A Different Kind of Amish Series

At age twenty, Jessica Bachman left her two beloved sisters and her Amish community after clashing with the new bishop about her role in the family and the future of their farm. She tried to convince Silas Kemp, who'd been courting her for two years, to join her, but when he said no, she fled anyway. 

Three years later, she returns home for the first time since leaving Lancaster to attend her father's funeral. Her arrival back revives all sorts of emotions--yearnings and sorrows alike. Jessica knows things will never return to how they were. But in seeing Silas again, she can't help but wonder what might have been.

Struggling to decide where her next step should take her, she learns the story of a Revolutionary War-era ancestor that echoes her own choices. Will Jessica leave her family and community forever, or is there peace and healing and love yet to come?

  




  I found this first book in the series of the "Sisters of Lancaster County" a different kind of  Amish series. 
  
The story starts off with Jessica Bachman going back to her Amish family after leaving and forsaking her vows to the Amish church. Jessica knows it will not be the same as when she left. She is determined to only go back for her father's funeral. But Jessica finds that her brother is determined to ruin the family farm. She also finds she still has feelings for her old "beau" named Silas. 

  When her Aunt Suz starts telling her stories of her ancestor Ruby, Jessica finds that she has a lot in common with Ruby. 
Will Jessica be able to come back to the Amish and save her family farm or will she decide that she likes the modern world too much. 

 "I received this book from "Bethany House Publishers" for this review."

A Well Written Mystery

The Publisher says:

 "Decades of Loss, an Unsolved Mystery, 
and a Rift Spanning Three Generations

Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.

Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.
 
When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost?"

  It has been a long time since I have enjoyed a book so much. This well written mystery has three parts being told all at once. It gives  Grandma Hazel's life, her daughter Diane's life, and her granddaughter Meghan's life. 

  Meghan has always wondered why her mother Diane has always been so hateful to grandma Hazel and so resentful of her and her grandmother's relationship. 

   Diane has never understood why her mother Hazel has always been so overprotective of her. Diane is also jealous of her mother's relationship with her daughter, Meghan. She wished that her mother would have treated her like her daughter, Meghan.

  Grandmother Hazel has a secret that she hopes no one ever finds out about. When her granddaughter Meghan finds a special box of hers, her secret is revealed. Will this secret help mend this fractured family or drive them apart?

   "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Great Character Lessons for Any Age

The publisher's says "It is the overarching message of God’s love for us and a practical guide to daily living. So often our littlest children hear these stories but miss out on how to apply the principles to their lives. The Character Builder’s Bible highlights core character traits that the Bible teaches and suggests fun, practical ways to live out these truths so that little minds can understand. Each Bible narrative is told simply, is tied to a positive attribute like obedience or humility, and is followed with a real-life example of how kids can apply the lesson in their own lives."


   I received this book too review. I agreed to review this book because I was intrigued  that this different than your typical children's Bible book. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It has wonderful illustrations that would keep a child's interest. I like how each of the stories start out with a character lesson. Then the Bible story is told that applies to this lesson. I plan to incorporate this book in our Bible devotions.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book.

Learning to Love Others in Spite of Differences

The Publisher says "Francine Howard has her life all mapped out until the soldier she planned to marry at WWII's end writes to tell her he's in love with a woman in England. Devastated, Francine seeks a fresh start in the Appalachian Mountains, training to be a nurse midwife for the Frontier Nursing Service.

Deeply affected by the horrors he witnessed at war, Ben Locke has never thought further ahead than making it home to Kentucky. His future shrouded in as much mist as his beloved mountains, he's at a loss when it comes to envisioning what's next for his life."




  I have never read Ann H. Gabhart 's books before. I was asked to do a blog review of this book. I decide to read this because it was about midwives ( which is one of my favorite subjects). I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the flow and ease of keeping up with the subjects. I also enjoyed to fact that Ms. Gabhart brought out each of the characters thoughts and lives. The only negative thing I would say is I wish there had been more about the midwifery side. 

   Revell Books has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

A Marvelous Book of Courage and Strength

The Publisher says "When Signe, her husband, Rune, and their three boys arrive in Minnesota from Norway to help a relative clear his land of lumber, they dream of owning their own farm and building a life in the New World. But Uncle Einar and Aunt Gird are hard, demanding people, and Signe and her family soon find themselves worked nearly to the bone in order to repay the cost of their voyage. At this rate, they will never have land or a life of their own."


