Cobbled Court

Recently I have read the first 2 books in the Cobbled Court Series by Marie Bostwick. The books are fast reads and attention getters. As a quilter I have enjoyed reading a novel that incorporates quilting and depicts the friendship gained through a quilting circle. Marie Bostwick Cobbled Court series is a must read.

The Outsider

The last book I read was The Outsider by Ann H. Gabhart. This was a very interesting book about the lives and experiences of the Shakers. I learned a lot about living in a Shaker Community as a result of the historical points in this novel. It was very thought provoking and captivating. The novel started with a blaze and kept you reading and wanted more. I found it difficult to put down. I would like to see a book 2 in this series that goes on to tell about the adjustments and life of Gabrielle after the choice she made.

The Knitting Diaries

The Knitting Diaries is a novel I received from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This novel attracted my attention for several reasons. One I love to read Debbie Macomber books, she is a fabulous writer. The other two authors are new to me; however, I found there stories filled with adventure. Knitting is one of my hobbies, that many share for numerous reasons; brings some comfort, help, healing and much more.

In this novel which consist of The Twenty First Wish by Debbie Macomber, Coming Unraveled by Susan Mallery, and Return to Summer Island by Christina Skye is filled with love, adventure, laughter, romance and charming characters. The novel makes you feel apart of the lives of the characters as well as being able to hear the click of the knitting needles through out the story. I am glad Christina suggested combining knitting and writing because this anthology is a pleasant fast-paced read.

Love the patterns included:)

Timeless

Timeless by Alexandria Monir although a young adults book is a page turner. This novel is a work of fiction set in New York City containing many historical eras are travelled by Michelle. The story takes you through the Gilded Age, the Roaring Twenties, and World War ll. I throughly enjoyed travelling with Michelle through the varous time periods.

After a life changing tragedy Michelle finds herself going to live with her grandparents whom she did not know nor have a relationship with. While living with her grandparents Michelle discovers the biggest Windsor family secret a diary that enables her to travel back in time to 1910. During her time travels she meets a young man Phillip whom she falls in love with. Michelle struggles to balance her contemporary life in a private high school with escapes into the past. On a field trip Michelle stumbles upon a heart changing discovery that places her on a journey to save the boy she loves.

I hope there is a book 2 in the making that will be published soon. I am eager to read more on Phillip's travels and Michelle's in discoveries at school.

Thanks B&N this was a great in store read and I will definitely purchase book 2.

Thicker than Blood

Recently I obtain this e-book free from Barnes and Noble. Thicker than Blood by C. J. Darlington is an awesome Christian fiction novel. The novel revolves around addiction, betrayal, family bonds, and restoration. This is book is well written and a quick read.

Who is My Shelter?

Who is My Shelter by Neta Jackson is the 4th in the series Yada Yada House of Hope Series. Although this is my first book in the series, I was very impressed and able to follow along in the story. This novel is well written and reminds me of the homeless that are many times forgotten in our communities yet this story offers options for housing and working with homeless individuals. Gabby works for a homeless shelter and has recently started a subsidized housing complex for single women and children.

The main character in the story is Gabby. Gabby has experienced numerous issues that bring her to face very challenging decisions. Her husband who threw her out of the penthouse and sent their children to live with his parents in Virginia desires to reenter her life.

Despite the tragedies of the past and the turmoil within her relationship with her estranged husband Gabby learns, is strengthened, and beginnings to focus on God. This is a story of learning to forgive, place things in the hands of God, trust, change, and to have faith. In addition to Gabby's story there are several other side stories in this novel which brings interest and fascination.

I strongly recommend this book and plan to read the other books in this series. It is encouraging, uplifting and a great example of numerous life lessons. This book was provided by Net Galley for review. An unbiased and honest review is posted in this blog. Thank you Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Publishers.

LYDIA's CHARM

LYDIA's CHARM by Wanda Brunsetter is another well written inspirational fictional novels about life in an Amish Community. This novel is one with great detail and depth. The characters in the story experience issues of loss, tragedy, despair, prejudice, and starting over. Also there love, hope, strength, and faith are found in the lives of the characters. Lydia is afforded the opportunity to start over in Charm, Ohio with her son after the tragic death of her husband. Along her journey of starting over she becomes the recipient of secret gifts from an admirer; as well as being faced with on another tragedy. Lydia's Charm is a novel filled with sadness, victories, hope, and faith.

