An Amish Miracle

About The Book:  An Amish Miracle is a collection of three novellas, by three different authors, all set in the same Amish community: Always Beautiful, Always His Providence, and Always in My Heart.  The first story, Always in My Heart introduces us to Hope Bowman and her family.  Hope is dealing with grief stemming from giving up her firstborn son.  This grief shadows the young mother's happiness  after she and her husband have their fourth daughter. Hope finds herself questioning God and wondering if God would grant her desire for a son?  In Always His Providence we are introduced to widow Rosa Hostetler who is facing losing everything. As she struggles with the possible loss of her farm and her chickens she learns to rely on God to provide and to wait on his will, yet she almost misses the biggest blessing; the possibility of loving again. Beth Wiseman's contribution, Always Beautiful, is about young Becky Byler and her struggle with her weight and self-image.  Is beauty only skin deep and can only skinny girls experience true love? 

About The Authors:  Award-winning, best-selling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but her most recent novels, Need You Now and The House that Love Built, are contemporaries set in small Texas towns. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth's highly-anticipated novel, The Promise, is inspired by a true story. Twitter: @bethwiseman Facebook: Fans-of-Beth-Wiseman
Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.
Mary Ellis grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish community, Geauga County. Before “retiring” to write full-time, Mary taught middle school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate. Mary is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author as well as an ACFW Carol Award finalist and runner-up for the 2010 Holt Medallion Award.

My Thoughts About The Book:  I was excited when I realized that the stories were all set in the same town and I would be visiting with the same characters in each of the books. Each novella was well-written, the characters pop off the page and you find yourself wishing for success for each of them. These were not your run of the mill Amish romance stories where boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl marry.  There are several twists and turns and you find yourself wondering if things are going to work out for the three key women characters.  I loved everything about these novellas.  I loved the recipes at the end of the story.  I will definitely give them a try.  Especially the pineapple cake of Hopes. If you like Christian romance, or like to read about the Amish culture, you will not regret reading this book.

Statement of Disclosure: I received this book to review from Thomas Nelson Publishing Group's Book Sneeze Blogging Program for an honest review.  Thank you so much for this opportunity.  Reviews are published on Goodreads and Amazon too.

The Bible: My Compass in Life!

 

 

Format: Hardcover Number of Pages: 1664 Vendor: Thomas Nelson Publication Date: 2014

Dimensions: 8.38 X 5.50 (inches) ISBN: 1401680305 ISBN-13: 9781401680305 Availability: This product will be released on 02/04/14

About The Book - From the Publisher:  Compass is about helping you find the answers you’re looking for in the pages of the Scriptures and allowing that truth navigate your life. Packed with Bible-reading helps and using an energizing, new Bible translation, Compass is a Bible designed with you in mind. Do you want to start reading and applying the Bible to your life, but aren’t quite sure where to start? Let Compass point you in the right direction.

Features include:

• In-text notes that include cultural, historical, theological, and devotional thoughts
• God’s Promises^®—Thomas Nelson’s bestselling guide to Scripture for your every need
• Book introductions
• Reading plans for every day of the year
• Topical Guides to Scripture and notes
• In-text maps

This Bible is part of the Signature Series line of Thomas Nelson Bibles

 

My Thoughts On The Book:  This Bible, The Compass Study Bible is one of the easiest Bibles I have found to read and use. This Bible would be a wonderful choice for a new Christian because the characters were so lifelike.  It was more than just words on a page it came to life right before my eyes.  Using the Voice translation was very exciting.  Since the Christmas holidays were upcoming I chose to focus on both Luke and Matthew.  I actually used the Bible to prepare a sermon in Matthew.  I was so excited to read aloud from this Bible and deliver the message I prepared with the help of The Compass Bible.  I also did a Study for my church in Joshua and felt the story in chapter 22 was more like a wonderful piece of narrative and so alive.  There were some amazing features to use,  The Road Map to God's Promises was very helpful.  There was a definite break between the Old and New Testaments where I found wonderful nuggets like, "The New Covenant" and "The Titles of Jesus". There was also a topical guide to the notes as well as to the Scriptures.  I thnk my favorite section was a 365 Day reading Guide and a guide that takes the reader on a 40-Day retreat with Jesus. I am delighted to have this book to add to my developing collection of study Bibles.  I think this Bible would make a wonderful gift for the holidays and if you have someone you need a special gift for, this is the perfect choice. 