   I love Lauraine Snelling books. So when I was asked to review this book by the Baker Publishing Company. I was so eager to receive this book. Needless to say I was not disappointed. I found this book very easy to follow. It had an excellent and relaxed story line. 

  Signe proves to be a powerful character who knows when to follow and when to lead. Signe, her husband, and their three sons are offered a way to come to America. What greets them is a uncle who is determined to take advantage of this new family and an Auntie who refuses any help to get better. Signe must find a way not to waver in her faith in God. If so she might lose the battle of her strength and mind. 

An Excellent Devotional for Parents to Interact with their Teens

One of the most awkward things about growing up is learning to communicate with the opposite sex. What is she thinking? Why did he do that? Teen guys and girls know they often don’t understand the opposite sex or know how to talk to one another.

Communication is a key tool in life. We interact with words, gestures, and movements. The devotions in Girl Talk Guy Talk give insights that focus on different aspects of teen life to help both guys and girls better understand and communicate with the opposite sex. 


  I was so anxious to receive this book to review. I have had the "talk" with my fourteen year old daughter. But I thought this would help with a few issues that I might have missed. I also thought this would make it easier to communicate better with my daughter in this controversial world.

I really enjoyed the way this book is broke up into devotionals that speak specifically to girls and then to boys. 

  The only drawback that we have had is that my daughter is homeschooled. So she has not had to experience some of the issues that were brought up in this book. This book would be an excellent book for a study group, sunday school class , or even for a teen that is not homeschooled. 

Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book.

An Enjoyable Way to Introduce Young Children to Christ

For anyone looking for a fresh way to present the gospel to young children, Wow! The Good News in Four Words is a perfect resource. This whimsical and fun book outlines the gospel in a simple and memorable way (for both adults and kids!), using fun words to highlight the story. The book will present Creation/Genesis (Wow!), The Fall (Uh-oh . . .), Redemption/Jesus’ Life and Sacrifice (Yes!), Restoration/The New Heaven (Aaahhhh), ending with one last Wow because we get to go out and tell the Good News!


This Book caught my attention as soon as I began to read it. 

 Wow! is a light hearted book that has words that are emphasized so children will remember the Gospel of Christ. Four simple words that will catch the attention of any children that are your own, in nursery or in Sunday School. 

 The only negative I have to say is I personally did not like the pictures. I thought they could have been better. It distracts from the message of the story.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book.

A Wizardy Book that Fell Short of Magical

In the hallowed halls of Oxford’s Merlin College, the most talented—and highest born—sons of the Kingdom of Britain are taught the intricacies of magickal theory. But what dazzles can also destroy, as Gray Marshall is about to discover…
 
Gray’s deep talent for magick has won him a place at Merlin College. But when he accompanies four fellow students on a mysterious midnight errand that ends in disaster and death, he is sent away in disgrace—and without a trace of his power. He must spend the summer under the watchful eye of his domineering professor, Appius Callender, working in the gardens of Callender’s country estate and hoping to recover his abilities. And it is there, toiling away on a summer afternoon, that he meets the professor’s daughter.

  I was given this book to review. I tried my hardest to read this book. I found it very difficult to keep up with the characters. Also the language in here made me want to get out a dictionary to understand some of the language. I enjoy a book that I can easily follow along with the characters as well as understand what I am reading.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Going with Your Heart

When a well-to-do family asks Sallie Riehl to be their daughter's nanny for the summer at their Cape May, New Jersey, vacation home, she jumps at the chance to broaden her horizons beyond the Lancaster County Amish community where she grew up. Sallie has long dreamed of seeing more of the world, but her parents are reluctant for her to put off baptism yet another summer, and the timing is unfortunate for Perry Zook, who has renewed interest in courting her. 



   Sallie is a girl on a mission. She has always wanted to travel and see the wonders of God's creation. When she is offered a nanny job at the seashore Sally jumps at the chance. Sally finds herself trying to decide whether to follow her heart or stay in the Amish traditions in which she was raised. 

