Wednesday, October 31, 2012

A Marriage of the Heart



Three Stories That Share the Adventures of First Love and Second Chances.

A Perfect Secret—Rose Bender’s betrothed, Luke Lantz, is safe and dependable, maybe a little too much so. Or so she thinks until she sees him in the woods one night and discovers a secret he’s been keeping. Now his secret haunts her. She wasn’t sure about marrying a man she knew too well. But should she marry a man she doesn’t understand at all?

Christmas Cradles—When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local midwife, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers’ quilts, and unexpected help from the handsome and brooding Asa Lapp.

A Marriage of the Heart—Since her mother’s death, Abigail Kauffman has lived alone with her father. She longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after suddenly marrying do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

My thoughts...

If you're in the mood for a light read then this is the book for you. There are three novella's that are fun and each can be read in one sitting.

A Perfect Secret is about an Amish man who leaves the community to become an englisher, I thought this story was a bit odd and somewhat hard to follow. Definitely not my favorite.

A Christmas Cradle is such a sweet love story, Anna takes over for her midwife aunt on Christmas night and the fun begins with multiple deliveries and one Asa Lapp!

A Marriage of the Heart is a story of a woman who longs to escape her father's house. She meets and quickly marries a newcomer, over time they discover what it means to love someone.

Overall a nice read. 4 out of 5 stars. I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A Wreath of Snow



All Margaret Campbell wants for Christmas is a safe journey home. When her plans for a festive holiday with her family in Stirling crumble beneath the weight of her brother’s bitterness, the young schoolteacher wants nothing more than to return to the students she loves and the town house she calls home.

Then an unexpected detour places her in the path of Gordon Shaw, a handsome newspaperman from Glasgow, who struggles under a burden of remorse and shame.

When the secret of their shared history is revealed, will it leave them tangled in a knot of regret? Or might their past hold the threads that will bind their future together?

As warm as a woolen scarf on a cold winter’s eve, A Wreath of Snow is a tender story of love and forgiveness, wrapped in a celebration of all things Scottish, all things Victorian, and, especially, all things Christmas.

My thoughts...

Though this is a short story Higgs has packed a lot into it, I enjoyed it a lot. Parts of it were predictable but it was still an enjoyable story of forgiveness. The ending has a little twist to it which was nice. I wish it had been a full size book.

I received an ecopy of this book free from Waterbrook in exchange for an honest review.

A Thousand Sleepless Nights ~ A CFBA Tour

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Thousand Sleepless Nights
Realms (October 16, 2012)
by
Michael King


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

When Mike Dellosso won a one-year battle with colon cancer he set out to help readers of his books discover it before they had to go through what he experienced.

“I want others to avoid what I had to go through,” he says. “It was an experience that taught me a lot about myself, others, and God, but one I wouldn’t want to repeat. If I can help even one person battling this disease, it would have been worth it.”

Mike set about writing a novel quite different from what his fan base had come to expect from him. Not a thriller, but a character-driven novel, so he wrote it under a pen name, Michael King, and entitled it A Thousand Sleepless Nights. His publisher, Charisma Media, went for it and the first copies went on sale in October.

Mike’s next step was to determine whether a partnership between him, Charisma Media, and the Colon Cancer Alliance was possible. This month both announced their cooperative fundraising venture, with Charisma Media making a significant contribution to CCA and Mike committing a portion of the proceeds from the book through December to CCA.

Speaking about A Thousand Sleepless Nights Mike says, “I want people to see colon cancer (and all the other cancers) for the monster it is, but also to show it does not need to defeat us. There is hope, there is strength, and there is courage and love. And though cancer may rob us of our physical vitality, it has no power over our spirit.”

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the 1970s, escaping a home where he knew nothing but violence and hate, Jim Harding found work, and love, on the largest horse ranch in Virginia. The object of his affections, Nena St. Claire, is the daughter of the owner—a man who ruled his ranch with an iron fist and would do whatever it took to keep Nena and Jim apart.