 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Shelton Interactive as part of their blogging review program in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.  Thanks guys for allowing me to review this book.  LOVE IT!

 

 

God's "Weigh"

 

About The Book:  As a believer, living at your ideal body weight is your birthright. This is God’s will for you. You are called to glorify God in your body. The Bible is the greatest health and weight loss book ever written. God has a call to every believer to walk holy in the area of diet (dietary holiness). What you eat matters to God. That is what God’s "Weigh" to Your Ideal Body Weight is all about.

About The Author:  Michael Scott Lowery is first and foremost a Believer in Jesus Christ. Secondly, his spiritual gifting is prophecy. This simply means that he is called to discern areas in which the Church has deviated from God’s Word and then work to communicate corrective Biblical truth. That is what God’s Weigh Ministry and the book God’s Weigh to Your Ideal Body Weight is all about.  Michael Lowery has pursued the study of health and weight loss, and what the Bible has to say about it, for over thirty years. Through the founding of God’s Weigh Ministry, and God’s Weigh to Your Ideal Body Weight, he is working to lead the Church to the body weight, health, and lifespan that God has always intended for His People.  Lowery lives in Houston, Texas with his wife and five children. He enjoys watching his kids play a variety of sports, joining in as often as possible. He also enjoys studying the Bible to discover practical solutions to the problems and struggles facing God’s people in this modern world.

My Thoughts About the Book:  As someone who has struggled with weight most of my life I was excited when I saw this book up for review.  As a Christian I feel everything I do should glorify God but never could get a handle on controlling the weight issue...until I read this book.  I discovered in reading this book that what I eat did matter to God.  When I was struggling and looked to food I found that I had been looking in all the wrong places all the time. God's "Weigh" showed me something I really should have known all along, the Bible had the plan I needed and it was right there staring me in the face.  This book instilled in me the desire to eat and live a life that glorifies God.  I know that there are others out there just like me and if you are struggling with your weight then this might be just the  book  you need to read.

Statement of Disclosure: I received this book to review from Thomas Nelson Publishing Group's Book Sneeze Blogging Program and Zondervan for an honest review.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Silent Night, Holy Night

Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction are hosting the 12 Days of Christmas! They've teamed up with three of their authors for a Merry Facebook Party on November 12th {5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern}. Colleen, Tricia, and Beth will host an evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, and of course plenty of presents!  But wait! There's more! Each day between now and November 12th a different book (10 copies of each book) will be given away on the Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Facebook Page. Ring in the holiday season and warm your heart with some great reads from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan!

 

Click here to ENTER each day's giveaway here. 

RSVP for the Christmas Party here!

Good luck and hope to see you on the evening of the 12th!

Click here for my review of A Christmas Gift for Rose by Tricia Goyer.

Today is my second installment of the Twelve Days of Christmas Blog Tour.  I'm featuring two wonderful Christmas novellas by Colleen Coble as part of this.  I know you will love them both. 

Holy Night:
An Aloha Reef Christmas Novella
(Aloha Reef Series)
Colleen Coble
ASIN: B00FXXWWOG
November 2013/141 pages/$1.99 (Kindle)
About The Book:  One sinister phone call has derailed their wedding.  Will they let it tear them apart forever?  A Christmas wedding on the beach—what could be more perfect? Poinsettias and fragrant pikake blossoms, soft sand and mistletoe, the gentle sound of the surf and the wedding march played on a ukulele. This wedding has been a long time coming, with Bane’s trust issues and Leia’s worries about her childlike sister, Eva.  Now they can hardly wait for the day to arrive. Thrilled to be a bridesmaid, Eva keeps trying on her ruffled dress. The tent is reserved, the caterers paid. Everything is going as planned—until Leia’s phone rings and her world skids out of control. A muffled voice informs Leia that Eva’s been kidnapped and will be killed unless Leia calls off the wedding without explanation—and no police! If she disobeys instructions and tells Bane, she’ll risk her beloved sister’s life. But how can she ever handle this without his help? And how can he ever trust her if she lies to him now?