   When I was offered to read this book for review I jumped at the chance. I have always loved Beverly Lewis' books. I quickly started in this book knowing I would enjoy it as much as her others. But I found this book to be hard to follow. There didn't seem to be much transition between one scene and another. I found myself several times having to look back to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I would have normally  read Lewis' books in a couple of days. Instead I found myself struggling for a month trying to finish reading this one. I will have to say this was not one of my favorites of her novels.

Bethany House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

A Book full of Rhythym

The Faith that God Built series by Gary Bower uses the same whimsical style of storytelling as The House that Jack Built, using rhyme to introduce preschoolers through second graders to favorite Bible stories. Gary has a well-developed talent for creating engaging narratives that also teach biblical truth through rhyme. 

I agreed to receive this book to review because I enjoy books that relate God's word in fun ways. As the description implies this book goes along with the rhyme "The House that Jack Built." This book had a catchy rhythm and rhyme but I found the pictures to be uninspiring. They were dull and the shapes of the different pictures were just weird. I do not think this would be a book that a child would want to be read again. If it had different colors and shapes along with the rhythm and rhyme it would have been a fantastic book. 
  

Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book.

An Inspirational Color and Prayer Journal

"Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal invites you to mix creative journaling and coloring into your personal time with God. Prayers that focus on topics such as being thankful, dealing with stress and heartache, caring for yourself and others, listening for God’s leading, and waiting patiently on Him will guide your thoughts and calm your spirit. Filled with more than 100 designs to color, plenty of space for journaling, and 40 needs-based prayers, Tranquility will help you express your devotion to God with your whole heart."

  This was definitely a different take on the typical color book. I liked the differing pages and color of the pages. I think coloring while praying and opening your heart up to the Lord will be a useful tool to hear his voice more. For someone who likes to color and journal while having devotions will absolutely love to have this book.  

 Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book

A Diner's Blueprint to the Best Eateries in the United States

The 40th anniversary edition of Roadfood includes 1,000 of America's best local eateries along highways and back roads, with nearly 200 new listings, as well as a brand new design.

Filled with enticing alternatives for chain-weary-travelers, Roadfood provides descriptions of and directions to (complete with regional maps) the best lobster shacks on the East Coast; the ultimate barbecue joints down South; the most indulgent steak houses in the Midwest; and dozens of top-notch diners, hotdog stands, ice-cream parlors, and uniquely regional finds in between. Each entry delves into the folkways of a restaurant's locale as well as the dining experience itself, and each is written in the Sterns' entertaining and colorful style. A cornucopia for road warriors and armchair epicures alike, Roadfood is a road map to some of the tastiest treasures in the United States.




   Road Food is an epicurean's map to the top food joints in America.  I found this book to be a little overwhelming. I liked all the facts and information about these different eating houses. I also liked how the book divided the USA by regions. In between these regions was the different cities with the best eateries. I also found out some places in my own city that I did not know about. The overwhelming part was the little words to describe these diners. There are literally page after page of eateries. 

   I would recommend this book for people who travel all over the United States and for those who just want to know what is the best place to  eat in their hometowns. 

  "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Making Possible with the Impossible

If you enjoyed the classic novel Christy and the bestselling Mitford series, then you’ll love Beautiful on the Mountain, a real-life tale about serving God in unlikely circumstances. In 1977, Jeannie Light left her fine plantation home amid heartbreak and came to Graves Mill, a tiny hamlet in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Alone in an utterly new kind of life, Jeannie was determined to find the courage to make a fresh start.

To Jeannie’s surprise, she found herself called upon by her new neighbors to open the old, deteriorated country church, a place that had once united the fractured community of mountain folk. With no training, and no small amount of trepidation, she undertook the task. And as she embarked on an unforeseen series of adventures, from heartbreaking to hilarious, Jeannie would learn more than she ever expected about faith, loving your neighbor, and doing the work that God sets in front of you. Because sometimes, God calls us to go where there is no path . . . and leave a trail.



   Jeannie Light was in the midst of a divorce. She didn't know what she was going to do with her life. Jeannie had only ever been a housewife. But now she was left with a piece of rocky mountain acreage in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mountain people in the tiny village of Graves Mill longed to have their Church reopened. They asked Jeannie if she would take the job. This set in motion a lifetime of trials and blessings to Jeannie and the people of Graves Mill. 


