The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis

Beverly Lewis is one of my favorite Amish fiction authors.  Somehow she manages to get me loving her new characters more than I thought that I ever would.  I have been drawn into Hickory Hollow and it seems like such a quaint place to live and is one that is easily pictured in my mind.

Joanna Kurtz is an endearing character who has a love for writing fiction.  Her submissive spirit and her willingness to give up her love of writing was beautiful.  I'm not sure I could have done that!  I loved the story about her namesake and the quilt.  I was sad that Eben and Joanna couldn't get married and just couldn't really see how they could get together because of their location differences and family responsibilities.  I loved the ending, even though I was a little sad for Eben's family and what they had to give up.

This is the second book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series.  You don't have to have read the first book in the series in order to know the characters in this book.  It does use, as the main characters, one family from the first book.  I can't wait until April 2, 2013 when the third book, The Guardian, comes out!

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Fight Your Way to a Better Marriage by Dr. Greg Smalley

I really enjoy reading marriage books and learning new ideas to implement into my marriage.  My husband and I don't fight a lot, but this book was full of tips that I found very insightful and helpful.  I have heard people tell others that if they have a lot of conflict in their marriage, then there's trouble.  This book debunks that truth. In fact, conflict is not only important, but it's going to happen.  We can choose how we are going to resolve the problems though and what attitude we will take in resolving it.

If I had to pick a favorite chapter, it would be the chapter called "Lies Written on Your Heart."  Satan loves to tell us lies in our marriages and it was encouraging to read a few that I know Satan has wanted me to believe.  Another great chapter was the L.U.V.E. Talk chapter.  It was so good to hear how we sometimes invalidate our spouses even if we don't mean to.

This is a book for both healthy marriages and those that are struggling.  It would also be a great gift or premarital counseling book, in my opinion.

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Past Darkness by Laurel Woiwode

I was drawn in to this book during the first chapter.  I am a musician so I was excited about reading this book because music was a love of the characters.  I was saddened by the tragedy that occurred in Gabrielle's family and I appreciated her attitude while adjusting to her new "normal."  She did not seem bitter, wasn't out for revenge, and didn't get caught up with the wrong crowd or allow the tragedy to be an excuse for why she did things.  She accepted it as it was, mourned, and moved on while still going through the grief process.  She had an attitude that made her very endearing and enjoyable to read.

The way that she worked through her relationships with her grandparents who wanted nothing to do with her father was beautiful.  Knowing that she would even try when they didn't even bother to come to their own son's funeral was merciful.  I enjoyed seeing mercy played out through the pages of this book.

The only thing that I disliked about this book was the fact that it used two words that I feel are words that don't really belong in a "Christian fiction" book.  In fact, I read Christian fiction so that I don't have to read those words.  If I wanted to read them, then I would read other books, but I like that to be my escape where I don't have to censor all that goes into my head.  I consider these words to be curse words but I know some people don't and are more lenient.  However, since I am to be honest, I lost some interest in the book after reading it.  I just couldn't find the same connection I once had because I had been thrown off of what I feel are words that reflect a Christ-like attitude.  Once again, I know everyone has an opinion and this may not bother many people, but it did me.

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I received this book free from Crossway in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Hope Unseen by Captain Scotty Smiley

It is hard to capture my entire thoughts on this book.  I would be saddened one moment and then hopeful and then would bust out laughing.  It's been a while since a book took me on such a roller coaster ride!

Captain Scotty Smiley is an inspiration to all.  I had just read something in my Bible study a few days ago about how our health may not be the blessing God gives us.  Maybe the blessing is having a righteous character through our bad health.  I read that right before I got this book and I think that sums up Smiley quite well.  He struggled with God, as most would do when going through a trial, but he realized God didn't leave him.  He still kept his righteous character and knows that God has a purpose and a reason for him to be blind.

I found the stories he told quite fascinating, but I teared up when he talked about not seeing his children.  I had never really thought about how being blind would mean that you couldn't see them.  I'm not for sure why that never crossed my mind, but it didn't.  I was sad for him in that regard but I absolutely loved how he said that he would "see" them in heaven one day and that the Lord's face would be the first one he saw.  That was so beautiful and such a testament to his strong faith.

I really enjoyed the humorous stories that were placed throughout this book, as well.  He has a way of making situations not seem so bad because of his humor.  I loved the visual I got from the story he told about his wife and him watching television and her trying to describe it to him.  I also liked the one where she had to try to name the famous sports people in the room with them.  Being a woman, I know that is a task that isn't easy to do for most girls.

This book needs to be read by all.  It's an encouragement for those who can't seem to find their way out of despair and want to give up.  It's an eye-opener for those who haven't fought in the war on terror and are for the most part, oblivious to what they are seeing over there.  It's a reminder for believers to pray for their safety and for their families daily.

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I received this book from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Living in Harmony by Mary Ellis

What a great beginning to a brand new series by Mary Ellis!  This is the first book in her "The New Beginnings" series that involve 4 sisters who have suddenly become orphans after their parents died in a house fire.  Two of the sisters stay in Lancaster, but 2 (Amy and Nora) go with Amy's fiance to Maine to be with his brother and sister-in-law.  Amy's fiance, John, is convinced Maine is where they need to be, despite the rules being stricter than Lancaster.

I really struggled with liking John for most of the book.  By the end, he won me over, but there were many moments where I disliked him.  He came across as selfish and self-absorbent to me.  Amy was sweet and I thought that she could do better.  I was glad that things changed for both of them at the end of the boo.

I am looking forward to reading her second book in the series as she goes further with Nora.  I suspect something might happen with John's brother, Elam, and I can't wait to see what happens with them and how their family responds.  I do hope there is some reconciliation with his family and that they become a bit more understanding with both of them. 

I also would like to hear more about how Amy and John fare in the new life together.  I really liked Sally and Thomas.  I struggled some with liking Thomas, but I also began to like him as he softened in his ways a bit.  This is another great book by Mary Ellis that is quite enjoyable to read.