Against the wishes of her family, Nena marries Jim, and after her father dies, she sacrifices everything—including her family—to keep the ranch alive. Now their three grown children have lives of their own and want nothing to do with Nena. She was never the mother they needed.

When cancer strikes and Nena is given a devastating diagnosis, can Jim reconcile the family before it is too late?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Thousand Sleepless Nights, go HERE.

My thoughts...

Nena fell in love and married hired hand Jim. Her love for her family's horse ranch and her desire to see it succeed consumed her causing her to neglect her children. When cancer strikes she realizes what this has cost her. As her health declines she longs to see her children one more time. Jim tries to bring them all together.

What follows is a powerful story filled with every emotion. The author writes in a way that allows you to feel these emotions. A great book! I give it 5 stars!

I receved a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Beyond the Storm ~ A CFBA Tour

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Beyond the Storm
Abingdon Press (October 2012)
by
Carolyn Zane


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author of 35 books, wife, mother and yes…hot (flasher) lives with her fabulous husband, Matt and their 5 children and 3 dogs in the scenic Willamette Valley in Oregon. When asked to describe her family, Carolyn likens her crowd to the Brangelia Bunch saying modestly, “Only we’re better looking.” Right now,Carolyn is back in the saddle with her new title: Beyond The Storm, coming out in October 2012! In the mean time, be sure to catch her on the critically acclaimed TOOHOTMAMAS Blog where Carolyn and Wendy tackle Marriage, motherhood and menopause: How to do all three and stay out of prison! They are hilarious! You'll wet yourself, guaranteed! Visit them at: www.toohotmamas.wordpress.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After a tornado rips through her town, store owner Abigail comes across a piece of fabric from a wedding dress among the devastation. Abigail is moved to start collecting other swatches of fabric she finds – her neighbor’s kitchen curtains, a man’s necktie, a dog’s bed – which she stashes in shopping bags. As she pursues her seemingly absurd quest, horrible realities spark the question, “What kind of a God would allow such tragedy?”

As she struggles to reconcile her right to happiness amidst the destruction, Abigail begins piecing together a patchwork quilt from the salvaged fabric in hopes it will bring some peace. But a new relationship with Justin, a contractor, may require too much of her fragile heart. Will her pain and questions of faith give way to the courage to love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Beyond the Storm, go HERE.



My thoughts...

Having been through an EF5 tornado the authors description brought back unpleasant memories, I could identify with the characters in this book. Deep sadness at so much loss. Though the story has a serious topic I loved what Abigail does with the swatches she finds... a quilt is such a sweet memorial. A page turner yet full of hope. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Accidentally Amish ~ A CFBA Tour

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Accidentally Amish
Barbour Books (October 1, 2012)
by
Olivia Newport


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I’m imagining you. You walk past as I water my front flowerbeds and we wave. You check the time as we both stand in a long line at the grocery store. You sit in front of me in church. I’m at my table in the coffee shop and you’re at yours.

We may smile politely and move on with our separate lives. Or one of us may speak, a simple invitation to conversation, and the words flow between us.

Here the adventure begins. When we meet someone new, we never know where it might lead.

I’ve been married for over thirty years and have two twenty-something kids. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)

Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.

Thanks for stopping by my site, where conversations and adventures begin with a click. I hope we’ll run into each other often.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Escape the helter-skelter of the modern culture and join software creator Annie Friesen, hiding at the home of an Amishman. With her high-tech career in jeopardy, Annie runs from fast-paced Colorado Springs—and straight into the hospitality of San Luis Valley’s Amish community. There she meets cabinetmaker Rufus Beiler, and the more time she spends with him, the more attracted she becomes. When Annie finds she shares a common ancestor with Rufus, she feels both cultures colliding within her. But is her love for Rufus strong enough for her to give up the only life she’s ever known?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Accidentally Amish, go HERE.