My Thoughts On The Book:  I am a sucker for Christmas novellas and I love books by Colleen Coble so combining the two was a match made in heaven for me.  This was my first time to read any of the Aloha Reef series , but I will be reading more I can assure you.  This novella was so enjoyable that I did not want to put it down.  It has all my favorite elements in a story, romance and suspense with a smattering of the past touching the present.  A great quick read.   

Silent Night:
A Rock Harbor Christmas Novella
(Rock Harbor Series)
Colleen Coble
ASIN: B00A29R22I
November 2012/141 pages/$2.99 (Kindle)
About The Book:  As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.  Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior’s icy shore.  As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.
Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree’s prayer for a baby ever be answered?

My Thoughts About the Book:  As a creature of habit I had to read this book first because that is the way the lyrics of the song go.  As I began reading this book, I could not put it down.  I was captivated by Bree, Kade Lauri and all the other characters in Rock Harbor. This is a perfect read for a cold or rainy night to just curl up in your easy chair or bed.

About The Author:  Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of these books from Thomas Nelson and Litfuse Publicity as part of a blog tour. 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.”

25,000 Mornings: Ancient Wisdom for a Modern Life

ABOUT THE BOOK: In a relaxed, chat-over-coffee style, award-winning author of Keepers of the Testimony and Smooth Stones & Promises Fay Rowe's third book and first devotional, 25,000 Mornings, offers up daily portions of ancient, Biblical wisdom as it encourages, challenges and sometimes amuses. In her first devotional, Fay Rowe writes for both the young and young-at-heart on varied subjects such as: starting out and starting over; believing words; resting on the rock; talking to God; never giving up; being yourself and living with people; and clocks and calendars.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  At conference events, women's clubs, Sunday morning services and Bible studies, as well as in fourth grade classrooms and over coffee at Tim Hortons, Fay Rowe has shared truths from the Word of God with simplicity, candor and humour. A wife, mother, grandmother, former school teacher and award-winning author, Fay believes in refusing to settle for anything but God's best plan. (More about Fay here.)

Passionate about God's integrity and faithfulness, Fay writes with a perspective that helps believers to:

• trust God, and grow in faith
• rise above fear, one promise at a time
• effectively share their faith with the next generation

MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:  This book was a delight in the hustle and bustle of life.  So often I find myself crowding out God's conversation with me. In this devotional Fay Rowe shows us a  glimpse of how to be cheerful and trustful in all areas of our lives. It was so enlightening to take very small passages of scripture and use them to help us connect with God. This devotional is written in such an easy-to-understand manner.  It is from the perspective to remind us that every day is a gift. This was a very light read for the morning when you need that reminder that life is good and God is great!  This would be a wonderful gift for a coffee club friend.  Loved it!
 
DISCLAIMER:  To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com 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 [...] “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Letters To Katie

About The Book:  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.

About The Author:  Just the facts(from her website)…I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and now make my home in beautiful Geneva, Ohio. I’ve been married to James for 15 wonderful years (really, they have been wonderful!) We have three terrific children, three dogs, and an overwhelmed cat. We have also raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. We would have gone into the goat business, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I started writing in 2000, and published my first short story a year later. Since then I have authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and have done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I have also worked as an editor. I have a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I have taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 18. A few of my favorite things: my relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don’t take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did I mention chocolate?

My Thoughts On The Book:  This is the third novel in the Middlefield Family series and although this novel is the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Letters to Katie was an enjoyable read and follows the same format as most Amish fiction. From the beginning the reader will find jealousy, love, religious struggles, disappointment, and the Amish beliefs all tied up in the plot of the novel. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Amish novels.  It was an easy read and could be read in one sitting. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Book Sneeze. Thomas Nelson's review program for bloggers, Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.

Chase

ABOUT THE BIBLE STUDY:  WHO: Jennie Allen is a Bible teacher who is passionate about inspiring a new generation of women to encounter the invisible God. She graduated form Dallas Theological Seminary with a master in Biblical studies. In addition to serving alongside her husband in ministry, she is working with Thomas Nelson to publish several studies and trade books that engage women’s minds and hearts towards Christ.

WHAT: Chase: Chasing After the Heart of God offers eight 10-minute teaching videos alongside an interactive study guide that focus on David, “a man after God’s own heart.” Jennie tackles real-life issues by allowing Scripture to shed light on the pursuits that can derail the chase after God’s heart.