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I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion about this book.

Come to the Table by Neta Jackson

I remember reading the first book of the Yada Yada Sisters and House of Hope series books by Neta Jackson and feeling so connected to the characters.  I loved them!  I felt that they were real and loved how God was the center of their friendship.  I was so sad to see that series come to an end and truly thought that her next series would be nowhere near as good.  I just thought I couldn't connect to any other characters like I did in the other series.  I should have known better because this new series has made me instantly fall in love with these characters as well.  I love Kat and her impulsiveness and how she is new to the faith but wants to know more.  She is one that will challenge those ones in the book who have been believers and active in the church to take a good look at themselves.

This is the second book in her new series, SouledOut Sisters series and I can hardly wait to see what the third book will reveal.  I, as an avid reader of her other series, really appreciate that she brought some of those other characters into this new series and offers updates on Avis and Peter and Rochelle.

Kat has so much enthusiasm about God and wanting to do something life-changing.  She is not shy when it comes to talking about healthy foods and how all need an opportunity to select healthy foods to eat.  This leads to her idea of a food pantry, but needless to say, those "seasoned" Christians are a little less enthused about her idea.  They have learned not to just jump into something without prayer and they know how hard it is to continue with something started.  However, Kat is so excited about God and wants to jump in headfirst with her plans. 

This book is one that is hard to put down and one that I found myself saying "just one more chapter...."  Neta's books tend to make me want to spend some time with the Lord as I'm reading.  I love that about her writing.  She makes it feel like you are spending time with God, but through her characters.  She opens up their spiritual lives so we can relate and I appreciate that.

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I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing through their Booksneeze program in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Sugar Fork by Walt Larimore

I had no idea what to expect of this book and didn't know whether this was a book I would enjoy or not.  I had never read anything by Walt Larimore but decided to give it a chance.  I have found that more often than not, I really come to love those authors that I haven't been introduced to yet.  I'm very excited that I can now add Larimore to my list of authors that I will continue to read.  I have already been online to search out Hazel Creek to see if it is somehow attached to this book and I think it is. 

Sugar Fork is not part of a series, from my understanding, but it does continue the story from Hazel Creek and I believe another one will follow it because the reader is left hanging at the end of the story.  From what I read about Hazel Creek, the characters are the same so I am excited to read it to get more of the back story on the Randolph family.

Based with the setting of the Great Smoky Mountains wilderness during 1925-1926, this book is full of history that I never knew about.  I knew "mountain folks" were looked down upon by the city people and that those who lived in the mountains stuck together, but I didn't know the history, including prohibition, trying to get a national park, and the world of lumber and to what lengths people would go to obtain trees.

I was very sad for Abbie, but was amazed at her strength throughout the book.  I could totally relate to her losing it with her sisters towards the end of the book, which I enjoyed.  Up to that point, she had flaws, but I think this made her seem more real and less perfect in my eyes.  The pain she must have felt with the tragedies that occurred in her life would be horrific.  However, her unwavering strength in God was beautiful to watch.  I liked how the community pulled together to care and watch over the girls and even came to love "the Haint."

Rich in history, but full of a beautiful story, this is a book that you will agree is a story well-told.  I could easily picture the places and people in my head.  If you haven't read anything by Larimore, start with this book or Hazel Creek. 

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I received this book free from Howard Publishing, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

I have grown to really enjoy historical fiction and was glad to find another author that I want to add to my "favorite authors" list.  As the story opens, I found myself anxiously awaiting arrival in America.  I thought a lot about what it must have been like to have been on a boat for an extended time and all you had were thoughts of what America would be like.  I immediately stepped into Cara's shoes of her joyous arrival at Ellis Island. 

Just as I was beginning this story, I was immediately introduced to the suspenseful part of this novel.  I was immediately intrigued, which led to me not being able to put this book down.  It seemed that each character was carrying a secret.  I think that these secrets helped lead up to the suspenseful part of this book. 

The history throughout the book was intriguing and I actually hope she includes more information on it throughout her next couple of books.  I didn't know much about the Catholic/Protestant conflicts, but I found that topic very interesting.  Being Irish and having a great-great-grandfather who was the one who brought his family from Ireland to America, I was thrilled to learn a little bit more about my heritage, in a sense. 

This book is the first in her new series, Edge of Freedom.  I really hope I don't have to wait too long before book 2 is released.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Debt-Proof Your Christmas by Mary Hunt

Every Christmas, I vow for my Christmas present buying to be different.  Less stuff, less money, less spending.  However, come Black Friday and that tends to go out the window as sales are posted of things that are nice to have, but not really necessary.

I was really thankful that this book came out just in time for the Christmas season.  I love how she tells her readers to leave the credit card at home and just take the cash.  We do that and it makes it so much easier knowing that it is paid for already and won't have after-Christmas bills to pay.

The chapter of the "The Gentle Art of Gift Giving" was extremely helpful because I seem to never know how to give a gift to people like babysitters, mail carriers, garbage men, etc.  Another helpful chapter was the "Finding the Bargains" chapter that listed great sites for cheaper shoes, merchandise, electronics, books, clothes, etc.  Since I tend to do more shopping online, I found these sites very helpful.  I hadn't heard of some of them so I glad to learn of new sites.

This book is not only full of advice on not going in debt for Christmas presents and remembering why we are celebrating Christmas, but it also has present ideas for people in your workplace, family, and general ideas that would work for neighbors or anyone else you'd like to give a present to.  She includes recipes if you want to do a kitchen gifts as well as gifts that you can fit in a jar.  It has ways to dress your tree, hang your lights, entertaining, and how to spend time just enjoying your family.