My thoughts...

Annie lives in a world filled with technology and is in need of a hiding place. She ends up in an Amish community in Rufus Beiler's barn. What follows is a nice story, a light read. Nothing that will make you want to continue reading into the wee hours but overall a good book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

You Don't Know Me ~ A Litfuse Tour

Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves can be our undoing.

To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.

No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.

Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?

My thoughts...

Annalise Decker is a woman with a secret, she's a devoted wife, a wonderful daughter in law, a great mother..... a woman everyone loves. But she's not the woman everyone knows. I loved this story, this family. There was such sadness when Analise had to walk away from her mother forever. As her past threatens her future she must choose who to trust and once she reveals her secret she could lose her family and everything else.

A quick read, one you won't want to stop until you've read it all. There's twists and turns and a downright good story. I give it 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Welcome to the campaign launch for Susan May Warren's latest offering in her beloved Deep Haven series, You Don't Know Me. Susan is celebrating with a $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and hosting a fun video Author Chat Party!

 
One fortunate winner will receive:
  • A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one and “Get to Know” your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
  • The entire set of Deep Haven Books
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the ”You Don’t Know Me” Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/23. Connect with Susan for an evening of book chat, Deep Haven trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be info about Susan’s BookShout read-along and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of You Don’t Know Me and join Susan on the evening of the October 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!



Wednesday, October 17, 2012

River of Mercy

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!



Today's Wild Card author is:


and the book:

Harvest House Publishers (October 1, 2012)

***Special thanks to Ginger Chen for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


BJ Hoff’s bestselling historical novels continue to cross the boundaries of religion, language, and culture to capture a worldwide reading audience. Her books include Song of Erin and American Anthem and such popular series as The Riverhaven Years, The Mountain Song Legacy, and The Emerald Ballad. Hoff’s stories, although set in the past, are always relevant to the present. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements or in coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life. BJ and her husband make their home in Ohio.


Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:


In this third book in the Riverhaven Years trilogy young Gideon Kanagy faces a challenge and an unexpected romance. Meanwhile, Gideon’s sister, Rachel, and the "outsider" Jeremiah Gant add to the drama with their own dilemma and its repercussions for the entire Riverhaven community.




Product Details:
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (October 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736924205
ISBN-13: 978-0736924207



AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


 Prologue 

Too Many Long Nights

I feel like one who treads alone
Some banquet hall, deserted.

Thomas Moore

Amish settlement near Riverhaven, Ohio

November 1856

Rachel Brenneman had always liked to walk by the river at twilight.

There had been a time during the People’s early years at Riverhaven when she gave no thought to walking alone, day or night. After she and Eli were married, the two of them liked to stroll along the bank of the Ohio in the evening, discussing their day, planning the workweek, dreaming of the future. After Eli’s death, however, Rachel no longer went out alone after dark, although sometimes she and her ten-year-old sister, Fannie, took a picnic lunch in the early afternoon and sat watching the fine big boats and smaller vessels that traveled the great Ohio to unknown places.

Now though, venturing away from the community no longer felt safe, even in the middle of the day. In truth, there was nowhere that felt safe, not after the deadly attack on Phoebe Esch and the other troubles recently visited upon the People. At night, especially, Rachel stayed inside, sitting alone in her bedroom with the window scarcely open in deference to the weather, which had recently turned cold.

November was a lonely month. Rachel still loved to listen to the river from insider her home, but the nighttime sounds—the distant lapping of the water, the blast from a boat’s horn, the night creatures in communion with one another—never failed to set off a stirring of remembrance and an ache in her heart. Yet she couldn’t resist sitting there night after night, watching and listening, trying not to let her memories struggle to the surface of her thoughts, trying not to let new hope ignite the ashes of her dreams…

Trying not to think of Jeremiah.

But how could she not think of him? How did a woman love a man, even if their love was forbidden, and not see his face in her mind or hear his voice in her ear or remember the imprint of his smile upon her thoughts?

