses they have rescued.  Volunteers come to help and in the process, many breakthroughs are made in their lives spiritually, mentally, and physically.

Laurie comes to the ranch as a volunteer.  She rescues a dog who she renames Mia.  In her care, she takes her to the vet and Mia is diagnosed with diabetes and eventually loses her eyesight.  As Laurie attempts to befriend this dog and teaches her how to function in the world without sight, Laurie learns many lessons that brings her closer to God and helps her see how blind she has been for years.  She says, "My dog was blind...but now I see."

One of the last conversations in this book is very profound about hope, "Mia taught me that blind hope doesn't grope around in the darkness trying to find the way.  Blind hope doesn't depend on what it can feel.  Blind hope depends on what it knows!  Authentic hope depends on what is true.  Hope that is real doesn't come from what we can see --it comes from our heart, from the inside out.  It comes from Christ alone."  (Pg 170)

I loved when Laurie shares about Mia's rescue and how she teaches her to navigate in the world.  The antidotes were very good and held my attention.  From a writer's standpoint, though, there is much telling in this book and not enough showing.  Every time Laurie switches from talking about Mia to how her little blind dog has taught her more about God, my eyes rolled and I skipped paragraphs and skimmed pages.  It was very good stuff but all so predictable.  Nothing was left to the reader to grasp on her own.  Everything was spelled out in a way that began to annoy me.

Kim has written more books about the happenings of her ranch.  I imagine they are wonderful and would love to get my hands on a couple of them.  The ranch sounds like an awesome place and God moves big in their midst.  I do appreciate the spiritual truths in this books, don't get me wrong.  I hope that people who love dogs and/or are young Christians will take hold of this book and be blessed.

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Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul, is a whimsical little Christmas novella published by Waterbrook Press.  The best I can describe it is a Christian fairy tale with a good dose of romance, mystery, and drama.  It's a short book so it's a fast read - perfect for this busy Christmas season.

I really fell in love with the author's characters:

Cora is a young, unmarried, Christian, working woman with a past that she is constantly running away from, especially from her evil nemesis, Zee.  Cora calls her family's soap opera life, "Tomorrow's Sorrows," because whatever choices they make one day become their problems the next. 

Simon is one of Cora's boss'.  He is a serious-minded, focused, hard-working man but when he leaves work, he goes home to his mother, grandfather, aunt, and little sister, Sandy -- all fun-loving and loves the Lord lots.

Sandy is special.  She says about herself, "I won't grow up.  It's an advantage I cherish.  A gift from Jesus."  I love how she explains her special needs to Cora.  

Simon and Cora met at a very mysterious bookstore.  Soon, the serious Simon grew to love the messed-up Cora, but he wouldn't admit it.  He loved how Cora could make Sandy so happy but Cora seemed to give him indigestion.  

The Christmas Ball is the event that finally seals their romance.  I really don't want to ruin the book for would-be readers so I won't share anymore of the story.  The characters are fantastic; you will fall in love with them quickly.

One thing about the book that gives me pause is the wizards.  They are explained but honestly, I think the author could have written the book without them and it would have been just as good or better.  Mixing in wizards and so much magic is a little scary to me.  If Mrs. Paul wrote about angels down on earth creating all this interactions and mystery, it would have been easier to swallow.  

I do like how the author used so much scripture.  I truly enjoyed the book but, in the back of my mind, I had to keep wrestling with the wizards.  I guess this is a mixed review.  I loved it yet I have some reservations about recommending it.  

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Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce

I received two books in the mail this week and could hardly wait to start reading them.  Of course, this one I chose to read first because of the topic.  Amy Inspired, written by Bethany Pierce, is about an aspiring writer suffering a bad case of writer's block.

The book is written in twenty-nine year old Amy's point of view with her thoughts and feelings, however horrid or messed up they are.  I kept looking at the back cover to make sure it was actually from Bethany House.  This book is unlike any other Christian book I've read.  It's real.  Full of real people with pasts they aren't particularly proud of and all trying to make their way in a world that appears to cater to married couples.

