The Proving by Beverly Lewis (Book Review)

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Amish Fiction's #1 Author Presents a Touching Story of Perseverance and Second Chances
Amanda Dienner hasn't seen her Old Order family in five years when she receives word that her mother has passed away and left her Lancaster County's most popular Amish bed-and-breakfast. Now an Englisher, Mandy is shocked: Her twin sister should have been the obvious choice! What's more, the inheritance comes with a catch: The farmhouse inn will only truly be hers if she is able to successfully run it for twelve consecutive months.

Mandy accepts the challenge even though it means returning to Gordonville and the painful memories she left behind at eighteen. Still, she's determined to prove she is more than capable of running the bed-and-breakfast, no matter that its loyal clientele are expecting an Amish hostess!

The inn isn't Mandy's sole test, however. Rubbing shoulders with her married twin sister reopens wounds that Mandy isn't ready to forgive. And an Englisher guest with a difficult past of her own just complicates matters.

Can Mandy fulfill the terms of her inheritance? Or will this year in Amish country prove a dreadful mistake?

My thoughts-

I have read so many Amish fiction novels that I always think that there is no way an author can think of a spin on this type of story that I haven't already read. Beverly Lewis always manages to prove me long. This was an interesting story overall with Amanda Dienner coming back to take over her mother's bed-and-breakfast, coming back to the family she has been estranged from,including her twin sister. I enjoyed watching Mandy's story unravel but I also equally, if not more, enjoyed Trina's story in the novel. I would love to get away to this Inn. I wish it existed in reality! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction. 

Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

My thoughts-

Single mom Julia Dare has a lot on her plate. A brand new Christian, she's busy trying to run her own business, spend time with her widowed mother, and raise her young son, Max, despite his father's less-than-ideal influence on him. When a big account from her event-planning business sends her to the Caliente Springs resort, she's shocked to come face-to-face with Zeke Monroe, the resort's general manager and her college sweetheart.

With his faith in tatters, Zeke Monroe is determined to keep the historic Caliente Springs resort running despite financial difficulties. But when Julia walks back into his life, he can't ignore the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client's dream wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. When Zeke and Julia are pushed to their limits both personally and professionally, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

My thoughts-

I was drawn into Someone Like You from the very beginning. Julia and Zeke are both easy to relate to, one who has come to faith as recently and one who grew up in the faith but it is now struggling. These characters seemed like they could be real people. Many of us have probably  wondered about a past love or maybe even have given an old flame a second go round, but even if not it is incredibly easy to get wrapped up in the romance of these two characters both having pretty instantaneous feelings for each other upon their running into each other. Beyond the love story of Julia and Zeke, there are also other love stories in the book that are just as romantic, as well as some great humor. Some of my favorite parts of Someone Like You involve a goat named Ladybug. When she shows up, hilarity ensues! Like any good book there is also a villain and this guy is just the worst. Hunter is Julia's ex-boyfriend and the father of her child and as poorly as he treats her (and their son many times) it is difficult to see what she ever saw in him. I enjoyed that the book was set at a resort and that a big part of it was the staff planning a wedding. There is definitely a lot of mentioning of faith and loss of faith and restoration of faith in the novel and the ending may tie up everything a little too neatly that makes it lose a little of it's realness, but there are some great moments of  forgiveness, faith, and of course some swoon-worthy romantic scenes. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good love story.

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Sophie Dupont assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. In private, she paints the picturesque north Devon coast, popular with artists--including handsome Wesley Overtree, who seems more interested in Sophie than the landscape.

Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother Wesley's responsibilities. Near the end of his leave, he is sent to find his brother and bring him home. Upon reaching Devonshire, however, Stephen is stunned to learn that Wesley has sailed for Italy and left his host's daughter in serious trouble.

Stephen feels duty-bound to act, and strangely protective of the young lady, who somehow seems familiar. Wanting to make some recompense for his own past failings as well as his brother's, Stephen proposes to Miss Dupont. He does not offer love, but marriage "in name only" to save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he fears, she will at least be a respectable widow.

Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie finds herself torn between her first love and this brooding man she barely knows. Dare she wait for Wesley to return? Or should she elope with the captain and pray she doesn't come to regret it?