Common sense seemed to tell her it should be easy to put the man out of her head. They couldn’t be alone with each other. They couldn’t even pass the time of day unless they were in the company of others. If they happened to meet by accident, they were expected to separate as quickly as possible.

Yet even with all the rules and restrictions that kept them apart, Jeremiah Gant was still a part of her life. He flowed through her heart and traced the current of her days as surely and completely as the Ohio flowed through the valley, winding its way through the land, coursing through the days and lives of Rachel and the other Plain people.

Lately, there had been talk of leaving. Two years and more of unrest and harassment and threats— even death—had begun to wear on the Riverhaven Amish. It was rumored that talks were taking place among the church leaders, discussions of whether to remain in this once-peaceful valley that had become home to the entire community or to consider moving on.

There was no thought of fighting back, of seeking out the unknown adversaries and taking a stand against them. Even if the People could identify their tormenters, they would not confront them. The Amish were a people of nonresistance. They would not fight, not even to protect their own lives. It wasn’t their way. To strike out at another individual under any circumstances was strictly against the Ordnung, the unwritten but strict code that guided how they were to live.

The only person Rachel had ever known to defy the rule against fighting, even in self-defense, was Eli, her deceased husband. He’d gone against the Amish way when he defended Rachel against those who ambushed them on another November night, now four years gone. He had fought with desperation and all his strength, only to die at the hands of their attackers while allowing Rachel to escape.

She knew it was a grievous sin to have such a thought, but many had been the time she wished she could have died alongside Eli that terrible night rather than live through the grief-hollowed, barren days that followed his death. She had been totally devoted to Eli. Their marriage had been good, for they had been close friends as well as husband and wife. Rachel had thought she could never love another man after losing Eli.

And then Jeremiah Gant had come to Riverhaven, turning her life around, enabling her to love again— only to have that love forbidden. Even though Jeremiah had made it known he would willingly convert to the Amish faith, Bishop Graber refused to grant permission, once again leaving Rachel with a lost love and a broken heart.

Perhaps it would be better if they were to leave Riverhaven…leave the fear and the dread and the pain-filled memories behind.

Leave Jeremiah…

The thought stabbed her heart. Could she really face never seeing him again? Never again hear him say her name in that soft and special way he had of making it as tender as a touch? Never again see the smile that was meant for her alone?

In truth, it wasn’t only Jeremiah she would miss if they were to leave this fertile Ohio valley. She loved the land, the gentle hills, the singing river. She had come here when she was still a child, come from another place that had never truly been home to her. Here in Riverhaven though, she had felt welcome and accepted. At peace. At home.

At least for a time. It was almost as if she had become a part of the land itself. Even the thought of leaving made her sad beyond telling.

She sighed, knowing she should stir and make ready for bed, even though she felt far too restless for sleep. Would this be another of too many nights when her thoughts tormented her, circling like birds of prey, evoking an uneasiness and anxiety that would give her no peace?

Finally she stood, securing the window to ward off the cold, even though she sensed that the chill snaking through her had little to do with the night air. All too familiar with this icy wind of loneliness, she knew there was no warmth that could ease its punishing sting.


My thoughts...

It has been three years since book two and finally we learn the ending of Rachel and Gant's story.

Hoff is a great storyteller, I have enjoyed this Amish series very much. The struggles and difficulties of the community will hold your interest til the end. Throw in a little mystery and the underground railroad and you've got an exciting book. It gets 5 oit of 5 stars from me.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Happily Ever After Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Happily Ever After Giveaway Hop! .

This hop is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and Murphy's Library.

Each participating blog has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one. This giveaway is open to US only. This hop starts October 9 and runs through October 14 at midnight.

I'm giving away a copy of this book.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, October 4, 2012

An Amish Gift by Cynthia Keller

After her husband, Shep, loses his latest job, Jennie Davis is grateful to be in a car en route to beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Shep has inherited a house from a distant cousin, along with the cousin’s long-established bicycle shop. The move gives Jennie, Shep, and their two children a welcome chance for a fresh start.

