Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Get to know the bible in full color ! Go on an adventure as Cornelius leads you through the old and New Testaments comic book style. The bible, already full of greAt stories , just got even better as you follow the modern day conversation and travels of Cornelius and his crew. Along side the story, get real photos of ancient artifacts and biblical geography. See the bible come alive for adventurous young readers! I think this bible is really fun for young kids, especially boys, who tend to look for adventure in everything. This would be a great addition to any child's library . Not to replace the bible, but to read it in a new exciting way. I see this as something exciting for a parent to read with their kids, as well as a child's favorite read Alone book. I received this book free for review from the publishers in exchange for a review.

Monday, January 13, 2014

An Untamed Heart

Ingeborg Strand wants more than anything to be a midwife, and begins to hope it will happen when her mom requests her presence on a few house calls. But when trying to peruse it, she feels like her mom is closing the door on the issue. Her sister is soon to be married. And a lot of pressure has been put on Ingeborg herself to find a husband. But she isn't interested in marriage, and tires of her cousins constant love struck conversations. All she can think about it retreating to the Summer house. Away from familie's watchful eye, and the pressure to preform. Finally the day comes to head up the mountain. Finally she can breathe easier, that is, until they find an injured man on the mountain, suddenly she has added nurse to her list of responsibilities. As time goes on, she fears, it's not his injuries that scare her most, but the feelings she has for him, threatening to consume her every thought . In twists and turns their fate ends up much different Than planned, Both in places they wouldn't have imagined..Can her heart make the journey it's being required to take? I have to start by saying, I have not read the series that this book was Meant for as a prequel. So I didn't have anything invested in the characters as one who has read them may, that being said, I didn't really enjoy this book. While I liked the feeling of experiencing another world in another time, I didn't love the writing. The conversationAl slang was much too modern for the time period and setting. It made it very hard to get really into the story . And honestly it was quite depressing. Life can be, I don't expect every book to have a happy ending. But I wasnt really expecting this particular book to end on such a melancholic note. I will say, I would still be willing to read her other books, particularly the series this is connected to because I liked her ideas, and would like to see if I enjoyed her other books better. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.

For Every Season

Rhoda thought moving to Maine to help start the new Amish community with her boyfriend and family, would be a fresh start for her. So far it's been anything but. Having survived the persecution in her order, and then the run in with the law on her new settlement, she thinks it's time things will slow down an go right for a time. But new tensions arise as her boyfriend, Jacob, is still being haunted by his past, and a now a stolen kiss by his brother. To keep things less complicated, Rhoda seeks shelter with their non-Amish neighbors. Now all she wants to do is go full throttle with her canning business. But it seems she hits as many snags and tough decisions there as she does in choosing the man she loves. It's time to put the past behind and move forward with the Lord's plans for their lives. Who will have to lay down the woman he loves? What will happen when Jacob is forced to deal with his past? Will Rhoda be able to see her dreams into fruition? There is something new in Every season. I really liked this book. Which reAlly is no surprise. I've been reading Woodsmall since her first book, and have never been let down. After I read book two, I couldn't wait to read her conclusion in book three, which I think says a lot about the authors ability to draw the reader in. Good plot and good ending, well done. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

The Winnowing Season

LeAving the only life she has ever known, Rhoda Byler, along with the King family , embark on a new adventure. But not without complications. Before leaving, Rhoda must stand before her church leaders, upon Samuels instigation, and explain the gift The Lord has given her. Angry Samuel went behind her back to accomplish this task, she is more concerned with what his family will think of her, and if it will change their minds in letting her come along to start something new in Maine. But Maine's new adventure also brings trouble. So many people under one roof, emotions are sure to run wild. An unexpected love triangle forms ,new friendships bloom, secrets are discovered and hidden. Determined to make the best of the new situation, each member finds ways to keep their mind off the tension boiling just beneath the surface. Do they have what it takes to make this dreAm of a new community work? I loved this book, which is no surprise, as I have not met a Woodsmall book I didn't like. Christian fiction is not my favorite genre, as I often find it hard for it to measure up to the wonderful world of words all the classics take me to. But Cindy time and again draws me into her stories, Weaving complicated plots with intriguing characters. I loved book one in this series, and now book two, and am eagerly awaiting my book three to arrive. Definitely a must read! Along with all her other books! This book was given to me In exchange for review by water brook press.