A superb novel that I would highly recommend. The characters will tug at your heart and the story will increase your faith. Well done Wanda Brunsetter. This book was provided for review by Net Galley and publisher Barbour Publishing. Thank you!

Head Over Heel

Head Over Heel
by
Chris Harrison

Harrison writes an intriguing novel that depicts the life of two lives coming together in a beautiful land, Italy. This book is well structured, interesting, entertaining, and an exploration of two different worlds and cultures. Anyone having dreamed of visiting Italy will truly gain an insight into a country many yearn to visit for the food while basking in the Mediterranean sun. Harrison leaves the reader with two different worlds coming together, Italy and Australia, through a romantic drama and everyday life challenges. We learn through this intriguing novel the vast differences that one faces when visiting Italy as opposed to the challenges faced by those who relocate there. The analogy between Puglia, Italy (the heel of Italy) and the title is thought provoking. The relationship between Harrison and Daniela reminds us that there is love at first sight. Many have written about their experiences living in foreign climes; however, no one has written as beautifully and riveting as Chris Harrison.

Thank you Nicholas Brealey Publishing for providing this book via Net Galley for review.
It is a well written work that I truly enjoyed.

Plum Gorgeous

Plum Gorgeous by Romney Steele is a beautifully illustrated cook book. It takes me back in time and reminds me of some of the fruits and vegetables my grandparents once grew. This book will make a great gift or display in your own kitchen. I am excited about the recipes that used plums and figs. I can't wait until the plums and figs are ready to pick so that I can make plum and blackberry sorbet, wild plum lavender jam, and the September Salad.

Plum Gorgeous has something for every palate.

Thank you Andrews McMeely Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to review this wonderful book.

A Place of Peace

A Place of Peace by Amy Clipston is the the third book in the Kauffman Bakery Series. Miriam is forced to return to her Amish Community and deal with grief, rejection, and the lost of her fiance after four years of living in Indiana. Miriam's faith is tested when she is forced to face the people she was rejected and shunned by. Although she tries to communicate with her father and siblings, Miriam is rejected once again and she runs back to Indiana. Many times communication is the number one problem in relationships. Miriam is the victim in the story of jealousy, misunderstandings, and lies. When her father has a stroke she is forced to return to the Amish Community once again. Miriam's world is falling apart and which leads her to question her place in the Amish community and her relationship with God.

Syrupy Pancake

This recipe was in An Amish Love and I tried it this morning. It was delicious. It tasted like a pancake with maple syrup. The best part it did not take long to prepare and only 30 minutes to bake. It went well with sausage. I love the Amish novels that have recipes in them.

An Amish Love

An Amish Love consist of three short stories that intertwine love and Amish living. A wonderful novella to read around Valentine's Day. Powerful, thought provoking and hard to put down, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long, have written a fabulous Amish Romance!

The first story "A Marriage of the Heart" is about a young girl who wants to get away from her controlling father. After lying and being forced to marry Rachel is faced with living in her fathers house as it is apart of the Amish culture. Rachel is also forced to search her heart and confess. Confession is good for the heart and Rachel finds out how freeing it is.

The second story "What the Heart Sees" by Kathleen Fuller is thought provoking. It is a story of forgiveness, deliverance, acceptance, change, and unconditional love. Ellie deals with an injury after a car accident while Chris is faced with forgiveness and change in order to be accepted back in the Amish Community. When Chris decides to come home to make restitution love wasn't in his plans, yet he returns and falls in love. In the third story "Healing Hearts" by Beth Wiseman finds Namaan Lapp and Levina Lapp in a marriage yet they don't know one another. In spite of being married and having raised several children they are faced with getting to know one another after a heart breaking situation.

All of the stories in this book have a common theme of forgiveness, confession, and love. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ so loved the church. What a tall order to live up to yet it is our commission. When our hearts are cleansed from all unrighteousness then there is room for true love. All of these stories demonstrate what happens after confession and forgiveness, true love.