My thoughts-

I don't even know where to begin with this story. I loved every single second of every single page, just as I have become accustomed to with each new Julie Klassen novel that comes out. This one is still her usual regency era fare, and it still has a very Jane Austen-esque feel which I love, but this book had the added element of scandal which was new and I quite enjoyed. Life isn't usually cookie cutter clean, even back in the day, so I appreciated a look into what might have happened in a scandalous situation in that time period.  I was immediately sympathetic for Sophie's character and enthralled with Stephen Overtree from their first meeting. He had a little bit of Mr. Darcy's brood going on, but right away we are shown he has a soft and caring heart, regardless of how it seems on the outside. I am glad that there was an opportunity to get to know Stephen as he and Sophie get to know each other before he went off to war. I enjoyed the entire cast of characters that live at or visit Overtree Hall. Klassen does a wonderful job of really making you feel like you understand the characters and the descriptions of the settings are amazing too. I absolutely recommend The Painter's Daughter (and all of Julie Klassen's novels) to anyone who enjoys regency era romances. She is, in my eyes, our current day Jane Austen and for that I am grateful.

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In Good Company by Jen Turano (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

After spending her childhood in an orphanage, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her enthusiasm for her job tends to bring about situations that have employers looking askance at her methods. After her most recent dismissal, Millie is forced to return yet again to an employment agency.

Everett Mulberry has suddenly and quite unexpectedly found himself responsible for three children he barely knows. Attempting fatherhood while also pacifying the less-than-thrilled socialite he intends to marry is made even more complicated when the children scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.

At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance—with each other. Everett is wary of Millie’s penchant for disaster, and she’s not entirely keen on another snobby, grumpy employer, but they’re both out of options. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges and tries to stay one step ahead of them, Everett is more focused on achieving the coveted status of society’s upper echelons. As he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the children’s parents’ death, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?

My thoughts-

I love a good Cinderella story and the above description of In Good Company sounded like just that so I really wanted to see where the story went. As I started reading the book I realized it was something totally different. This is a book full of great shenanigans, usually with Millie right in the thick of things. I love her fun personality and how stubborn she can be. I also loved how her relationship with Everett started off pretty tense and enjoyed watching it evolve the further into the book I got. There is a character that you will love to hate, Caroline, she may well be the worst person every written into the pages of a book, but she absolutely adds an interesting dimension to the story. In Good Company is a great mix of romance, society life, and mystery. I laughed out loud so many times and couldn't stop turning the pages at the end when things become quite tense and crazy! This was my first Jen Turano book, but definitely won't be my last. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially of the historical romance persuasion. You will laugh, you will cringe, you'll be swept off of your feet. You will not want to put the book down until you have reached the last page.

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Amish Promises by Leslie Gould (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Journey Down a Quiet Lane in Lancaster County Where Love and Heartache and Friendship and Healing Meet When Joel and Shani Beck arrive at their new home, they're looking for peace. Shani is thrilled to have Joel back from Iraq, but he needs time to heal, and the quiet of Lancaster seems just the place. They can't imagine any trouble with their Amish neighbors, the Lehmans, but things get off to a rocky start when their son is involved in an accident that injures one of the Lehman boys. Eve Lehman has run her brother's household ever since the death of his wife, but Tim's a stern patriarch. Despite his protests, she's drawn to the new neighbor, Shani, and the two begin to form a strong friendship forged on faith and family. Things seem like they've quieted down until Joel's single and handsome army friend Charlie catches Eve's attention--a man unlike any Eve has ever met. Suddenly life for both families becomes more complicated than any of them could have ever imagined.

My thoughts-

I always love starting a new book that is the first of a series. It's like entering a new world full of new people and for me there is nothing more interesting than immersing myself in someone else's world for a while! Amish Promises had a little bit of a different premise- military family moves in next door to Amish family- can they get along? Another dimension is added by Amish woman Eve and military man Charlie's instant mutual attraction to one another. This feels like a fusion novel to me- Amish meets contemporary fiction, and I must say, I really enjoyed it. I found myself most drawn to Eve's character, she is kind of the glue that holds all of the rest of the characters together.  Just like many other people, Eve is struggling to figure out exactly what she wants and who she is. Shani and Joel move in next door to Joel, Eve's brother, and Shani and Eve are pretty much instant friends. Tim is a strict and pretty tyrannical Amish man. I feel bad for Eve much of the time because it is clear she feels trapped. I enjoyed watching all of the relationships in this book unfold and seeing each character interact with the other. there are some sweet times and some not so nice times, which I think is an accurate portrayal of life. Amish Promises is Shani and Joel's relationship and Joel's struggle with post post traumatic stress disorder from his military days. This is an interesting dynamic to add into a story set in Lancaster Pennsylvania, but I definitely enjoyed the twist. If you are a fan of Amish fiction or enjoy stories about military families, you will probably enjoy Amish Promises.

