The Well by Stephanie Landsem

I like the cover of this book.  I think it fits perfectly with the story itself and the darker colors seem to  fit the emotions of the woman at the well.  It's in humble colors that are not very bright and the woman is not in clear focus.

The woman at the well is a fascinating story in Scripture and I liked how well this book depicted that scene.  I had forgotten how often the children are held responsible for the sin of the parents, whether they were guilty of the sin or not.  For some reason I remembered it in the Old Testament, but forgot of that in the New.  Seeing Nava stoned and not forgiven by those who should have been the first to forgive was sad.  It always makes me mad when I read of those who were "religious and followed laws" instead of Christ and His teachings.  Then I remind myself that I have the whole Scripture and they didn't, so who knows what I would have thought had I been there.

I wanted to reach through the pages of the book to help Mara.  It was hard to watch her struggles, knowing that someone should help her!  I was glad when she found Jesus because then I knew she'd have all she ever wanted and/or needed.  

Stephanie Landsem turned this beautiful story into a journey where the readers get to imagine what the woman at the well was feeling and perhaps some of her thoughts/feelings/struggles.  She takes you through the scriptures and writes a book based on a true biblical account.  It was fun to think about a woman that I so often read about and never stop to think about or ponder on.  Her life dramatically changed when she met Jesus and how fun it was to think about that transformation and excitement!

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

Perfecting Kate by Tamara Leigh

To be perfectly honest, I almost didn't want to read this book.  The cover of the book did not really appeal to me at all.  The colors were eye-catching, but it just lacked the visual appeal for me.  That said, I'm glad that I didn't judge the book by its cover.  

I liked Kate in this book, once I was able to set aside the fact that she didn't really like how she looked.  I know that often I struggle with my appearance (I'm not for sure what girl doesn't), so I had to remind myself that Kate was in her daily struggle.  It didn't help at all that the cosmetic surgeon could immediately tell the things that he could fix on her.  That would make me a bit self-conscious, too.

I liked the humor in this book.  I found myself laughing and just visualizing some of the encounters became quite hilarious in my head!    I really like chick-lit and I think this book falls under that category.  I'm looking forward to reading the rest of her books.  I hope they are as funny as this one!

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

The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer

This is one of my new favorite Amish series.  I remember seeing the first book in this series in the bookstore, but I never bought it.  Needless to say, I'm not going out to purchase that book this weekend so I can own this series.  

I really like the style in which Tricia Goyer writes.  She adds enough tension in the book to create the problem and leaves some mystery as to what the real issues are that the characters are dealing with, but she doesn't create some huge needless drama.  I was grateful for that.  It was nice to read something that was a little bit predictable, but still had some surprises in it.  

I also liked the promises in this book.  Many Amish books tend to focus on the shunning and the forgiveness coming only AFTER the people return to the Amish community.  I loved the grace and understanding shown in this book.  It was beautiful.  I felt like I was seeing relationships in light of how God truly wants us to see others, Amish or not.  I liked all of the promises and lessons.  They were sweet and not over the top at all.  The scripture verses fit perfectly.

I can't wait to read book #3 in this series, Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors.  It's hard to say goodbye to Lydia and Gideon, though.  I became quite fond of them and Gideon's special way with Blue.  I felt bad for him feeling looked over as a child, but liked the lesson of letting go of the past with my children and focusing on the future.  Who knew I'd gain parenting insights in a fiction book!  

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

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I received this book free from Zondervan Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for 

my honest opinion of this book.

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

The cover of this book told me right away that I'd be in for a romance that was quite possibly filled with humor.  I was so excited to read this book.  I could hardly wait to flip it open when I got it.  There was just something about the cover that made me REALLY want to read this book.

I'm glad that all of my excitement over this book didn't vanish when I completed this book.  I liked 

conflicting emotions between Meg and Bo.  I appreciated Bo and his determination to straighten out the farm.  I was a little surprised by what the "threaten force" was in their relationship....that thing that could possibly break apart a chance of a relationship.

The romance came pretty early in the book and I was a bit worried that it'd kill the book for me.  It 

didn't, though.  She somehow made it work and still had me wrapped up in their relationship but not making it so sappy that it's overkill.