With the rush of Christmas upon me, I found this book not only a help that I will be bringing out yearly, but also one that filled me with ideas and encouragement to know that yes, it's true...Christmas isn't about any present.  It's not quantity.  It's the thought.  Thanks for another very helpful book and am looking forward to more of your advice that you are willing to share with us, your readers!
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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Weight of Mercy by Deb Richardson-Moore

Despite not agreeing with everything that the author says, I found this book to pierce so much that it goes straight to your heart.  Working with troubled youth that come from hard places, I can relate to so much of her feelings.  I could understand just wanting to trust someone at the facility, when in reality, you can't trust anyone.  I can relate to frustration that addicts would choose their drugs/alcohol/other things over their families or their futures.  I can relate to the helplessness of what the next step should be.  I can relate to the uncomfortableness because this is out of our comfort zones.  This was an encouragement to me to know that I am normal in my feelings and that it's okay to acknowledge that but to not let fear rule.

Deb Richardson-Moore has a true passion for the people who enter through the doors of Triune Mercy Center, as well as for those who haven't blessed them with their presence.  She didn't have any problems with asking a drug addict for help.  She sees past the addiction, past the problems, and shows her readers that these are real people who have made wrong choices or that have had a hard life. 

I closed this book knowing that I would be even more patient and even more passionate about the kids that I work with and I'm glad.  Too often you hear of only negative things concerning the "youth of this day."  It was nice to know that someone else has a huge heart for those who struggle with things that can only be accomplished with God's help.  If we're honest, we all struggle with things that only God can help us accomplish.

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I received this book free from Kregel Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Season for Tending by Cindy Woodsmall

The cover of this book was very appealing to me.  I thought the Amish lady was beautiful and the title of the book took up just a small section and was written in a beautiful font.  I was very excited to read this book simply because it looked so good.  I'm not necessarily a girl who reads books by their cover, but I won't say that I don't enjoy reading books that do have pretty ones!

Cindy Woodsmall is among the top in my favorite authors who write Amish fiction.  She writes in such a way that is easy to read and I feel like she captures you into the Amish way of life.  When I feel the need for simplicity in my hectic life, I like to escape in her pages and pretend life has slowed down a bit.

A Season for Tending is a book that has stayed true to the way Woodsmall writes.  It's heart-wrenching to read about Emma's death and to to truly feel the guilt that Rhoda felt over the death of her sister.  To watch her come to terms with that guilt and to weigh taking a risk that would make her start life in a new way is exciting.  It's still difficult, as all of life is, but it's real and readers can relate to dealing with grief and guilt. 

Woodsmall incorporates her dealings with an apple orchard in this book, which shows her passion and her knowledge about apple orchards.  I felt as though I was learning about apple orchards as I was reading but in a subtle way.

This is the first book in her new series called the Amish Vines and Orchard Series.  I am looking forward to the release of the second in the series!

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I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers through their Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Paper Angels by Jimmy Wayne and Travis Thrasher

This book needs to be noted as a life-changing fiction book  that everyone should read before Christmas.  The principles of this book obviously reach far beyond Christmas time, but the setting is Christmas which is perfect for this time of year.  It's not often that I read a fiction book that challenges me.  Several times I would set the book aside to go finish cleaning or something and I would find myself thinking about how much I lack in giving.  I wasn't prepeared for this book to challenge me.

Written from experience, Jimmy Wayne knows what it means to be a recipient of the Angel Tree program from the Salvation Army.  I imagine that Thomas is a character patterned after Wayne in some ways.  I had never heard of Jimmy Wayne or Travis Thrasher but now I want to read more about them.  The writing of this book was excellent and was a story that was beautifully told in a challenging way.

My heart broke reading about the challenges that both Kevin, the one who chose to take Thomas' name off the tree, and Thomas' families faced.  I hated to hear of the conditions that Thomas lived in, but loved seeing the generosity and answered prayers that each family received.  Thomas had such a sweet spirit and was able to turn seemingly bad things, like bullying, into a blessing for someone else.  I couldn't believe the ending when I read about Thomas' presents.  I was amazed and kept wondering if I would have done that.  In my selfishness, I'm sure I wouldn't have. 

I'm really glad that I read this book.  I tend to be a bit on the stubborn side and like it when messages are subtle in a story not directly telling me how I need to change.  It made me see for myself that I still have a long way to go to be what I really want to be.  In all honesty, I thought I was a giving person.  I know now that materialism has seeped it's way into our families without us really knowing it.  I'm very appreciative for this eye-opening fact and this thought-provoking, hopefully life-changing book.

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers, a division of SimonandSchuster Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Christmas Roses by Amanda Cabot

I fell in love with the characters of this book right away.  A widow with a baby who is working hard to provide for her family is incredibly easy to love.  Then there's a man on a search whom you watch as he falls in love with a woman and you can't help but hope he gets what he never thought he needed.  This story is such a beautiful reminder of how God wants us, no matter how we try to convince ourselves that God couldn't possibly want us anymore.  It also reminds us that He is a merciful and sovereign God when everything within us can't understand why He would do certain things.

Amanda Cabot writes with in a way that draws you near and into the spirit of Christmas.  She captures what you dream Christmas should be about and not on money or other materialistic things.  She is able to create such vivid imagery where you come up with the perfect boardinghouse in your own mind with these people who are involved so intricately in the story.

I personally loved Celia and her personality.  She had a sweet spirit, wasn't bitter (although she had been), and she even admitted that she might be falling in love.  She was gentle in her denying of the men who wanted to court her and she was honest with Mark about her previous marriage.  I found that I didn't want this book to end and I wished it could have been longer.  However, I do know it's a Christmas story and isn't supposed to be long.  I was just so endeared to Celia and Mark's story.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson

A beautiful Christmas novel from the perspective of a little girl is the perfect way to begin any Christmas season.  I always anticipate the sweet Christmas novels that come out because they are shorter and easy to read during a busy holiday season.

Set in 1937, Lucy is the main character from which this story is told.  She longs for a pony for Christmas, but her mother says that only rich people have ponies.  Her father died and her mother is left struggling and relies on boarders in order to feed her family.  The last thing Lucy ever expected to get for Christmas is the very thing that she and her mother receives.