Blessings for the Morning by Susie Larson (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

A Blessing a Day from Popular Author and Radio Host 
This beautiful devotional gift book is for readers who want to start their day with a reminder of God's love and purpose for them. So often we wake up worried about our to-do lists and responsibilities and need a reminder of how God feels about us and who we are in him. Several years ago Susie began posting daily blessings on Facebook, and since then thousands have responded and forwarded the blessings along to others. 
The blessings take only moments to read, but are packed with biblical promise and perspective. Along with a blessing, each day's spread also includes a related Scripture to point readers back to God's timeless truth.

My thoughts-

Blessings for the Morning is such a beautiful book. Not only are there great Bible verses with accompanying passages of encouragement, there are also beautiful pictures to go with them. Here is one example-

There is a great variety of beautiful pictures! That alone would help kick start my morning in a positive way, but the pictures with verses and the text together can be very positive. You can read the passages in order or if you need encouragement in a particular area, there is a great table of contents in the front that will point you in the right direction. Blessings for the Morning is the perfect book to leave on your nightstand and reach for first thing in the morning!

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Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden (Book Review)

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.

Luke Callahan was one of the nation's most powerful congressmen before his promising career was shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglements with members of Congress. 

From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

My thoughts-

I can read from pretty much any book genre and find something I enjoy about the story or the characters, but there is just something about historical fiction that holds a deep place in my heart. I can read novel after novel and feel like I am transported to that time and place and it's always a lovely place to be!

Beyond All Dreams was a nice change of pace for a historical fiction novel to be set somewhere other than a manor house. I enjoyed the very original setting of the Library of Congress. It filled me with envy to read about someone working in such a place! If you are as in love with books as I am, you will enjoy the setting too. Of course, taking place in such a political setting, there is bound to be a story line involving a handsome congressman. In addition to the quintessential love story, there is mystery about a navel ship that will keep you flipping the pages as well! This is the second book I have read by Elizabeth Camden and I will absolutely continue to seek out her books as they are published.


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The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated are 100% my own.


About the book-

Abigail Foster is the practical daughter. She fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry, and the one man she thought might marry her seems to have fallen for her younger, prettier sister.

Facing financial ruin, Abigail and her father search for more affordable lodgings, until a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll's house left mid-play . . .

The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem acquainted with the manor's past, the only information they offer is a stern warning: Beware trespassers drawn by rumors that Pembrooke Park contains a secret room filled with treasure.

This catches Abigail's attention. Hoping to restore her family's finances—and her dowry—Abigail looks for this supposed treasure. But eerie sounds at night and footprints in the dust reveal she isn't the only one secretly searching the house.

As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light. Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks . . . or very real danger? 

My thoughts-

I have never met a Julie Klassen book that I haven't liked. Several years ago I joined an online book club. For whatever reason, it didn't last long, but I will forever be grateful for a book I discovered for the little while it was going called The Apothecary's Daughter. It started my love of all things Julie Klassen and several books later, I still feel the same way. I can not wait as each new book is being written and promoted and finally when it comes out, I will devour it in a short sitting, love it and then wait patiently (or not so much) for the next book to come out. So of course, I was stoked for The Secret of Pembrooke Park to come out. I have been waiting for months to read it. I loved that the plot sounded like there was a nice twist to the typical historical romance with  a bit of a mystery. It was a lot of fun reading about Abigail and her father moving into the big house and following along as Abigail tries to figure out why the house was abandoned and who is writing her letters about it. As always, I enjoyed the romantic aspect of things, and Abigail has no shortage of admirers. There is a terrific cast of characters that live on the grounds of the house that add a great deal to the story, especially Mac, Leah and William. This is really an action packed book full of great twists and turns. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading Regency era historical fiction. 

The Secret of Pembrooke Park is available now at Amazon.com and other retailers nationwide.

About the author-

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Midwest Book Award, Christian Retailing’s BEST Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards, Minnesota Book Awards, and ACFW’s Carol Awards. She blogs athttp://www.inspiredbylifeandfiction.com.
Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. 

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The Last Bride by Beverly Lewis

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book via the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Of her Old Order parents' five daughters, Tessie Miller is the last to marry. She has her heart set on Amishman Marcus King, but Tessie's father opposes the match. Impetuously, Tessie and Marcus elope to the English world, then return to Hickory Hollow to live as singles, trusting they'll convince the Millers to give their love a chance over time. But when the unthinkable happens, Tessie faces the almost-certain censure of the People. Will she find a reason for hope in spite of her desperate plight?