Biff and Becka's stupendous vacation

Biff and Becka, two rabbit siblings, are looking forward to their annual stupendous vacation with great anticipation! Who wouldn't?! The beach, with family, souvenirs and treats not to be had at home. In preparation to leave, Biff spends the better part of one morning, bragging to a less fortunate friend about all the fun they will have. Feeling slightly superior, he returns home to receive the bad news. His dad has taken a pay cut. There will be no beach this year. And so while the family tries to brainstorm less expensive vacation ideas, Biff puffs and pouts. He and his sister begin to argue and no one is happy. This book is about life throwing you change, and how you deal with it. And how a family uses God to remind themselves how to act in every situation, disappointment and discovery. I did not really enjoy this book. I am not the age group the book was written for, however, I do have kids and read them books, and most times really enjoy what I'm reading. While I believe the author executed her point, showing Godly parenting to children in need of instruction, I just felt it was a little too much. I found myself Speed reading to finish the book, as to be done with it quicker. I do think there are lots of children who would enjoy this book, and as it contains no bad content and I do think it's perfectly suitable for children of the age demographic it's aimed at to be read. It's just not one I'd put in my personal library.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Christmas Stories: Heartwarming Classics of Angels, a Manger, and the Birth of Hope Max Lucado Thomas Nelson August 2011 Who doesn't love a good collection of Christmas stories? During the holidays, when the snow is falling and hearths burn bright, it's easy to imagine ourselves in front of the fire as a loved one narrates Christmas tales, getting us ready for the upcoming holiday! It's England, at Christmas, and quite a few years back the first time the Haddington's receive their first visit from the Christmas angel. Mysteriously he appears, sets one candle ablaze, and the disappears. The candle is given away the next day to one in need, and a miracle is reported after having used the candle and prayed.., Since then the angel appears only every twenty five years with the same results.. It becomes the towns hope around the holidays... But this year things didn't go quite as planned. Curl up and see how the Lord comes through for a small town of people in need. His marriage is failing, and all he has from his past is a picture. In order to clear his head, he takes a break from his wife and goes in search of the things that he has never known about himself. Landing in a small Texas town, he sets to work trying to find out all he can about the picture, and the person who may have left it behind. Being met with opposition only fuels his fire to get to the bottom of his past. But is he prepared for what he might uncover? Will it cause him to open his heart and re-examine who has has become and who he has the chance to be ? And there are more! This book is packed with stories in various lengths, all to help us celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. I did not love this book. It wasn't poorly written, it just failed to capture me or pull me in to any of the stories. They are cute, though a little bit cheesy sometimes. I did like that they stayed focused on the true meaning of Christmas. I would not discourage someone from reading this, I just might not have it in my Christmas reading list each year. I recieved this book free for review from publisher

Monday, January 7, 2013

A season of Tending Amish Vines of the Orchards, book 1 Cindy Woodsmall September 2012 Rhoda Byler has a gift. One that has caused her community to shy away from her. Not only does she have an herb and berry garden that seems to produce when no others are, she also has been known to predict certain harmful events. Already shrouded by the guilt of her unfortunate past, the town's sneers and insinuations only push her further into her garden and the only work she loves. It's the one place she can hear her sisters voice and try to drown out the constant ridicule. Digging her fingers into the dirt one morning, she finds a girl sleeping in her berries, clearly having been there all evening. Finding she is Amish, despite her clothing, she finds out how to return her home. She is nettled by the stern older brother who shows up to claim her. Frustrated at her attempts to get him to see things her way, she is glad to see him leave. And very surprised when she sees him returning not a few days later. And this time with a business proposition. Who is this man who has waltzed into her life so suddenly? Helping to pick of the pieces of his failing orchard may be just the distraction she needs. Could this be the ticket out from under the accusing stares of her neighbors?Or will she get much more than she could have ever bargained for? I have to say, I have not met a book by this author that I have not enjoyed. From her very first book I have loved her stories, and this is no exception. She does such a great job weaving so many types of characters into her books. I always love to see how the story twists and turns. I am on pins and needles for the next book in this series. Very well done! Highly recommend! I received this book free for review by the publisher.