While Shep dives into his new venture at the bike shop, Jennie carefully restores their broken-down house. She loves being a stay-at-home mom but yearns to find some fulfillment outside of her family—particularly as they struggle financially. On morning walks, she forges a friendship with her Amish neighbor, Mattie Fisher, who opens up about her modest way of life. Mattie’s unswerving good character in the face of adversity encourages Jennie to seek practical solutions to her own difficulties. A passing remark by Jennie’s son transforms desperation about their finances into inspiration, leading her to embark upon a candy-making enterprise.

Soon, Jennie’s newfound purpose collides with Shep’s growing stress at work and long-simmering tensions between husband and wife rise to the surface. As the holiday season approaches, their family is challenged as never before—until an unexpected visitor arrives to give Jennie the greatest gift of all.

My thoughts...

Shep's business is failing, debts are piling up, and he refuses to let Jennie work as he is the provider for the family. Living in a dumpy house that is embarrassing to her children, Jennie senses things are falling apart. Her relationship with Shep is almost non existant, her children are distant and constantly bicker. On a walk with her dog one morning Jennie meets the Amish woman she has seen many times while passing by. She's thrilled to finally meet Mattie, their friendship builds and the way of the Amish has its effect on Jennie and her family.

This is a sweet story with a good plot and good characters in a nice setting. The bond these two women form was one of true friendship, Mattie was a great influence on Jennie as was Mattie's family. Changes take place, hearts soften, children get hurt, and death occurs. A very good read! 5 out of 5 stars!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury

Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but her heart is back in Franklin, Tennessee, where five years ago she walked away from a man she cannot forget, a rare sort of love she hasn’t found since.

Ryan Kelly lives in Franklin and spends plenty of time at The Bridge—the oldest bookstore in historic downtown Franklin—remembering the long hours he and Kelly once spent there.

Now, Ryan and Molly’s favorite bookstore is in trouble. For thirty years, Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge, providing the people of middle Tennessee with coffee, conversation, and shelves of good books—even through dismal book sales and the rise of eBooks. Then in May a flood tore through Franklin and destroyed nearly every book in the store. By Christmastime, the bank threatens to pull the lease on The Bridge and is about to take the Bartons’ house as well. Despondent, Charlie considers ending his life. And in the face of tragedy, miracles begin to unfold.

My thoughts...

Karen never fails to deliver a heartwarming story and this one is no exception. Molly has a video taken by her beloved Ryan years ago that she watches every black Friday, it brings tears to her eyes and pain to her heart. She believes he is married with a family and living out his dreams while she still grieves what could've been since they left college.

Little does she know that Ryan believes she is married and running her father's corporation, a path her father had chosen for her. He often thinks about what might have been between them.

They are brought together when an old friend is unable to reopen his bookstore after a flood, the bookstore where Molly and Ryan spent countless hours.

What unfolds is a beautiful story of how they find each other again. Definitely worth the read! 5 out of 5 stars from me!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Courting Cate

When Amish farmer Pete Treger moves to Paradise Township, Pennsylvania, seeking a better life, he meets sisters Cate and Betsy Miller. Both are beautiful, but older sister Cate is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Betsy, on the other hand, is sweet and flirty--and seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!

However, the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard and fast rule: elder sister must marry first, before the younger can even start courting. Unfortunately for poor Betsy, and for the men who want to court her, her older sister, Cate, doesn't have any suitors--until Pete comes to town, that is.

Though he finds both sisters attractive, something about Cate's feisty demeanor appeals to him. Soon the other bachelors in the district convince Pete to court Cate. She hardly seems receptive to his overtures, though. Instead, she's immediately suspicious of his interest.

My thoughts...