My thoughts-

I loved the original Hickory Hollow book series and I love reading book series where old characters might pop up again, so I was excited to pick up this book to read. This was definitely a different plot for an Amish love story and I appreciated that. Sometimes it is nice to have a fresh take on things. It is apparent at the beginning of the novel that eloping is going to cause some issues because of Tessie's parents being adamant about not going forward in the relationship, but what happens is even beyond that. Tessie has a lot to deal with and she doesn't feel like she can really share it with anyone. Unfortunately, her secret will eventually come out so she will have to share it whether she wants to or not. I can' really say too much about this book without giving away secrets of the plot, so I will say that it was an interesting Amish romance. This is not your typical story although it has many of the typical elements. There were some interesting things in this novel that I guess I never really thought about that the Amish might deal with when it comes to pairing up. I would recommend this book to a lover of Amish fiction, but if you have never read a Beverly Lewis novel, I would recommend going back and reading the original Hickory Hollow series over reading this novel. It was good, just not her best.


About the author-

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than ninety books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide.


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Between Heaven and Earth by Steve Berger (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I was provided a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thought. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% own.


About the book-

It's not easy separating fact from fiction when it comes to heaven, nor is it always easy to see how the afterlife can affect our lives today. After a car accident caused his nineteen-year-old son to unexpectedly enter heaven. Pastor Steve Berger chose to reject despair and commit himself to carefully studying his son's new, eternal home. He had no idea how much there was to learn, and his life hasn't been the same since. The biblical and deeply personal study of heaven will give you hope for the future.

But more than that, it will show you what it means to live today in light of the reality of heaven. If your view of heaven isn't life-changing, it needs to be adjusted. Let Pastor Berger's exploration of eternity fill you with overflowing hope, courage, and purpose.

My thoughts-

I am not sure exactly what it was I expected from this book. Of course, any book about a place as lovely and as equally mysterious as Heaven, I fully expected to be encouraged. To have that hope that all Christians have magnified and renewed. But there was something I wanted that I just didn't find in these words. Steve Berger definitely has a passion for sharing the hope of heaven and living for heaven and not for Earth. There are great examples from the Bible throughout these pages of people who longed for heaven, people we should try to be more like in that regard. Heaven is a mystery, so whatever it was I was hoping to find would have probably been impossible to reach. There were parts in the book that I found especially encouraging. Chapter four has 2 charts, one lists the things that we are promised in the Bible that are not going to be in heaven, along with their corresponding Bible verses and even more enthralling, there is a chart that reminds of us all that WILL be in Heaven that we can look forward to. I also enjoyed the very next chapter that highlights the verses in Revelation in which John describes what heaven will look like. There is no way we can imagine what heaven will be like because it will be better than anything we can fathom, but it is interesting to have even the smallest inkling of what it would like.

Although I didn't find exactly what it was I thought I would in this book, I found it to be encouraging. We as Christians probably do not think of heaven as often as we should. I think if we thought of where we were headed more often, we would probably be more joyful, more apt to share our joy and hope with others who aren't on the same journey with us and more likely to just be better people over all. Between Heaven and Earth is filled with wonderful verses and great reminders of what an awesome God we serve and that this Earth is just a temporary home and there is something much better right around the corner. Who wouldn't want to read a book that reminds them of such important and wonderful things? I would recommend this book to any Christian or someone who is curious about the Christian faith and/or heaven.

About the author-

Steve Berger is the senior pastor to more than four thousand people at Grace Chapel, Leipers Fork, Tennessee. Steve is also a part of the teaching faculty for the National Worship Leader Conference and regularly contributes to several publications. Steve and his wife, Sarah, live in Franklin, Tennessee, with three of their children, Heather, Cody, and Destiny.

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Between Heaven and Earth is available for purchase at Amazon.com and Christian retailers nationwide.

The Jesus Story by Dr. William H. Marty Book Review

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book: 

 Rediscover This Compelling Story The story of Jesus is the most remarkable ever told. It's an exciting adventure, a tender love story, and a drama full of danger, betrayal, and the ultimate sacrifice. But sometimes the genealogies, the confusing repetition, and the varying order of events in the Gospels can distract readers from this powerful narrative. Or maybe you've heard the story so many times that it has lost its impact. Here, Dr. William Marty presents the complete narrative of Jesus in an easy-to-read, chronological account. It's a fascinating retelling of everything from his birth to his ascension--as well as what happened in the church after he left. The Jesus Story is perfect if you want to get to know Jesus better or recapture the amazement of hearing his story for the first time.

