BRINGING MAGGIE HOME

Three generations of women have had issues with their relationships due to a childhood trauma which affected how each girl was raised. When Hazel was ten, her three-year old sister disappeared while under her care and was never found. When Hazel’s granddaughter Megan, an investigator, finds out the truth, she begins an investigation that goes back to Arkansas seventy years ago when Hazel was a child. Megan begins to see how things that happened in their past makes them who they are today.

​My thoughts...

A tragedy entwines the lives of three generations of women…one woman’s turning her back on God has affected so many lives… this really makes you stop and think how loving God is and how He doesn’t give up on us even when we do turn our backs to Him. The book is an emotional read, there’s mystery as well. Arkansas in 1943 a child disappears and deeply effects the life of another child who is kept in the dark which results in harsh feelings. Definitely an intriguing (and heartbreaking) story.

This book made me stop and thank God for His faithfulness and strive to be more in tune with His gentle voice. Great job Kim Vogel Sawyer!

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

LIAR'S WINTER

Lochiel Ogle was born with a red-wine birthmark--and it put her life in jeopardy from the moment she entered the world. Mountain folks called it "the mark of the devil," and for all the evil that has plagued her nineteen-year existence, Lochiel is ready to believe that is true. And the evil surely took control of the mind of the boy who stole her as an infant, bringing her home for his mother to raise.

Abused and abandoned by the only people she knows as family, Lochiel is rescued by a peddler and given the first glimpse of love she has ever known. The truth of her past is gradually revealed as is the fact that she is still hunted by a brother driven to see her dead. Unsure if there's anyone she can truly trust, Lochiel is faced with a series of choices: Will she continue to run for escape or will she face her past and accept the heartbreaking secrets it reveals? Which will truly free her?

Set in the wild and beautiful Appalachian Mountains of nineteenth-century East Tennessee, Liar's Winter is an unflinching yet inspirational exploration of prejudice and choice.

​My thoughts...

What a great book! I loved everything about it…the setting, the characters, the storyline…amazing. People in that era believed a birthmark was a sign of the devil marking the baby and they were afraid of that person. How terribly sad for a child growing up to think she belonged to the devil, people being afraid of her for fear of being hexed.

Lochiel’s worst enemy is her brother who vowed to kill her because of a port wine birthmark on her face, the misery this child went through makes one shudder to think about. Thankfully, Lochiel has someone that will try to help hide her from this threat on her life.

This is a wonderfully written novel that kept me reading every chance I could. If you have an interest in the Appalachians, the early 1900’s, or are just looking for a weekend read this is the book for you.

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

MANY SPARROWS

In the year 1774 in the Ohio Kentucky frontier, the Colonists begin taking over the Native American territories. Philip must leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob, alone on a mountain trail. The Shawnee Indians take Jacob and hold him captive. Philip does not return and Clare must find the best way possible to get her son back.

​My thoughts...

An engaging story of the white man and Shawnee indian trying to learn to live together. The two main characters are so likeable, each with their own powerful stories to tell. Both are strong willed and have been hurt so are careful not to let someone get too close. This is not a sappy tale, it’s one of faith, patience, and believing in God’s timing. Vivid detail and wonderfully written, you feel the sense of loss and fear in Clare as she struggles to bring her sons home. You want to find out what happens yet you feel saddened as you near the end of the book.

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

WATER MY SOUL

Darla Weaver writes out of her own struggles with Christian discipleship so that others will know Old Order Mennonites are human too and often long to walk closer to God. She bares her heart in these 90 devotionals drawn from her home-centered life in western Ohio’s hills. While family, gardening, cooking with home grown food, and living as naturally as possible off the land are the focus of her days, her utmost goal is to serve and honor the Christ she loves and serves through all aspects of her life. Women especially will relate to these meditations generously sprinkled with stories from Darla’s children, marriage, community and wider friends and family. Daily scripture readings, poignant prayers and journal prompts or ideas for active responses are included with each inspiring devotional.

​My thoughts...

This book is a really good idea, I so enjoyed how the author related how God speaks to us through ordinary daily busyness. If we listen even though we are active we will hear His voice…the key is listening and being attuned to the Spirit.

I use a devotional in the mornings and have been using this book in the evenings, it’s the perfect ending to my day. The cover is beautifully simple and the words will give you something to ponder and reflect. If we look we can see God’s greatness all around us.

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

JOURNEY INTO GRACE

Life is a journey of joyful moments and painful moments, including twists and turns that threaten to undo us. But if we allow God to work through the joy and the pain, that journey can lead to the life-sustaining richness of His Grace and an intimate relationship with Him. That truth is the core of international speaker and teacher Darlene Sala’s new women’s devotional, Journey into Grace. With Darlene’s heartfelt voice alongside two coauthors, including her daughter, Bonnie, the 150 readings explore themes such as fear, forgiveness, learning, loving, prayer, and relationships. This book offers women quiet moments with God as they bring their real life challenges to His feet.

​My thoughts...

I enjoy a good devotional to enhance my bible reading. The subject of grace is never overdone, it’s what Christianity is all about. I found much wisdom in the book and a variety of encouraging topics which are backed with scripture. There’s 150 devotions along with questions & reflections ending with prayer…all of which helps you focus on Jesus. I like the book, it’s one I’ll enjoy using.

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