"My mother had always instructed me to live life before settling down, settling down requiring a seismic shift in one's energy, from adventure to nurture.  The fault in her admonition was the assumption that meeting a man marked the end of the journey.  I grew up thinking the single life was the rising action and marriage the climax.  Every writer knows climax is followed by denouement: in other words, it's all downhill after the wedding."  (p. 94)

The author goes right to the edge and pulls the reader back again, much like our lives are played out each day - with each choice we make and every memory from our past that haunts us and shapes our futures.

The book touches on many different issues: divorce, cancer, new babies, cutting, death, sexuality...  If you are an avid reader but get tired of the feel-good, everything-turns-out-right-at-the-end in so many Christian books, I recommend you check out this author.  I certainly will be looking for other books written by Bethany Pierce.

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Within My Heart, Bethany House Book Review

I've just finished the last page of the book, Within My Heart, by Tamera Alexander, and the tears still fall.  Wow!  I think this is one of the best fiction Christian books I've read in awhile.

The book is about a young widowed mother of two boys trying to overcome the pain of her husband's death while taking care of their ranch in Timber Ridge, Colorado in 1877.  The book starts out a bit confusing but now that I'm finished, I see how cleverly she set up future scenes.

Rachel, thanks to her father, has extensive medical knowledge but because of his emotional abuse to her, she spurns any thoughts of becoming friends with the the young (single) physician in the small town - who, we learn, battles his own fears.

There is also an older couple, Ben and Lyda, who have their own struggles but cling to each other and God like there is no tomorrow.

Charlie Daggert helps Rachel on the ranch as much as he can while he helps out Ben in his shop and many other odd jobs.  This man is full of secrets and, as I read, was hoping they would be revealed, and they were.

This book is definitely a romance in every aspect of the word:  an older couple shows us how to love against all odds; a widower shows us how to love her boys and carry on after the death of her beloved husband; a young doctor shows us how to love God and give Him all the credit for his knowledge and accomplishments in his field of work; and it shows new love, full of fear but ready to keep loving the past yet love the future just as much or more.

What impressed me the most about this book was how the author tied up all the loose ends.  Not all at the end, either.  I followed her through each twist and turn and never quite had the path figured out, especially not the ending.  Wow!  Great book.  I highly recommend it for anyone who loves a good historical romance.  Her descriptions are a bit edgier than what I've read from other Christian romance authors but I liked it.  Very true to life.

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City On Our Knees, by Toby Mac

I have to say, "WOW!" I love this book, City On Our Knees, by Toby Mac.  Kids picked it up while it sat on my public high school desk, and marveled at its cover.  It is a pretty slick, hardbound book.  One kid even mentioned he loved that Toby Mac song.  It's awesome to see who the Christian kids are (and seeing them live out that Christian life.)

"If we gotta start somewhere why not here," on the front cover, says it all.  We are in this world - let's do something to make it better.  This book is a collection of short true stories of people - very young to old, from the past and current, who have or who are making a difference in our world.

As I read it, I wrote down page numbers of things I wanted to go back to write on. Page 129, I said, was my favorite.  I just now looked it up and it was the story of Charles Spurgeon and the orphanage he started.  One day he had no idea where the children's breakfast was coming from.  The kids all sat and they prayed at their empty plates.  Then someone at the door knocked....  I'll let you read that awesome story.  I'd heard it before but it still reminds me of the power of prayer.

"Prayer itself is an art which only the Holy Spirit can teach us. Pray for prayer. Pray until you can really pray."  -- Charles Spurgeon

Another favorite, probably my most favorite of all, is about a woman during the Dwight L. Moody days.  She was sick and unable to go to church.  She prayed while homebound and her prayers blessed Pastor Moody in ways he didn't understand until he met her.  One thing this woman did was have a birthday book.  I think it was like a yearly calendar.  She had people's birthdays written in there that she wanted to pray for.  She said this, "Now, will you write your name on your birthday page, and let me pray for you until either you or I go home."  Wow!  That is a ministry.  This woman's name was Marianne Adlard.  What a powerful woman she was because she loved God and believed in the power of prayer!

These are all stories from the past but the ones in the present are awesome, too. I highly recommend this book.  It really is a quick read and it's set up much like a blog, very trendy.  It's great for all ages, tweens, teens, to us 'old people.'

The author has his own prayers scattered throughout, along with verses from the Bible that fit each story. I will end this review with his:

Prayer of Hope.