An enjoyable tale of two young Amish people and their romance. It's an interesting plot, Cate and Betsy's father will not let Betsy and Levi marry until Cate is married. Spoiled Betsy uses her tears and pouting to get Cate to attend social events, court, and then tells Cate a lie to get her to marry Pete so that she and Levi can be married. Cate proposes a marriage of convenience to Pete and he agrees. What happens next is something I couldn't......wouldn't.....put up with.

I really enjoyed their story, loved both of their characters, and the future they pursue. Overall, a great book! 5 out of 5 stars!

I received an ecopy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tyndale Blog Tour ~ Borders of the Heart

Every life has a turning point, where one choice changes everything. Once that line is crossed, there's no going back.

J. D. Jessup finds his line in the desert near Tucson, as far from his home as the moon. He's traded his guitar and the songs in his head for the daily grind of an organic farm—a mind-numbing existence that dulls the pain of his memories.

His boss has one rule: if J. D. sees an "illegal," call the Border Patrol.

But when an early morning ride along the fence line leads him to Maria, a beautiful young woman near death, J. D.'s heart pushes him toward another choice. Longing to atone for the mistakes that drove him to the desert, J. D. hides her and unleashes a chain of deadly events he could never have imagined. Soon the two are running from a killer and struggling to stay alive. As the secrets that haunt him collide with Maria's past, J. D. realizes that saving her may be the only way to save himself.

Part thrill ride, part love story, Borders of the Heart is a tender yet gripping odyssey of hope.

My thoughts...

JD has a new job and only one rule...if he sees an illegal he is to call the border patrol. One morning he finds Maria near death by the border fence. The action begins!

Fabry has written another fantastic action packed suspense novel, that, combined with a little romance makes for a great read. Loved the plot, the characters, and insight as to how the Mexican drug cartels work. Wow!

JD and Maria's stories will tug at your heart strings. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

I received a copy of this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

His Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman

An unplanned pregnancy. An absent father. Can love really endure all things?

Danielle Kent is anything but Amish. But as destiny would have it, she has fallen in love with an Amish man.

Now she’s 18, pregnant, and hopeful that the child’s Amish father—Matthew Lapp—will do the right thing and marry her. She knows Matthew plans to leave his Colorado settlement for a life in the Englisch world. But that plan never included a baby.

When Matthew walks away from her and their unborn child, she has nowhere to turn. Her unlikely friendship with Levi offers some comfort—yet they have so little in common. This wasn’t the plan she had for her life, and she has never felt so alone. She doesn’t want to be pregnant. Doesn’t want to be Amish. Doesn’t want to trust God.

And yet.

God has plans beyond what her mind can imagine . . . loving plans to show a lost young woman that His love never fails but endures forever.

My thoughts...

What I found interesting in this book was the way the author brought the Amish and English into a relationship like you normally wouldn't see in an Amish book. The plot was great, loved the characters although Danielle can rub you the wrong way now and then. Levi was my favorite, what a good heart he has! This will touch your heart deeply.

I really liked that the story isn't predictable. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Escaping the Cauldron by Kristine McGuire

An eight-year journey through the occult and into freedom.

Escaping the Cauldron exposes the subtle occult influences that affect 21st century Christians. Part Bible study, part memoir, this book takes the reader deep inside Kristine's eight year journey as a witch, medium, and ghost hunter and reveals how God delivered her out of the occult altogether and mercifully restored her faith and life in Christ.

My thoughts...

This book is about exposing occult influences in everyday life, Kristine was a witch, a medium, a ghost hunter, and she had spirit guides. When she felt guilt about being a Christian and dealing with the occult she became a Christian witch, which is the newest fast growing way for it to be "ok" to dabble in the occult.

She was drawn in and quickly became one of the best in being led by spirits during ghost hunting excursions. Sometimes the things she did frightened herself but yet she kept telling herself it was a gift God had given.

An interesting read, contains lots of information about witchcraft and the evil spirits that followed her. 4 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.