I definitely had a hard time liking Veronica.  She was an annoying character to me because of her attitude.  I was very glad when she left the pages of the book and I didn't have to hear from her again!  However, George was a man that I instantly liked and hoped that he would be smart and not fall for the wrong woman.  I wish that I knew more about Lucy's mom, but I think that helped to make the book more special as I only know about her through Lucy's eyes.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Resurrect by David E. Stevens

I am not really for sure what I originally expected this book to be about, but I know that I would have never anticipated this book containing such a complex and action-packed plot.  I did expect action, but the plot was nowhere near what I anticipated. I had to let go of what I had planned in my head and grab hold of what David E. Stevens had originally planned for me, as the reader, to understand.

The style of writing was the first thing that I noticed.  I enjoyed his details and his knowledge about the military that he was able to incorporate into the book.  I really haven't ever given much thought to comets or asteroids hitting earth, but he writes with such conviction that it does make you consider the possibility.  He has done much research on the science behind this book and it is displayed throughout his book.

This is the first book of a trilogy, and this one ends with a bit of wonder left for the reader.  It's not your typical book, but it is very good and is one that will provoke some thought.

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For more reviews on this book,go to

http://litfusegroup.com/author/DStevens.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Monarch Books/Kregel Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann

I'm not certain if this book is part of a series or not.  I researched it and I do know that "A Rush of Wings" and "The Still of Night" precede this book and this book continues on with the story that has been created in the other two books.  Having read neither one of those books, I was pleased to find this book easy to follow, the characters were clear to me with a little bit of history and I felt as though this novel could stand alone by itself.  I am going to track down the other two books, though, because I just can't stand to not know what came before this book!

 

I was gripped from the very first chapter.  The prologue did a great job explaining the history and my heart broke for Morgan and for his wife and precious daughter.  Knowing this was only a story, I found it so easy to relate as a real-life scenario in which loved ones are taken away by accidents daily.  Even though I barely knew Jill as a character, I felt as though I needed to grieve along with Morgan for a bit before I could begin to accept him possibly having an interest in someone else.  I liked Quinn and her personality.  It was endearing and an easy-to-like kind of girl. 

 

The cover of this book was intriguing.  It is kind of mysterious looking, but draws you to pick it up to discover what this book about.  The back synopsis does a good job highlighting the book without giving too much information away.

 

Suspenseful and romantic, this book has it all.  It is one that you will think about long after you have closed the book for the final time.

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For more reviews on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/breathofdawn.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Courting Cate by Leslie Gould

I know not to judge a book by its cover, but I must say that this cover caught my eye and I immediately wanted to read it.  The cover is beautiful and quite attractive.  That goes for the back cover, too.  Most of the books don't carry over their beauty from the front of the book to the back, but I found that was just another part that made this book so desiring for me to read before I even opened it to the pages.  I also really like the slick feel of the book.  It's very clean cut and I actually liked taking it with me places because other people asked about it's beautiful cover.  It reassured me that I wasn't the only one who hadn't seen such a beautiful cover in a while!

As I started the book, I was immediately drawn to Cate.  I enjoyed reading about Cate in first person because I could envision myself as being her.  I think of it as I'm reading a play part and playing a character.  I was able to get into the character of Cate quite easily.  I liked her spunk at first and how opinionated she was.  However, as the story went on, she kind of got on my nerves a bit.  I felt that she was very bitter and it annoyed me that she didn't want to just let it go that she had been hurt before.  I did like how she went to Pete's house after they were married and slowly, she began to change.  Her old self was chipped away into something beautiful.  I would absolutely love to see how marriage changes her in future books.  Her sister, Betsy, was very manipulating and I couldn't figure out my thoughts on her.  Even now as I've finished the book and have pondered on it a day, I just can't seem to form an opinion on her.  Pete was very sweet and he captured my heart from his first entrance.  He seemed to be very devoted and had morals.  He also seemed up to the task of convincing someone who didn't want to be loved that she did, in fact, need to be loved. 

I was very glad at the ending and glad things happened as they did.  At the rate Cate was going, I don't think she would have pursued marriage on her own!  I'm looking forward to the next books in the series and would love to see updates on Cate and Betsy.  There were parts of this book that I laughed out loud because of something Cate had said or thought.  I loved the lightness of this book, yet it held some deeper thoughts of forgiveness and choosing your attitude and moving past circumstances.  Any reader of Amish fiction will definitely want to add this to their bookshelves.

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To read more reviews on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/LGould

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Placebo by Steven James

This book gripped me from the first sentence.  I was hooked even when I didn't want to be!  I have never heard of this author and was a little unsure if I would even like this book.  I figured that I would give it a chance, but had set my mind to think I would end up not liking it.  I was so wrong. 

My heart broke from the first pages and those pages were intense.  The rest of the book grew in intensity and at times I thought I wouldn't be able to take any more!  Many times I would try to set a time limit to reading it so that it wouldn't consume my thoughts, but too often I turned the timer off and sat back down to read "just one more chapter."

I personally liked the first person storytelling.  It's something different that I hadn't read in quite a long time.  It made me feel as though I was, in fact, one of the characters and I think that's partly what made it more intense.  Of course, I wanted answers and I didn't want to be hurting by my wife's actions!

This book is the first book in the Jevin Banks Experience Series.  I'm very much looking forward to the second book in this series and to see how the story all plays out.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Prayers of a Stranger by Davis Bunn

I really enjoy the stories written by Davis Bunn.  He is such a beautiful storyteller and knows just how to tug at the heart of the readers.  He paints vivid pictures with his stories and makes you feel as if your own heart is on the same journey that his characters are on. 