SO WHAT?: Jennie invites women to explore the life and psalms of David, whose dealings with God are more intimately portrayed in scripture than anyone other than Jesus Christ. Her goal for these studies is two-fold: to draw women close to God and to each other.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  "My passion is to inspire a new generation of women to encounter the invisible God. I love words and I believe God uses them to heal souls and to reveal Himself to people. I am blessed to be working with Thomas Nelson to publish several studies and trade books, engaging women’s minds and hearts toward Christ. Three studies are now available: Stuck, Anything, and Chase.

I graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with a Masters in Biblical Studies. And while all that sounds pretty fancy… I am really just a mess of a girl, trying to figure out God, and why I seem to keep struggling with the same invisible issues I had in kindergarten.  Welcome to the spot I wrestle and the place I dream.
I hope you feel at home.  I am so blessed to serve alongside my husband Zac, in ministry at Austin Stone Community Church, where Zac is a pastor. We have 4 kids, including our youngest son who we recently adopted from Rwanda." (jennieallen.com)

 

MY THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BIBLE STUDY:  When I got the Bible Study I was so excited.  I love Bible Studies.  This one brought me to a screeching half when I began to ask myself....Karen, what exactly are you chasing? In life we all find ourselves chasing after something that we think we need to make us happy. But will it really?  I was so excited when I found everything I would need to fascilitate this study.  There was a study guide, leader's guide, DVD, and question cards. I had everything....except a group to do the study with. After showing the study guide to some of my church ladies a bible study group was easy to assemble.  They seemed as excited as I was.  Jennie Allen walked you through David's life and tied it to what we go through in a way that was impressive and easy to follow. What are we chasing and what should we be chasing?  Surrender is where we need to start.  God wants it all. Allen wraps up the study with the idea of being chased down and connects it to "chasing down" their adoption of a boy from Africa.  This was one that hit home since my daughter and son-in-law are currently in Moldova serving as missionaries in an orphanage.  They surrendered their jobs, their comfortable lives in the states, their families....and when God said whom shall I send....they raised their hands.  In the study as a whole the leader's guide breaks down what the goals and responsibilities of a leader are and how to encourage discussions. Each session is broken down into a main idea and a main goal you want to meet each week.  Easy Peesy for sure.  I loved the discussion cards.  Each one has a key scripture and 12 questions for each session. I am all about a study that shows you how to read the Bible and see where and how it applies to your life. Believe me this study does that to a tee.  If you get a chance to participate in this bible study....go for it.  I promise you won't regret it. 

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Shelton Interactive and Thomas Nelson's review program for bloggers, Book Sneeze. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.

 

Threads of Grace

 

About The Book:  Grace's autistic son needs a life that is safe and consistent. Seth wants to leave his flirting days behind him and settle down.  Deep in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, the beautiful and weary Amish widow, Grace Beiler, is not looking for a husband—especially one so much younger than her. But handsome and smitten Seth Wyse stumbles upon a way to help her and they marry to keep Grace’s autistic son safe from his ill-intentioned uncle.  Grace soon discovers that she is far from immune to her young husband’s experienced charm and realizes that her first marriage has not destroyed her capacity for love.  Seth Wyse seeks counsel from his older brother, Jacob, when playing the game of pursuing his wife becomes more dangerous to both his heart and life than he ever imagined.  Yet God can give Grace and Seth a passion for family and each other that teaches them the ways of the Master Quilter through the tangled and tender threads of their lives.

About The Author:  Kelly Long is the author of the Patch of Heaven series and the historical Amish Novel Arms of Love.  She was born and raised in the mountains of Pennsylvania.  She's been married for twenty-six years and enjoys life with her husband, children, and Bichon.






