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.