I strongly recommend this book. It is encouraging, uplifting and a great example of numerous lessons. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.

A Time to Love

A Time to Love
Barbara Cameron

"To everything there is a season..." Ecclesiastes 3. An Amish fiction novel from another great author. It appears that each writer has a slightly different slant on the Amish style of living. A novel of healing, forgiveness, trust, following God's will, and love gives the reader an intriguing perspective of life in an Amish Community. The author's enculturation of an Englisher into the Amish community is riveting. The story leaves one wondering how many convert from the worldly style of living to the simpler life. As a Christian I relate the conversion to what we experience (Acts 2:38) as we turn to live for God. This is truly an inspirational, page turning novel.

Jenny a War Correspondent returns to her grandmother's home after a tragic incident to recuperate. Although it has been awhile since she was at her grandmother's experiencing the Amish style of living Jenny is soon reminded of her roots. An Englisher whose parents were Amish, Jenny was raised in the "world" instead of with her Amish family. Soon she is confronted with the past, Matthew a young man she previously had a crush on. Uncertain of her future Jenny wonders if the turn of events in her life are God's way of directing her to a new plan for her life.

Thank you for offering this as a free ebook at Barnes & Nobles Nook books.
It is truly worth purchasing and reading again.

Sarah's Choice

Sarah's Choice by Wanda E. Brunstetter is an intriguing historical story that keeps you turning pages. The author has away of bringing to life the history of the canal and its workers. This is a wonderful book that I truly enjoyed reading.

One thing that I am reminded of from reading this story is God always provides for his people. Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

I hope there is a book 4 in this series. I would love to know more about Sarah and her families new endeavors.

A Time to Heal

A Time to Heal
Barbara Cameron

This is a page turner. I have enjoyed the first few chapters of this book and it has inspired me to read book one in this series. After reading book one of the series I found I could have completed book two without reading book one. I am glad I have read both books in the series and look forward to book three.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" A Time to Heal shines insight into the Amish communities willingness to accept others into their simple life. The Amish according to this story are very hospitable.

Chris an ex-soldier who met Jenny while in the hospital comes to the Amish Community in which she now resides. Feeling as he has found God's country, Chris assist Matthew with farming and other tasks. Enjoying his stay while healing, he like Jenny falls in love. Just as Jenny was faced with a decision, Chris is faced with a different kind of decision. Will the love he has for Hannah keep him in Amish Country?

Thank you Net Galley for offering this book on behalf of Abington Press. I am grateful for the opportunity to read and review your books.

The Perfect Blend

The Perfect Blend
Trish Perry
Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Today I completed the novel The Perfect Blend by Trish Perry. The story was a delight to read. A new author thanks to Barnes & Nobles in store free reading. Although I began the book as an in store read, I quickly purchased because it is a must read again. The story had numerous lessons of trust, acceptance, friendship, faith, and learning to set healthy boundaries.

Sometimes it is difficult for parents to let go of their children; however, as they mature and grow we must learn to allow them to make decisions. Supporting our children in the decisions they make is not always easy but that is where faith in God comes in place. We can raise them in the way that they should go and then we must trust God that they will never depart. (Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”)

Another lesson demonstrated in the story is acceptance. Many times we search for acceptance from others, friends, family, spouses, etc. but God is the one we should be searching for. (Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”) God is the one that we should aspire to please and to do His will. The perfect blend is learning to accept God’s loving acceptance and trusting God’s will for our lives.

It's Been Awhile

It has been awhile since I have posted on my blog; however, I have been reading numerous books. For Christmas this year my children got me a nook color. Love it! I have approximately 230 books download on it so far. My goal this year is to read 211 books. I will be a busy bee. Also I am striving to read from different authors. I still love amish fiction and recently I found an author that I just adore. She is Amy Clipston and the series that I have read the first two books in is the Kauffman Bakery Series. I found both books to be inspirational and uplifting. The story continued from book one to book two which I liked. It appears from the first chapter of book three that there is not an immediate continuation of characters. I will read soon to determine. But for now I am reading a Time to Heal by Barbara Cameron. She is a new author for me so this will be interesting.