Dear loving God,

Help us to remember, when we begin to lose hope,

that all the darkness in the world

is just a speck in Your light,

a light that fills the universe.

when pain and confusion invade our lives,

Let us not rely on our own resources.

Instead, lead us to seek answers on our knees.

Lord, show us Your way,

Lord,lead us to Your destination.

We thank You for being our beacon of hope,

A beacon we can always see, if we will only look.

Amen.

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Masquerade by Nancy Moser

The book, Masquerade, deposited in my mailbox one day by Bethany House, is truly a delight to read.  A realist, or someone that doesn’t believe in God’s divine providence, will not appreciate this book.  Even I shook my head at times at how neatly the bow was tied yet it is a reminder, when we allow God to be at the Helm, miracles can and do happen.  He is a miracle-working God, for sure.

Nancy Moser crafted a book that will stay with me.  The thesis she based everything on is this, “Who are we and who are we expected to be?”  Polar opposites collide:  rich/poor; society girl/maid; good/bad.

Lottie, a spoiled British young woman, agrees to go to America to marry into a very rich family.  Her maid, Dora, goes along as a companion.   Lottie, used to getting her own way, comes up with a plan of deception and Dora is quick to comply.

This historical romance is not always a fun read.  It deals with some difficult issues faced in the United States in the late 1800’s such as sweat shops and tenement housing.  Miss Moser plops us right into that era and we become a part of the action.

Her letter to the reader at the end of the book is also well worth the read.  She reminds us that challenges grow us into the person God intended for us to be.  She writes, “Life is not the process of discovering who we are but of discovering who we are supposed to be.”  As with every good romance, “God has finished our (Dora and her betrothed) story” yet let me go on to say that there together story has just begun.  Maybe a sequel?  We can only hope!

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No More Christian Nice Girl

Bethany House publishers sent me the book, No More Christian Nice Girls (When just being nice - instead of good - hurts you, your family, and your friends) by Paul Coughlin & Jennifer D. Degler, PhD to read and review. My daughter is wanting to take it home to read so it's pushing me to get this written.

Wow! This is a great book if you are one that struggles with guilt feelings when you say no or really feel you should say no. There are true-to-life examples from both the authors. They also include a woman throughout the book that they use for an example. After each chapter, there are questions to think about.

I highly recommend this book for women, since we're the ones that seem to struggle with guilt the most.

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Bethany House Book Review - Flight to Heaven

Two Bethany House books were waiting for me when I got back from my trip to Washington.  What timing!  This book, Flight to Heaven, was a great distraction for me and I read it clear through in less than two days.

This book is about Captain Dale Black's amazing testimony from when he was 19 years old.  He had just gotten his pilot's license and was a passenger in a plane with two other experienced pilots.  The plane crashed and this young man was the only survivor.

The crash changed his life.  He explained that he asked Jesus into his heart at an early age but lost his zeal as he got older. He started living for himself instead of for God.  After the crash, he came to know God like many of us will never experience.

He was given a vision of heaven while he was in a coma. He was advised to hold onto his experience until God released him to share. Meanwhile, he lived out his new faith and love in God.  Many people's lives were changed because of Dale's testimony. He became bold in his faith and shared freely.

Much of the book describes his battle to regain the use of his body and his faith that grew by great leaps.  This is a very inspiring account and I highly recommend it.  Captain Black is interviewed at 100 Huntley.com.  Great summertime reading because it is a fast-read and inspiring.

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Hearts Awakening - Bethany House book review

Hearts Awakening, by Delia Parr was extremely good. I don't think I've read anything by this author before. I highly recommend her.

The two main characters in this book are as different as night is to day. The odds of them ever coming together were not in their favor except that God had it in His perfect plan to fulfill both of their lives.

Ellie is a spinster, a very hard thing to be in the 1800's.  Jackson is a widow with two little boys. His life was filled with trauma: orphaned at age 8 and shuffled from home-to-home, he was filled with bitterness. He fell in love with a woman who didn't love him back and married a woman he couldn't love back.

Ellie and Jackson's lives get mixed up and transformed into one. The messages in this book are full of hope and promise. I dare you to check it out. Soon, you will lose yourself in its pages.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me this opportunity to read their high quality books for free!

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