  I found this book to be truly inspiring. The strength of one women made the difference in a lot of people's lives. This strength gave the community of Graves Mill a lot of hope, light, and life when there didn't seem to be any. 

Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book.

A Great Study Bible for All Ages

Join Lana, Munch, and Griffin on the adventure of a lifetime as they travel through the Holy Land and learn about the stories, cultures, people, and places of the Bible. High-quality illustrations, engaging sidebars, and scripture passages draw kids into the narrative. The Story Travelers Bible teaches kids that the Bible is more than just a bunch of tales told by parents and Sunday school teachers, but the Bible documents God’s work in and for His people from the beginning of time. The Story Travelers Bible will take kids on a ride through 85 Bible stories.


  I was very impressed with this engaging Bible Book. I feel like this book is not only for children but also for any age. I liked the fresh historical insights in the sidebars. I enjoyed the insightful questions asked at the end and in the sidebar of each Bible lesson.  I was also keen on the colorful pictures and stories that easily captured my attention. I will be using this with my daughter in our home school days. 

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Unlikely Friendships In the Midst of Tragedy

Many lives were changed the day a fire burned down Faith Community Church, devastating the small town of Sugarcreek, Ohio.

Now a young Amish widow, Lydia Gruber faces an uncertain future. Her husband, a craftsman and volunteer firefighter, always took care of everything, keeping her isolated from others in their community. Without anyone or any skills, how will she survive?

With the death of her beloved aunt Rose in the fire, single mom Jessica Holtz inherits Rose’s Knit One Quilt Too cottage. Though determined to keep the shop open in her aunt’s memory, she doesn’t know the first thing about knitting and quilting and begins to see her aunt’s dream slip through her fingers.

When Liz Cannon lost her dear friend Rose, she also lost her partner in the Secret Stitches Society―the name they gave themselves while delivering gifts of hope to troubled folks in the dark of night. Liz convinces Jessica to keep the anonymous society going, despite the younger women’s inadequacy with knitting and sewing needles. But soon Liz has problems of her own as the life she has rebuilt for herself begins to crumble again.

When Liz and Jessica choose Lydia for their first mission, the three women cross paths and form an unlikely friendship in the aftermath of tragedy. As they walk together through triumph and heartbreak―through grief and new chances at love―they begin to discover that with friends by your side, a stitch of hope can be found anywhere.



  May I say I thoroughly enjoyed this book? I thought it was going to be another sappy love and tragedy story. But it was far from that. Three ladies are joined together through loss and hardship. In the midst of all this these ladies do not wallow in self pity. But pull on their boots and do something about it. I did find it a little foreseeable. But it was still a book that a person will find hard to put down.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

An Extra Ordinary Hero for Teenage Girls

Get your cape on with the DC Super Hero Girls™— the unprecedented new Super Hero universe especially for girls! Readers of all ages can fly high with the all-new adventures of Wonder Woman™, Supergirl™, Batgirl™, and some of the world’s most iconic female super heroes as high schoolers!

Batgirl has always hidden in the shadows—but does she have what it takes to stand in the spotlight at Super Hero High?

Barbara Gordon has always been an off-the-charts, just-forget-about-the-test super-genius and tech whiz, and then she gets the offer of a lifetime when Supergirl recognizes that Barbara’s talents make her an ideal candidate for Super Hero High. Donning the cape and cowl, Barbara Gordon becomes Batgirl, ready to train at the most elite school on the planet, next to some of the most powerful teenagers in the galaxy. She’s always had the heart of a hero . . . but now she’ll have to prove that she can be one. Good thing she loves a challenge!

Award-winning author Lisa Yee brings mystery, thrills, and laughs to this groundbreaking series that follows DC Comics most iconic female Super Heroes and Super-Villains. Move over Batman™ and Superman™—the DC Super Hero Girls are ready to save the day and have fun doing it!


    My daughter utterly relished this audio book. I do not believe she has stopped listening to this book since I received it for my review. This has been such an inspiration for her. In my daughter's own words, " Anyone can become a super hero. Not just someone who can shoot lasers out their eyes. But someone who does anything when they put their mind to the test." I think this puts the whole book in perspective especially from a thirteen old girl.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.