My Thoughts On The Book:   This book veered a bit from the traditional Amish novel.  It is the third in the Patch of Heaven series.  In the beginning of the novel we find young Grace forced to marry an older wealthy Amish man to save her family and their farm. Silas was cruel and forbid Grace from having any contact with her family or friends.  Upon Silas' death she suddenly finds herself free...sort of.   In an act of total desparation she runs with her autistic son, Abel.  The two find themselves in the small community of Pine Creek. Skittish as a horse Grace and Abel begin establishing a new life when her brother-in-law appears.  He claims that he has some legal rights to her if she does not marry within 6 months of her husband’s death.  Seth Wyse, a younger, single Amish man is crazy about Grace and when he hears of her plight offers to marry her. In a hasty Amish ceremony, they are married.  The story really begins here as they seek grace within themselves and with each other.  I have not read the other two books but this book was easy to understand.  Long is a master at character development and has great attention for detail.  I would definitely suggest reading this.  It will make you laugh and break your heart within a few pages. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze Program for bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.

Secretly Smitten

 

About The Book:  Summer, fall, winter, spring—Smitten, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery!  There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?  The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters—Tess, Clare, and Zoe—and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?  Join popular romance novelists—and real-life BFFs—Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for four delightful intertwined tales of mystery and sweet intrigue.

LOVE BETWEEN THE LINES: Author Colleen Coble produces a wonderfully written murder mystery/romance. Protagonist Tess loves a good mystery and Ryan has an attic full of clues.

MAKE ME A MATCH: Kristin Billerbeck brings to the forefront Smitten's own matchmaker Zoe.  Sister to Tess she begins her Cupid's shop in an old building and William, new city manager, must either do his job and enforce rules and codes or resign.

KNIT ONE, LOVE TWO:  Author Diann Hunt opens up the Sit `n Knit shop, owned by Anna (divorced mother of  the  single adult girls we meet).  Anna finds her life changing when Michael enters for a shopping spree. 
LOVE BLOOMS: Denise Hunter writes about daughter number three,  nursery manager, Clare It is in this final novella that all secrets, mystery, conflict, begin to unravel.

About The Authors: 
Colleen Coble - is an American Christian author of romance, romantic suspense and historical fiction. Her thirty-five novels and novellas have sold a total of about 2 million copies, and have received numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, the Booksellers Best, and the 2009 Best Books of Indiana-Fiction award

Kristin Billerbeck - is an American writer, who writes fiction novels for young women. She is the author of over 17 novels.

Diann Hunt - In 1997, when Diann Hunt and her husband, Jim, started on their three-mile trek through the Amish country, she had no idea she was taking her first steps toward a new career. Inspired by their walk, she wrote an article, which was published a year later. Other articles soon followed. After studying fiction writing, she celebrated her first novella sale in 2001, with CBA bestselling novellas and novels reaching the bookshelves soon afterward.

Denise Hunter - Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

My Thoughts On The Book:  Secretly Smitten is the second in a series, yet it stands alone.  I had no trouble feeling as if I were a character in the stories/  All four authors are master wordsmiths and create totally believable characters.  It was a fun read and once I started reading I did not want to put the book down. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze Program for bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.

An Amish Christmas

About The Book:  A collection of four Christmas Amish novellas by four awesome Amish romance writers.
"Christmas Cradles" by Kelly Long -- When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local Amish midwife in Paradise, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and the help from resourceful and strong Asa Lapp, whose job it is to get Anna through a dangerous blizzard to complete her midwifery rounds.
“A Miracle for Miriam” by Kathleen Fuller: This Christmas, Miriam must decide whether to guard herself or accept the love of a man who once broke her heart.
“A Choice to Forgive” by Beth Wiseman: Lydia, a widow who has given up on love, is shocked when Daniel-- a past love-- returns to the Order, and her life.
“One Child” by Barbara Cameron: This snowy Lancaster Christmas Eve will see two couples’ lives changed by the birth of one child.

About The Authors: 
Kelly Long: Kelly Long is the author of Sarah's Garden, the first novel in the Patch of Heaven series. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for nearly 25 years and has five children.
Beth Wiseman:  When a personal crisis tested and strengthened her faith, award-winning journalist Beth Wiseman was advised by her agent to consider writing a Christian novel, particularly an Amish one. Encouraged by her agent’s urging, she began exploring the Amish lifestyle and soon developed a great appreciation for the more peaceful way of life. In 2008 Wiseman wrote her debut novel, Plain Perfect, featuring the Amish lifestyle within the context of a fictional love story. It was a bestseller, as have been all of the full-length novels and novellas she has written since.
Kathleen Fuller:  Kathleen Fuller was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and now makes her home in beautiful Geneva, Ohio. She has been married to husband James for 19 years. They have three terrific children, three dogs, and an overwhelmed cat. They also have raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. The Fuller family would have gone into the goat business, but Kathllen had to draw the line somewhere. She started writing in 2000, and published her first short story a year later. Since then she has authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and has done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I\She has also worked as an editor. She has a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. She has taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 21. A few of her favorite things are: her relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don’t take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did she mention chocolate?
Barbara Cameron:  Barbara Cameron is the author of fifteen novels and three nationally televised movies (HBO), as well as a recipient of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart.