Amanda and Chris have suffered the most difficult loss that a parent could ever experience.  Their firstborn baby was born stillborn last Christmas and they have spent the past year figuring out how to heal.  Amanda's neighbor, Emily, has asked Amanda to go to Israel with her since her husband, Frank, can't go because of an impending surgery.  The both have their own reasons for wanting to go, but they are both seeking a miracle.  Amanda wants to be healed in her marriage, in her life, and in her heart.  She wants to be able to risk loving and being loved again. 

I was very fond of the story taking place in Israel and how much of an importance it played in the healing process.  I also liked the friendships that formed between Frank and Chris and how Chris held himself in the world of business.  I also liked watching the healing process play out over the pages of the book.  It was so real and yet so beautiful to see them learning to love again and to take risks. 

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I received this book free from Booksneeze Program and Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller

I was so sad at the very beginning of this book!  I hate to see in the prologue that a man's wife has died and left him with 4 girls and a 3-month-old baby.  However, as the story went along, I became less sad and was able to reconcile the fact that perhaps Ingrid and Joshua belonged together.  However, to make them see that was a little harder to happen!

Ingrid was a delightful character, one that I sympathized with and felt sorry for.  I felt for Joshua as he walked through widowhood and had girls that he didn't know what to do with but dearly loved.  Then top it off with inlaws who were spreading rumors that he killed his wife and my heart was heavy for him.

When Ingrid is treated less than kind by Millicent, the lady who she is "hired help" for, she leaves Millicent for a nice, kind, older lady.  I actually loved watching Millicent get what she deserved.  I didn't like her from the beginning and I had a hard time with her throughout the book.

I was captivated by the book from the prologue.  It drew me in and got me to the point that I had to continue despite all of the house cleaning that needed to be done.  I just had to see how things ended up for Joshua and Ingrid and whether or not they could learn to actually love each other or if it would just be going through the motions.

I am looking forward to more books by Serena Miller since I am fairly new to her.  I have been pleased with her writing-style and at how well she can get her story across.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

People Can't Drive You Crazy If You Don't Give Them the Keys by Mike Bechtle

I was intrigued by the title of this book alone.  I'm typically a people pleaser and find that those people who are a bit type A really stress me out.  I take it personally if people get mad at me, whether they've had a bad day or not.  I try to avoid difficult people when given the opportunity but sometimes God puts me smack dab in the middle of them.

I liked how he talked about Mood Mastery and how to focus on the things that you can change and not necessarily the things that you can't change.  Another piece of wisdom that I needed to hear was about temperament and how we need to understand the other person's temperament and accept it.  It's not that we are saying that their behavior is right or acceptable, but we are saying that we understand their behavior is a part of them in some way.

The fact that some people like being negative is not a new insight, but it was very encouraging to know that I'm not the only one who encounters people who are so negative.  That whole section offered encouragement and lifted my spirits a bit as I learned a little about how to react to their negativity.

This book is a great book for absolutely anyone who is around another human being that they find is difficult to love or work with, which I think would sum up to be everyone.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Flight of Fancy by Laurie Alice Eakes

I am thoroughly enjoying this series by Laurie Alice Eakes.  This is the second book in the Daughters of Bainbridge Series and I think the series keeps getting better and better.  I'm looking forward to the third book and what I expect will be more of Honore's story and future.

I found the whole concept of ballooning very interesting.  I have never stopped to think about how people actually figured out how to balloon.  I was impressed with the knowledge and research that must have went into learning about ballooning by Eakes.  The formulas, the correct concoctions, and many experiments where you hope you have it right all made the side of balloons fascinating. 

I took an immediate liking to Cassandra and LordWhittaker.  Major Crawford made my skin crawl from the very beginning.  There was just something about him that I didn't like.  I think it's quite good when an author can make a reader's skin crawl!  I did get a little tired of Cassandra and her view of the incident that left her less than perfect.  I was ready for her to overcome it a little sooner than when she did.

Being the second book in the series, there is no difficulty in picking up this book to read first and then going back to read the first one later.  Eakes did a great job at filling in some information from the first book as a review for those who had read it and as a fresh start to those who were starting with book number 2.  I am definitely excited to read book 3 and see what the Bainbridge girls will do and what trouble they will either cause or be in!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Farmer's Daugther by Dawn Stoltzfus

I absolutely loved cooking out of this cookbook.  I tried several recipes out of this book and all of them were a hit with my family.  That's saying a lot since I have to please a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. 

Our favorite food that we made was the potato soup.  It was very easy and very quick.  It didn't require a lot of ingredients, but just your usual prep work of a few things.  I really liked that the recipe didn't call for any shortcuts with pre-packaged foods.  Most of them used normal ingredients that didn't come in a jar!  I love cooking homemade and found that this was recipe was a one that would be used again many times over the winter months.

I also did the pumpkin spice latte and it was really good, as well.  Of course, since I have had Starbucks mostly, I had expected the taste of their drink.  It took me a few sips, but once I got it in my head that it would never and was never expected to have that taste, I enjoyed it.  What I enjoyed most about that recipe was the story above it that spoke about her mom making it for her after a long trip.  While I drank it, I imagined what it must have been like.  I'm sentimental like that, so I enjoy the personal stories over recipes.

One that I'm looking forward to making over Thanksgiving is the Toasted Butter Pecan Cake and I really want to try the Granola balls, too. 

This cookbook is one that I know I will probably try every recipe because most of them are normal ones that a family tends to eat on a weekly basis.  They are not time-consuming recipes, but taste wonderful because they are homemade.  That's the kind of recipe book I look for!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman

This book was such a delight to read.  It was fun and definitely had unexpected plots throughout the book.  I absolutely disliked Mr. Landau but did find a soft spot for him at the end of the book.  I enjoyed Franny and how she was a simple lady...no frills, so special impressions...just herself.  I think that endeared her to me and made me easily connect with her.  Had Charlie Landau's ex-girlfriend been one of the main characters of the book, I think I would have disliked it a lot!