My thoughts:

I think the majority of people who come to Christ want to feel as deep a connection as possible to Him and I think one huge way to accomplish that is to read The Bible. I know that because there are so many different translations/versions available that sometimes it's hard to know which one will be the right fit for you and which will give you a clear understanding of what happens and what it is all about. Dr. William Henry has written The Jesus Story with that in mind. He's written in this book a conversational version of all the events of Jesus' life beginning with his birth all the way through the crucifixion and ending with the story of the church (Acts) in a conversational tone in very plain English. What I really like about this book is that it would make a perfect gift for a new Christian. Sometimes picking up The Bible for the first time can be overwhelming, it's so big and so full of so many pages, why not start with the bare basics- the story of Jesus and how He's saved us. The chapters are broken down by event and all begin with a list of characters and the setting for where the story took place. This makes it really easy to keep up with what's going on and where each event took place. The way the book is written makes it extremely easy to follow along on the journey of Christ's life and death. Each chapter also ends with a summary to help re-iterate what you've just read. I think this book would make a great addition to any Christian home library, either to grab yourself for when you want to have a quiet time meditating on Jesus and his sacrifice or as a teaching tool to have around to offer to new Christian's who might be overwhelmed with The Bible initially. 

About the author:

Dr. William H. Marty (ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is Professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute and has published two textbooks, Surveying the New Testament and Survey of the Old Testament. He is unique among Bible college professors in that he teaches and writes on both the New and Old Testaments. Dr. Marty lives with his wife in Chicago.

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The Jesus Story is available now at Amazon.com and other retailers nationwide. 

An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling (Book Review)

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.


About the book:

Twenty-year-old Ingeborg Strand is certain she is destined to be an old maid. It's not that she's lacked suitors, but now she no longer can have the one she loved.

With the future looking bleak,  her mother suggests that she leave Norway and start fresh in America, as so many others have done before her. But how will she accomplish that with little money and no one to accompany her?

Roald Bjorkland is  a widower who has been planning to go to America, lured by the promise of free land. He's a good man, a hard-working man-with a young son  who desperately needs a mother. Ingebor can tell Roald is interested in her, but what about love? This isn't how she's always imagined it.

Ingeborg Strand has a heartrending decision to make...

My thoughts:

I hadn't read any of the Red River of the North series that An Untamed Heart is a prequel to, but the plot sounded interesting so I thought I would give it a try. I thought that the back cover plot synopsis sounded intriguing which is why I picked up this book in the first place, but as I got into the book, I forgot what was to happen (Ingeborg losing her true love) and I got very attached to a character that we had to say goodbye to. Nils was a mess at the beginning of the book, but through the fate of meeting Ingeborg he grew as a person and I grew to love him quite a bit. A good portion of the book is about Ingeborg and Nils, which probably wouldn't be difficult for someone who has perhaps read some of the books in the Red River of the North series, but for me it was. Roald doesn't really come into the picture until the very end of the book, but that does make me want to read the series to see what becomes of him and of Ingeborg. I was excited to see that the first book in the series An Untamed Land is currently free on Amazon.com so I downloaded it to continue following Ingeborg's story. I think many people can relate to having loved and lost and Ingeborg is a great character, someone you grow attached to quite easily which makes wanting to read other books in the series very desirable. Overall, I really liked this book. I enjoyed learning about Ingeborg's life in Norway and I look forward to following her adventures and life in America. I would recommend An Untamed Heart to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.






About the author:

Lauraine Snellings has published over 70 books. Her Norwegian heritage lead her to pen An Untamed Land. She and her husband Wayne have 2 grown sons and a Basset Hound named Winston.


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An Untamed Heart is now available on Amazon.com.

They Quarryman's Bride by Trace Peterson Book Review

*Disclosure- I received a free copy of the novel from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book:

Emmalyne Knox has always loved Tavin MacLachlan. But when tragedy strikes her family, Emmalyne's father declares she can no longer marry. Despite Tavin's pleas to defy the decisions, Emmalyne refuses. In her act of obedience, she gives up the future she'd always dreamed of.

When Emmalyne's father returns to the quarry business years later, Tavin and Emmalyne meet again. And though circumstances have changed in both of their lives, they cannot deny the feelings that still exit.

Can Emmalyne find a way to heal the decade-long wound that has fractured the two families...and change the hearts of those who stand in the way of true love?