My Thoughts On The Book:  This is the perfect book to snuggle up on the couch with on a nasty day.  Once you begin the first novella it is impossible to put the book down until you have read the last word of the last novella.  These are some of my favorite Amish authors and these stories are filled with Christmas tales, love, faith, romance, and the Amish way of life.  If you are a fan of Amish stories then this book is a must for your library.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze Program for bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.

An Amish Kitchen

About The Book:  The Amish Kitchen is the Heart of the Home – and the Ideal Setting for Stories of Love and Hope.

Fall in Paradise, Pennsylvania, always brings a brisk change in the weather. This season also ushers in unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women.

Fern has a green thumb for growing healing herbs, but longs for love to bloom in her life. Then the next-door neighbor’s oldest son, Abram, comes running into Fern’s kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance—until mistrust threatens to end the growing attraction.

Nearby, Hannah runs her parents’ bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn—but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?

When a storm blows a tree onto Eve’s farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents’ home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can’t agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.

Three Amish stories—each celebrating love, family, and faith—all taking place in a tight-knit community where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.

The book also includes a Reading Group Guide and 45 Old Order Amish Recipes.

About The Authors: 
Amy Clipston:  Amy is a native of New Jersey who began her writing career unofficially when she was a child.  She loves writing about the Amish, and has an Amish friend in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, who reads her  manuscripts for accuracy. She has always been fascinated with the Amish. Clipston remembers visiting Lancaster County, and her father, who was a German immigrant, told her that the Amish speak the same dialect of German as her relatives. She was drawn to their simplicity and faith. Due to her German heritage, she felt a loose connection to the Amish and their culture.  Her plots come straight from the  heart and all involve family issues intertwined with faith.

Kelly Long:  Kelly Long is the author of Sarah's Garden, the first novel in the Patch of Heaven series. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for nearly 25 years and has five children.

Beth Wiseman: When a personal crisis tested and strengthened her faith, award-winning journalist Beth Wiseman was advised by her agent to consider writing a Christian novel, particularly an Amish one. Encouraged by her agent’s urging, she began exploring the Amish lifestyle and soon developed a great appreciation for the more peaceful way of life. In 2008 Wiseman wrote her debut novel, Plain Perfect, featuring the Amish lifestyle within the context of a fictional love story. It was a bestseller, as have been all of the full-length novels and novellas she has written since.

My Thoughts On The Book:  All three of the authors are some of my favorites.  Their take on the life of the Amish is amazing.  All three novelas are filled with faith, love, and the culture of the Amish.  Having grown up in a family where the kitchen is the heart of the home and women bonded within its walls I was delighted to see that there are some amazing recipes at the end of the book and a reading guide if you would like to do a book study on the book.  It is the kind of read that makes you want to shut the world out and just submerge yourself into a world of simplicity.  A great read and would be a wonderful gift.  I plan to add it to my Amish library of keepers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze Program for bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.

Heaven Changes Everything

About The Book: 

A shattered leg, kidney stones and a lump diagnosed as hyperplasia. Times were tough, money was scarce and the bills and frustrations were piling up. It was into this stressful life that God sent Todd and Sonja Burpo an interruption in the form of a life-threatening illness and emergency surgery for their almost four-year-old son, Colton - an interruption that would include his unforgettable journey to heaven.

How did they cope? And how can they help us keep thoughts of eternity in mind in the midst of our own overly busy, stressed out lives?

In Heaven Changes Everything: Living Every Day with Eternity in Mind Todd and Sonja share their family's responses and reactions to the Heaven Is for Real experience in fifty unique inspirational readings based on excerpts from their story. They answer questions about what it's like to struggle with and question God, to doubt, to even get angry with Him and they offer their own insights into what God might be doing with those interruptions he allows into our lives.