Being a music therapist, I like it when any book emphasizes the arts and music.  Since these two fell in love over music and planned to add music to their lives, I could easily relate to them.  It was interesting to read about Willie and how he had a turn around with himself and with his father.  You don't learn too much about him, but you learn enough to make you want to know more.  He definitely has a story to tell!

Franny and Charlie meet when Charlie wants to purchase Franny's farm.  Franny wants to pursue her dream in the city but she soon finds out that not all dreams are meant to be followed.  She returns to the farm as "hired help," but not before she's made a difference in the life of a friend who rescued her on the most horrible day of her life in the city.  Both know they love each other from the first time they met and danced together, but neither are from the same social class.  Franny has no money and no fame.  Charlie has lots of money and is from a well-known family.  What is it about Christmas that seems to bring people together despite so many differences?

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For more opinions on this book, go to: http://litfusegroup.com/author/AHigman

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Meet Anita:

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She's been a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Find out more about Anita at http://www.anitahigman.com.

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About A Merry Little Christmas:

Fall in love with this cozy story about two people from different worlds.

Franny Martin is an Oklahoma farm girl who's preparing to spend the holidays alone...again. Then Charlie Landau shows up one day, all wealth and polish, and offers to buy Franny's farm. Franny has no money to speak of, but she is clever and spirited, and she's more than happy to sell the farm and move to the city.

As Sinatra croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon her charming farm, Franny teaches Charlie the curious and sometimes comical ways of country life. In the process, they unearth some discoveries of the heart-that sometimes love comes when you're least ready for it. Will the holidays bring their most impossible dreams within reach?

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/eyLJH  

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Summerside Press in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury

What book lover would hate the setting of this book?!  The Bridge is a bookstore that is in financial distress, but it is a bookstore that is a landmark in Franklin, Tennessee.  All of the locals know about it and go there.  Well, they used to until the 100-year flood destroyed the store and all of the items inside of it. 

The Bridge is much more though.  It also happens to be the one place that Molly Allen and Ryan Kelly could go to share their passions about books.  It was the place where Molly could be free and know that her father didn't have someone watching her and her movements 24/7.  It was the place where they could fall in love and dream and hope could grow.  But when their dreams get squelched and the beloved owners of the Bridge fall on hard times, will either find hope again?  Will the Bridge once again offer treasured books to customers and will it bridge a relationship that may not be meant to happen?

I am a huge Karen Kingsbury fan and this book was as great as all of her other books.  She writes in such a way that makes you feel like you are walking along on a journey with the characters.  She knows how to tug at the heart and get you so absorbed in her books that you just can't put it down.

The book itself is a short book, which I found to be a nice change.  I actually could read the book in a few hours with distractions from kids!  I was delighted by that fact alone.  It may be a short book, but it packs a lot of content.  As Kingsbury does in many of her books, she loves to show the redemption of people and that God is a God of second chances. 

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I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for my honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren

I was hooked on this book from the first page.  I must say, I don't always read the back of the book to find out an overview before I begin reading a book. I like to be surprised and try to figure out if the cover will give me any clues as to what the book is about.  Let me just say that this cover was definitely not what I thought the book was about!  Had I read the back of the book, I would have totally understood!  I figured it had to do with a relationship, but I was thinking it was a romance book.

 

It is a romance book, to some degree.  Annalise has a husband and 3 children and is the poster mom of perfection.  She seems to have it all and to have a perfect life.  Her husband is running for mayor and she seems to be the perfect mayor's wife.  However, her past means that she doesn't need to be in the spotlight or she could put her family and herself in a deathly situation.

 

I loved this plot because I had not read much about the Witness Protection before and I found it very interesting.  It was heartbreaking to think about having to tell my children goodbye for their own protection and to never know anything else about them.  When I read the back where Susan May Warren talks about where she got the idea for this book, I was stunned.  I guess that I never realized that people really do have to tell their families goodbye.  It brought tears to my eyes when I thought of the poor lady on a plane to tell her daughter goodbye for a final time, knowing she'd never know what she'd grow up to be or what her life held for her.

 

I was flipping pages, anxious to find out what happens to Annalise and her family.  Would she choose to disrupt her life again and start new?  Could she really give up her family twice?  I can't say enough about this plot because it was so intriguing to me.  I found myself thinking about this book long after I closed it for the final time.  This is a book that will demand your attention once you start reading!

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To read more reviews on this book, go to: http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/you-dont-know-me-by-susan-may-warren-200-weekend-getaway-giveaway-and-facebook-party-1023

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I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Marriage of Your Dreams by Rick Johnson

What wife doesn't want to know more about their husband and what he's really like?  My favorite part of this book were when women asked Rick Johnson questions and he answered them.  Some of them made me laugh because they were a simple one word answer when I'm sure the women really wanted more of an explanation....because that's how we are!  His answers were so much like my husbands, which made me realize that perhaps my husband isn't that odd after all.  Maybe more guys really do think like that. 

Johnson talks about the relationship with the husband's mother and your husband (which was very enlightening and kinda scary!), his relationship with his father and his relationships with others and how they affect his marriage and his family.  He then goes on to discuss their communication styles, their work, sexuality, and their need for respect and admiration. 

I did find it funny when Johnson gave an example about breaking an unspoken "girl rule" when he commented to his wife, while on a date, that the girl behind him (whom he couldn't see) had a pretty laugh.  His wife got mad and he couldn't figure out why that would bother her.  He then went on to warn women to tell their husbands of any unspoken rules because they don't need any more help to get into trouble!  Poor men...they really aren't blessed with the communication skills for the most part.  He shed light on how their communication is so different and how they need time to process what they just heard.  It's not that they're insensitive or uncaring...they just don't know how to express their thoughts on the matter, yet.  His examples on that issue showed me how many times my husband and I had experienced that misunderstanding in communication.