My thoughts:

The book opens as seventeen year old Emmalyne Knox's family is struck by a huge tragedy. It takes a huge toll on the family and causes her father to call off her impending wedding to Tavin MacLachan due to an old family tradition and his own bitter sadness. Despite Tavin's protests and his trying to persuade her to marry him anyway, Emmalyne feels she must be obedient to her parents and does as they wish. The family moves  to Minneapolis. Eleven years later, her father receives a job opportunity back in St. Cloud. Emmalyne is nervous about the move back and the possibility of running in to Tavin, although the last time she corresponded with Tavin's sister, she said that he had left and they rarely hear from him. Emmalyne lost touch with her friend over the years and really doesn't know what Tavin's situation is. Did he marry? Did he come back to St. Cloud? Will she have to see him and suffer heart ache all over again? I enjoyed watching Emmalyne's story unfold, although if you do not like stories tinged with sadness, this is probably one you'd rather skip over as the majority of the book is poor Emmalyne dealing with her insufferable father and his mean and tyranical ways. After the Knoxs' move back to St. Cloud, there are several stories within the novel going on, which definitely makes things more interesting. I liked that Peterson allowed us to see both Tavin and Emmalyne's thoughts and feelings from their own prespectives. I did feel like some of the story was a little repetitive, but that is really my only complaint. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and this was definitely a new time period for me to read about (the story begins around 1886) and a new place (Minnesota) and that was refreshing. This was the first novel I have read by Peterson and I will definitely read many more. I think if you enjoy a good story of redemption and faith that you would really like The Quarryman's Bride.

About the author:

Tracie Peterson is the award winning author of more than 95 books! She was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Montana and enjoys spending time with family, especially her three grandchildren.

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What A Son Needs From His Mom by Cheri Fuller Book Review

From the back of the book:

Ever Feel like your son is from a different planet? Don't worry, Mom. There's a good reason why your son perplexes you. He's the opposite sex! Boys really do think, communicate, and process the world differently than girls. But no matter your son's age, he needs you, and he needs you in not-so-apparent ways.

Drawing from her own experiences, as well as those from moms and sons around the country, Cheri Fuller shares what makes boys and young men tick and how to become a more welcome influence at every stage in their lives. She answers all the top questions including:

• How can I help my son (and me!) deal with his emotions in a healthy way?
• School is such a struggle, how can I help him?
• Our personalities are SO different, how can we get on the same page?
• My son hardly says a thing. What can I do?
• What are the best ways to instill good values?
• How can I encourage a lasting faith in God?

With page after page of use- it-today advice and encouraging stories, this book will help you steer your son toward becoming a caring, confident young man.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers. While I received a complimentary copy of the book, I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

My thoughts:

I have wanted to be a mom since...well for as long as I can remember and those dreams always included having a little boy. My husband and I were blessed beyond belief in 2009 when we found out we were having twin boys to add to the one little girl we already had. While having baby boys was always something I wished for, I never thought beyond that stage in their lives until recently. They are 3 years old and I have been thinking that I really should find some parenting books that deal specifically with boys, since they think and act so differently than we as women might think they should. I hit the jackpot when I found Cheri Fuller's What a Son Needs From His Mom. I am happy that we are still in a stage where my boys are snuggle bugs and mommy's little guys, but I know that all too soon, they will grow more into their little personalities and when that day comes, I want to be prepared. Fuller's book is full of insight from the earliest times in little boys' lives all the way up to letting them go as they evolve into young men. I think that including chapters about how to prepare them to be out on their own is something that is very important. I love that this book is broken down to kind of answer all of the questions our minds as mother's might consider pondering about little boys (and growing boys...and grown boys!) That this book answers questions about growing into their own skin, adolescence and all of the hormones that come with it and preparing to leave the nest makes it a book worth having on any mother's book shelf...or in arm's reach on her night stand. I especially enjoyed the unique perspective offered by men throughout the chapters on what their mom's did to raise them that was meaningful to them or what their mom's could have done differently. I know that I will re-read this book plenty of times in the span of my boys' childhood and will likely include it in baby shower gifts for moms of little boys from now on. You can never start too early!

About the author:

Cheri Fuller is a gifted speaker and award-winning author of more than forty books, including the bestselling When Mother's Pray. A former Oklahoma Mother of the Year, Cheri has worked with kids of all ages and is the executive director of the nonprofit organization Redeeming the Family. She and her husband, Holmes, live in Oklahoma and have three grown children (two boys and a girl) and six grandchildren.

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