Each reading closes with a scripture to provide biblical reinforcement of the ideas shared and a take-away thought or action point to help you incorporate the reading's inspiration into your daily life.

Keep the hope of heaven alive in your life. Heaven truly is for real, and it changes everything

 

About The Authors:  Todd Burpo is the pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Imperial, Nebraska, where his sermons are broadcast locally every Sunday via radio. Todd also spends time working as a wrestling coach for junior and high school students, as a volunteer fire fighter, and as an administrator at Overhead Door Specialists.
Sonja Burpo is a busy mother of 3 and works at Moreland Realty as an office manager. Sonja is passionate about children’s ministry and also works side by side with her husband as an administrator for his garage door company.

 

 

My Thoughts About The Book: 
As I read the book I found myself asking if I would live my life  differently if I  knew what the ending would be? In the Burpo's book Heaven Is For Real, their 4-year old Colton Burpo makes a trip to Heaven and his story is told. In this  book, Heaven Changes Everything  the Burpo's share 42 inspirational daily readings based on excerpts from Heaven Is For Real.   The readings share  personal experiences and thoughts based on their story and their lives.  The readings offer comfort and encouragement for everyday life such as financial difficulty, stress and parenting. Each reading is designed to help you live "every day with eternity in mind."  This book would be a great gift for just about anyone and a wonderful teaching tool.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Sneeze Blogging Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.

Faithful to Laura: A Middlefield Family Novel

About the Book:  Laura’s Amish faith requires her to forgive, but she can only think of revenge.  Laura Stutzman leaves her Kentucky community for Middlefield, Ohio, with one purpose: to find Mark King, the man who pledged his love to her, then left. She can’t move on with her life until he explains why.  Sawyer Thompson wasn't born Amish, but has lived in their community for years. Now he must commit to the Amish church or return to the Yankee world. Having suffered loss at a young age, he understands Laura’s anger, but is determined to follow God’s will and forgive. As their friendship grows, Laura begins to let her guard down.  But new information surfaces about Sawyer’s past and threatens the couple’s budding relationship. Both Laura and Sawyer will need to release the anger in their hearts and forgive the people who’ve harmed them. As Laura struggles to trust God, can Sawyer remain faithful to Laura?

About the Author:  Fuller was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and now makes her  home in beautiful Geneva, Ohio. She has been married to James for 15 wonderful years.  They have three terrific children, three dogs, and an overwhelmed cat. They have also raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years.  She started writing in 2000, and published her first short story a year later. Since then she has authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and have done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. She has also worked as an editor, has a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, and has taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 18. A few of her favorite things: her relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don’t take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, and NFL football.

My Thoughts About The Book:  I love Amish fiction.  I must confess that I have an addiction for  reading about this hardworking, God fearing group of people.  I love the language, I love the customs, I love it all.  This book was your typical Amish love story. Our main character girl has something she would rather forget in her past, the unlikely stranger comes into her life(also has something shadowing his past), and the guy chases girl down and wins her heart. The story line was easy to follow and I enjoyed this book tremendously. This was a great book for me to add to my library of books and I definitely will be recommending this to my Amish fiction loving friends.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishersas part of their Book Sneeze Blogging Review 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.”  Truthfully, I loved it!

Through Rushing Water

About The Book:  "Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory. Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim. With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve. It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, WillougIhby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When U.S. policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny."  Want to know the real story behind the book?  If you do then check this link out. 

About The Author:  While Catherine Richmond  was busy raising a family, working as an occupational therapist, and trying to remember where she hid the chocolate,  a song sparked a story within her. The journey to publication was long, but full of blessings. She admits that she couldn’t have done it without ACFW, RWA, and FHL, the inspirational chapter of RWA, and Nebraska Novelists critique group.  Richmond was born in Washington, DC, grew up in northern Virginia, attended Western Michigan University, and moved around a lot for her husband’s aviation career. Her favorite place to write is the porch!  I love this woman.  Check out her website at:  http://catherinerichmond.com. 