Continuing on, Johnson speaks on his odds of meeting your expectations, his emotions, his desires in a wife, his cheating heart, and his needs of his woman.  I always hate reading the cheating sections because it scares me a bit, but I do like to know what I can do to keep his eyes from straying and his heart from yielding to temptation.

Overall, this book touched on some different topics that I hadn't read in other marriage books.  It was also nice to get one's opinion who wasn't a therapist or a counselor.  He had polled men and got some responses back, which I thought made the book for enlightening and the men were probably more honest.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The True Account of Adam and Eve by Ken Ham

The cover of this book attracted me to hurry and read this book.  I thought it was very pretty and it had a look about it that could make it either a children's book or a coffee table book to be read and/or discussed by adults.  Once I opened up the book, I was excited that the pictures in the book were just as beautiful as the one displayed on the cover.  The pictures made this book come to life and really drive home what Ken Ham was writing.  I don't know that I've seen a book with such elaborate drawings lately. 

I read this book with my children because we are and studying Genesis in our Bible Study.  I thought it would be fun to read together and see if it lined up with what we have studied the Scriptures to teach.  I have never known Ham to stray from biblical accounts, but I always like to double check.  I was pleased to discover that he stayed true to Scripture and did, what I thought was, an excellent explanation of Adam and Eve and how sin brought with it destruction.  I like how he showed from the beginning that everything pointed to God, even in the beginning.  He ended by talking about God's plan for redemption and it had Scripture references so you could discover for yourself if what he was saying was true.

Throughout the book, he addressed the theory of Adam and Eve being real people and not just a parable.  He also talked about God's plan for marriage, and how the age of the earth couldn't be billions of years old.  I personally liked how he included the food for humans and animals in the beginning, because we overlook that a lot and many people don't even realize that it wasn't until after the flood that God told them that they could then eat meat. 

Filled with biblical history, this is a book that you'll want to have in your collection.  I read it to my kids, but as I was reading it, I realized it didn't necessarily read like a children's book or an adult book.  There weren't simple sentences or simple explanations.  He did thorough explanations that I think could be elaborated more with your children through discussion about his topics. 

I saw that he had a book on Noah out, so I definitely want to get that one!  It's by the same illustrator, too, so I know the pictures will be just as amazing.

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If you would like more information on Ken Ham, click here.

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I received this book free from Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Twice Promised by Maggie Brendan

I am really enjoying this series so far and am looking forward to more books about the Blue Willow Brides.  I imagine that it might have something to do with Greta's sister Anna, but I'm not positive. 

This story had me laughing many times at the horrible misunderstanding between the all involved.  Cora and Jess are to be wed and Greta and Zach are to be wed.  How did this come about?  Well, Zach wrote letters to Cora and Greta pretending to be his brother Jess looking for a wife.  So when both girls arrive, they are shocked to learn that they are both going to have the challenge of winning over Jess  The only way Jess will even consider courting one of them is if Zach courts one too.  Thanks to their Granny and her insight, they flip a coin to decide who courts who.  But then hearts start to go in different directions, how will the air be cleared when no one wants to hurt anyone else? 

I liked all of the twists in the book, but by the end, I was definitely more than ready for the admissions!  I liked how spite wasn't involved at all and that no meanness was involved.  I also enjoyed the Caleb and how he was given a second chance.  I really hope that we hear more about him, as well.  I know he has a story that is just itching to be told!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Strength Renewed by Shirley Corder

I can think of so many people who would be encouraged by this book.  I have never had breast cancer but have had many friends walk through this diagnosis.  As I hear them pour out their hearts, I can't even begin to imagine the many confusing and discouraging thoughts that would pour into my head.

As I was reading this book, which is full of short meditations, I felt like I was reading a woman's private journal, full of ups and downs.  Each meditation is accompanied with Bible scriptures that encourage and remind of God's promises.  Concluding each meditation is a prayer.  I also thought it was very helpful to read how to help someone who is walking through this journey.  It was good to know some things of what not to say and how to actually be an encouragement.

I really liked how she shared some of her journey, and things that the Lord had taught her along the way in the form of a devotional. I think, though, the most insightful things for me to read were the application questions that were tucked within the meditation.  Many of the questions were ones that I had never realized had to be dealt with on such a frequent basis.  Just reading them and trying to envision what life would be like with a whole new schedule was exhausting.  I can't even begin to imagine how draining it would be to actually carry out and deal with all of the appointments, medications, emotions, schedules, family, etc.

No one, including me, wants to go through cancer.  However, I pray that if I do that I will glorify Christ in my diagnosis.  I think that's what made me like this book so much and want to give it away.  It wasn't like many that are focused on the patient.  This is focused on the patient, but it reminds them that there's a bigger goal in mind while journeying through breast cancer.  There's someone more powerful to depend on who will renew our strength when we feel like we can't go on and that it'd be easier to give up. 

If you know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer or someone who has been on this journey for awhile, give them this book.  I'm sure that they could relate to Shirley Corder and her own personal journey.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman

Annie and her sister are now orphans and have found their life uprooted to a new home....a home that seems less than welcoming.  Annie despises her great-aunt and decides that she doesn't need God and wants to prove herself as a girl with no cares.  She wants to give all of herself away to anyone just so she can say she's not "innocent" anymore.  Having chosen friends and a group of girls to hang out with that her sister Maggie did, losing her innocence is quite easy to do.  Well, it would be if Sergeant Steven O'Connor didn't stand in the way EVERY time she thought she was making progress.  Sure he saved her life and kept her from making bad decisions, but what does that matter?!

Steven is certain that his past can never be forgiven.  He lost his first love, Maggie, and doesn't know Annie is her sister.  He determines that he's only meant to be with those girls who are not so innocent because of his past.  For some reason, though, he thinks he needs to protect that girl that keeps finding herself in situations where boys would easily take advantage of her.  When he hears that Annie has changed her life around, he's happy and thinks that's the end of her.  But somehow, she ends up back in not only his life but in the life of his family.  Will he give up his heart?  Will she prove to him that she's not "wet behind the ears" and is in fact, a young woman worthy of one's love?  What changes her?