I'm definitely looking forward to the second book in this new series, The Porter Family.  I keep hearing good things about her first book she wrote, My Stubborn Heart, so I found it in the bookstore 

and am about to read it now!

Read more reviews at http://litfusegroup.com/author/BWade.

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

A Place to Belong by Lauraine Snelling

This is the first book I have read by Lauraine Snelling and I was very impressed with her knowledge of the Wild West.  It was obvious she had done her research, right down to the terms that were used for "mother" and "father."  I don't read a lot of western books, even though I like them when I come across them, so that may be common knowledge to many readers.  To me, it was new.

Having not read any of the books in this series, it was a bit difficult for me to keep up with the characters and what their job was and the relationship to Cassie.  I think I finally got it all straightened out towards the end, but for some reason I kept having to go back and figure it out.

I like the air of mystery and romance in this book.  I was a little surprised by which man won Cassie's heart.  I was totally sold on one man until his heart starts to stray from Cassie and back towards a former lover.  But the man whose heart turned towards Cassie was the one I didn't even foresee in the beginning.

I liked the whole setting of the ranch and the Wild West show.  That is new to me, too, so it was quite refreshing to read a book that was set in a completely different setting and time period.  I liked picturing sharpshooting Cassie in my head....the same girl that lacked a few of the homemaking skills that would help her be a fit wife.

I think I'm going to start this series from book 1 and put all the pieces together.  It seems like a fascinating series and one that I would really enjoy.  If you're a fan of westerns and romance, this books is one to add to your list.

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

Biking Across America by Paul Stutzman

I am so glad that Revell publishes these type of outdoor adventure books.  I still find myself thinking about Paul Stutzman's first book, Hiking Through.  I felt like I was taking the journey with 

him in that book.  When I saw he had written one about biking, I knew I would love it.

Paul writes in a way that is informative, yet exciting.  He captures each personal story and makes you feel like you're sitting there talking to these people.  He takes you on the long, long journey with him and when I close his books, I feel as though I've seen what he's seen.  I know I haven't, but I envision it so clearly that I feel like I have.

I'm so thankful that Revell gave his books a chance.  I was shocked by the first book and how much I liked the outdoors book.  I've thought a lot about it because I keep trying to figure out what is so refreshing about it.  I review a lot of books and I have yet to see any other author writing about these journeys that are in the Christian genre.  It's a nice break into a different type/style of book and one that will shock you in how much you like it.

Biking Across America is about his journey from Neah Bay, Washington to Key West, Florida.  In my mind, I had a hard time grappling with that distance.  It's a 5,000 mile ride.  Wow.  Paul is honest in his struggles and I like all of the detail he puts into his books.  I liked reading about his encounter with Hell's Angels.  Paul just seems like a down-to-earth man that can relate to anyone.  I even like hearing about what he ate and the times he needed to stop for more protein to help fuel his rides.  I'm not an adventure person but like to read about other people's adventures and I'm always amazed at how flexible they are and they are willing to sleep wherever they can find.  They aren't even afraid of interacting with so many different unknown people. 

I can't wait to see what challenge Paul Stutzman takes next.  I'm sure it'll make a great 3rd book and I'm awaiting to hear of his next adventures.  I saw he has a fiction book out called The Wanderers that apparently shares some of the lessons he's learned along his two long journeys in a fiction story.  I'll have to add that book to my reading list now!

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

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

The cover of this book told me right away that I'd be in for a romance that was quite possibly filled with humor.  I was so excited to read this book.  I could hardly wait to flip it open when I got it.  There was just something about the cover that made me REALLY want to read this book.

I'm glad that all of my excitement over this book didn't vanish when I completed this book.  I liked 

conflicting emotions between Meg and Bo.  I appreciated Bo and his determination to straighten out the farm.  I was a little surprised by what the "threaten force" was in their relationship....that thing that could possibly break apart a chance of a relationship.

The romance came pretty early in the book and I was a bit worried that it'd kill the book for me.  It 

didn't, though.  She somehow made it work and still had me wrapped up in their relationship but not making it so sappy that it's overkill.

I'm definitely looking forward to the second book in this new series, The Porter Family.  I keep hearing good things about her first book she wrote, My Stubborn Heart, so I think I need to be reading that book now!

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