My Thoughts On The Book:  When I began reading this book I thought, "Oh no...a sappy love story about a political figure and a girl."  I was far from correct on this story.  It had so many layers it was hard to keep up with them sometimes.  It drew you into the characters lives when you least expected it to,  I always dreamed of teaching school on a reservation.  This story was my dream in pen and ink.  Sophia was everything I planned on being as a teacher and then some.  I felt as if I knew her personally and then I felt as if I was looking in a mirror at myself.  My heart bled for the Ponca Indians.  I felt as if I walked each mile through the bad weather conditions with them.  I felt as if I lost the same loved ones they did.  Richmond as a way of stringing her story together where you don't want to put the book down.  I read every chance I could like a man starving for food.  It was a wonderful story about a not so wonderful time in United States History.  This book is a must read and must own.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publisher's  BookSneeze as  part of their blogger book review team in exchange for an honest review.

Brush of Angel's Wings

About the Book:  Rachel and Jordan's feelings for each other are hostile at first, but angelic intervention helps the two discover peace . . . and perhaps love. 

The youngest and last unmarried of four sisters, Rachel Hartlzer spends most of her time helping with barn chores. Her role abruptly changes when her father hires Jordan Engles, the son he always wanted.

As Jordan takes on brotherly roles around the house, like escorting Rachel to the youth singing, the enmity between the two grows. Besides, Jordan has one foot in the Englisch world and is determined not to get involved with an Amish girl.

Neither realizes that God has sent an angel, Nathaniel, to help mend their hearts. The angel’s intervention helps them find peace and healing in accepting God's will for their lives.

About the Author:  Ruth Reid is a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children.  When attending Ferris State University School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms.  Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simle life.

My Thoughts On The Book:  The primary character Rachel is not your typical Amish girl, and her story makes this a not so typical Amish book.  I love reading the Amish stories and eventhough there have been many that portry the Amish vs. English romance theme the drama that Reid writes into the story takes this book far deeper than most. What really makes it stand out to me and kept me up until the wee hours of the morning is the parallel story that she has written in.   The main story in Brush of Angel's Wings is a wonderful story with likable characters and exciting action; but when Nathaniel and Tangus are added in and you have the good vs evil level it definitely takes this book to a whole other level. This is a story you will not want to miss.  It was wonderful.  I can't wait to read another book by Ruth Reid.

Disclaimer:  I was given this book to review by Book Sneeze and Thomas Nelson.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Lessons Learned As A Bridesmaid

About the Book:  Are you tired of always being the bridesmaid, but never the bride? Is the wait for a mate almost too much to bear? Ready to stop settling for a ‘Bozo’ and hold out for your Boaz? Then fear not! Get ready for GOD to bless your socks off! In Lessons Learned as a Bridesmaid, Larissa D. Jean shares her story of what she has learned in her wait for a godly husband. With transparency, sincerity and lighthearted humor, Larissa shares her experiences from being a bridesmaid multiple times. She offers single women practical advice on true contentment, waiting on God’s timing, purpose, dating and purity. A great tool for singles ministries, young adult ministries, and campus ministries, this is a must have book for single women, bridesmaids and future brides everywhere!

About the Author:  Larissa D. Jean has been working with young women both in Atlanta and Athens, Georgia since 2001. Born in Haiti and raised in the United States, she has taught Bible studies, led campus ministries and a singles ministry. A University of Georgia graduate, she is now a Spanish teacher and lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia. For more information, visit her website at  http://www.larissadayanajean.com

My Thoughts:  I chose this book to try something different.  I am a married woman and the wife of a pastor and I have to say that this book that was wonderful.   I think every single lady should read it and every married lady should read it so they can be mentors. It seems that today being a single lady is a bad thing and they are told these days are told that they should pray for their future husbands, which is not a bad idea.  The thing they are not told ever is how to prepare to be the Godly wife they are meant to be. This book was a easy read and  very engaging,   Once I started reading it I could not put it down.  I enjoyed how the author talked about her own past relationships, good or bad,  and her experiences as a bridesmaid.  I loved the study guides at the end of each chapter.  The study guides would be great for a study group but they could also be used by one person too. I worked through every single answer and discovered a good  bit about myself I did not know.

Disclaimer:  I was given this book to review from the Book Sneeze program or Thomas Nelson Publishers.  I was not paid to give a favorable review.  The opinions expressed here were 100% my own.