I have read the first two books in this series, the Winds of Change series.  I really enjoyed the first two books and was excited to read this one, too.  Not unsurprisingly, I loved it, too.  It was so hard to put down.  In fact, I think I surpassed my normal bedtime by about 2 hours each night just because I wanted to find out what happened next.  Lessman writes in such a way that draws you in from the very first page.  The longer chapters make the book harder to put down because you don't feel like you have a great stopping place.  Perhaps that's a ploy to keep her readers reading longer!  This series is very good and I laughed out quite a bit.  I love the personalities of each one in the family and I can easily imagine a family with these dynamics.  It was funny to see how the girls got into different predicaments and for the first time, the boys were apologizing!  The men in the family seemed to have become less harsh in this book than they were in the previous one.  I liked that because I really liked how they were portrayed in this one. 

Don't worry if you haven't started with book 1 in the series.  You won't be lost if you start with this one.  However, if you are looking for a new series to start, jump in with this one.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Beginner's Bible App Review

I love interactive Bible apps because I think that they help solidify what we teach our children.  We are very cautious when it comes to what our children are exposed to on the iPad because we want to make sure that even the children's Bibles stay true to what the Bible teaches. 

With that said, when we were asked to review an app for children, I gladly did.  I had the Beginner's Bible when I was little and knew that they taught children what God says.  My children, both 2 and 4, had a lot of fun playing with this app.  They loved the coloring pages, but they also enjoyed the part where they could pop the apples on the tree.  My 2-year-old really liked doing the puzzles.  I, as the mom, liked that the add-ons weren't expensive and that they coordinated with the order of the stories in the Bible.  We are homeschooling and are definitely going to start using this app as a closer to our Bible time. 

 I'm looking forward to the updates and the new additions on this app.

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I received this app free (as it is for all right now) in exchange for my honest opinion of this review.

Life with Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

Lily is just a little 6-year-old girl who is Amish and lives with her Mama, Papa, and her two younger brothers.  She experiences the simplicities of the Amish life, but finds such amazement in the little things.  She enjoys helping her mother carry out her chores, playing with her brother, befriending other children, and her life never falls short of adventure.  In fact, some of her adventures made me cringe, but I was so glad to see that my kids share in some of her adventures!  I liked seeing how they participated in certain holidays and special events because we put so much emphasis on the gifts when they put the emphasis on the person and on the event or holiday.  They seem to focus on the the reason of why they are gathered together celebrating.

It took me a few chapters to get used to reading shorter, less complex sentences but once I got the hang of the writing style, I really enjoyed this book.  I only mention that because it is written more for younger children, but it's a great book for a mother to read to her children before bed or during story time.  I actually read a lot of it to my 2-year-old and my 4-year-old.   I got lots of "whys" to some of the stories, but they really enjoyed it.  I liked reading something beside short little books.

I am putting this book on the shelf, right beside the Little House on the Prairie books and the Anne of Green Gables because I know this will be a series that I want my daughter to read and re-read as she grows older.  I love how the book is written from Lily's perspective.  Most of the Amish books are written from the adults perspective, or the teens, but it was neat to think about how a little girl might feel or interact with her peers.  I'm excited about this new series and all the possibilities for Lily.  I kind of could see a new "American Girl" series beginning!  Except for the fact....well...it'd be about the Amish instead!

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I received this book free from Revell, a part of Baker Publishing, and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.  To read more reviews on this book or to find out more information on this book or the authors, go to  http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/life-with-lily-kindlenook-giveaway-1016-author-chat-party-with-suzanne-woods-fisher-and-mary-ann-kinsinger-and-blog-tour

Win a Kindle!--with Denise Hunter

Link to buy the book:
http://ow.ly/dSvBa

About the Book:

Only one pair of boots—and the cowboy wearing them—can get Annie out of the mess she’s in.

Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek’s premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for Montana Living. Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew. When Annie’s column is cancelled, she’s given first shot at a new lovelorn column—and she can’t afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie’s never been in love.

Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town’s smooth-talking ladies’ man Dylan Taylor: She’ll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he’ll help her answer the reader letters.

Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can’t risk getting hurt now.
The more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister’s antics are making life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to turn the reins over to God, but surrender has never come easily.

When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn’t know what to trust—her head or her heart. The trouble with this cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.

Meet Denise:

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!
Find out more about Denise at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/.

The Trouble with Cowboys by Denise Hunter

I had forgotten how much I loved Denise Hunter's writing until I read this book.  When I finish a book that was written by her, I always close it and think how much fun that books was to read and there's no way she'll top this particular book.  So it's definitely not a shock to me that I closed this book thinking there's no way in the world that her new series will be better than this one.  However, I'm sure she'll once again prove me wrong! 

Hunter's books are written so well and are light, fun reads.  She incorporates romance into this story, but adds her own touch of humor.  I was a little frustrated when Annie wouldn't let her guard down for what seemed like forever, but it resolved itself in a perfect way.  I could see myself in Annie because I think firstborns tend to think they need to "help" their sibling make choices.  It was a good reminder for me to let go and trust and pray.  Dylan has always been perfect in my eyes and am so glad he finally found the perfect girl for himself.

Sprinkled throughout, you get a little update of some of the characters in the previous two books, as well as you get to learn a little bit more about Luke and Sierra.  If this was the first book in the series that you would have read by her, you wouldn't have felt lost at all when the characters were mentioned.  It was just quick little mentions with the main focus on Annie and Dylan and a side focus on Sierra and Luke.

I saw that her new series comes out in 2013....I'm thinking they need to bump that date up a bit!  Perhaps I'll have to hunt down some of her older books to read because I'm going to miss her stories.

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Curious what others think?  You can see what others thought about this book by going to  http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/the-trouble-with-cowboys-by-denise-hunter-facebook-party-and-blog-tour
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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.