Herb of Grace Book Review

Two book reviews in one day?  Yes.  It's a Thursday miracle right here. 

Book review for Herb of Grace by Adina Senft.  Publisher FaithWords, August 5, 2014.  320 pages.

Here is a summary of the book from the publisher:
Amish widow Sarah Yoder has been struggling to raise her two teen aged sons and provide a home where family and members of her Old Order Amish church can find fellowship and friendship. Though she is close to her in-laws, lately it feels like her relationship with her boys is splintering. Her stepson Simon wants to move out west with his cousins to find work. And her youngest, Caleb, is spending far too much time over at the tumbledown home of a man who left the church long ago. Henry Byler only returned recently to Willow Creek when he inherited the family farm--under protest--and now seems caught in a struggle between the faith of his childhood and the world he's come to know.

Ruth Lehman, the local Dokterfraa, believes Sarah should use her gift for growing plants to become an herbal healer, too. Sarah is reluctant, however, uncertain if caring for others will take her away from her family--the place where she believes God wants her. But when she feels called to help members of her community, she soon discovers that the heart can be scarred as deeply as the body. As she compiles her herbs, she waits for God to do his healing work in a man who rues a harsh decision, in a lonely prodigal who has lost everything, and maybe even in a herbalist-in-training who firmly believes she will never love again.

I first discovered author Adina Senft at my local library.  As soon as I enter the library....which is often... I am drawn to the New Books shelf like our friend Homer the cow next door is drawn to apples!  I am especially partial to Amish Christian Fiction so when I spotted her Amish Quilt series well you know I was all over that one.  It's a fab 3 book series with each book focusing on a different woman in a circle of 3 friends. 

I was excited to see she had a new series starting with this book, Herb of Grace which again takes us back to the Amish Community. 

Sarah and Henry give us a wonderful story.  Sarah and her struggle to survive as a widow and single mother.  Henry and his foray back into the Amish community that he has been separate from for so many years.  Henry's friendship with Sarah's son is a wonderful conduit to a relationship for these two adults who really did need each other. 

Loved Sarah's gift for herbs and gardening and her creativeness. I also admired her care of her friends and neighbors even when they perhaps were not so neighborly. 

Adina has a wonderful writing style that will easily draw you into this peek into this fictional Amish world she has created and you will find yourself not being satisfied with that peek.  You will be wanting to settle right in with Sarah and Henry and their families for a nice long visit. 

I was provided with a copy of this book for a fair & honest review courtesy of FaithWords via Netgalley

Huckleberry Summer Book Review

Yes.... You are now so glad you visited today because yay!  It is book review day! Especially for this wonderful book.  So fun.  Let's get started.

Book review for: Huckleberry Summer, by Jennifer Beckstrand.  Publisher, Zebra Books, June 3, 2014, 353 pages. 

I was first turned on to The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series because I was eager to read anything by Jennifer Beckstrand after enjoying her Forever After in Apple Lake series. Loved it and yes, had to have more! 

Enter Huckleberry Hill which came out in January of this year.  Huckleberry Hill is book one in the Matchmakers series.  LOVED it.  and loved loved "the Matchmakers" who are Anna and Felty Helmuth... the sweet lovable grand parents of the story.  Or should I saw Mammi and Dawdi? 

I was tickled to find out their story would continue in this book 2, Huckleberry Summer.  (Not to mention the Upcoming Huckleberry Christmas and Huckleberry Spring) And OK.... after typing Huckleberry that many times you'd think I'd be doing a better job at spelling it! Ha. 

Here is a summary of Huckleberry Summer from the publisher:
With one of their grandchildren happily married, Anna and Felty Helmuth are ready for their next matchmaking success. Because there's nothing more rewarding than sparking unexpected love--and putting Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, on the map for romance. . .

Cautious to a fault, Lily Eicher strives to live up to her dat's high standards. She's certainly not the kind of proper Amish girl who would make time for someone as impetuous as the Helmuths' grandson, Aden--even if his lively spirit and caring ways are showing her just how wonderful following her heart can be. . .

Recklessly doing the right thing got Aden into big trouble. A fresh start at his grandparents' is just what he needs. And shy, pretty Lily is turning his world upside down and making him want to prove he can do good within the rules. But now both must find enough faith and understanding to risk pursuing their dreams--together. . .

This was a wonderful story.  Anna & Felty are just wonderful.  Anna has a mission and that mission is to introduce her grand kids to their perfect mate.  Anna is not the best cook..... she might be the best knitter.... and she is certainly the best grandma and wife!  Love how Felty thinks anything Anna does is wonderful.  Felty's license plate obsession is also quite entertaining.  They are just way too cute. 

Anna works to bring together Lily Eicher with their grandson Aden.  They don't have the best meeting due to Aden's giant loveable clumsy dog, Pilot.  I found myself laughing out loud as Lily referred to him as everything from pie crust to pie dog.... never seeming to be able to remember the name Pilot.  Too funny. 

This was a wonderful story of forgiveness and second chances, of not making judgements about people based on reputations and things other's have said, and of love.  When you have the beautiful setting of Huckleberry Hill, Grandma Anna and her freshly knitted scarf perfect for all occasions... even in the middle of summer.... and add in a young couple falling in love.... what's not to enjoy.  And of course... we can't forget Pilot the wonder dog. 

Highly recommend this book, this series, and anything else you can get your hands on by Jennifer Beckstrand.  Enjoy!

I was provided with a copy of this book for a fair & honest review courtesy of Zebra Books via Netgalley 

My Hope Is Found

Yes... It is book review time!  You are now SO glad you checked in today right because you do NOT want to miss this book.... this series... The Cadence of Grace series.  Let's get on with it shall we? 

Book Review for My Hope Is Found,  by Joanne Bischof,  Publisher Multnomah Books, October 15, 2013.  352 pages.

 

Here is a Summary of the book from the publisher:

After finally finding love with his sweet bride Lonnie, Gideon’s heart was torn when a woman from his past claimed to be his true and rightful wife, forcing him away from his family. God’s merciful hand saw Gideon through the heartache, and with Cassie’s blessing, he is able to return home. But his journey back through the Blue Ridge Mountains will hold a trial he never anticipated.

Meanwhile, Lonnie determines to seal off her heart from Gideon, convinced he is lost to her forever. Strengthening her resolve to move on is her growing fondness for the handsome Scotsman, Toby McKee—the young reverend she has come to care for deeply. His proposal of marriage offers a bright future for her and her young son.

Yearning to allow joy back into her life, Lonnie must put aside the broken pieces of her heart that still love Gideon. When he returns to find her betrothed to another, he has to place his hope in God, trusting that the One who redeemed their love once can do it again.

When I received this ARC for reviewing purposes I realized it was book 3 in a series. Since I have major issues about not reading books series out of order what's a girl to do but immediately run to her library... or Amazon looking for books 1 & 2 am I right?  SO glad I did because this series... it's Epic. I could totally see it as a miniseries or Hallmark's latest set of movies to rival the Love Comes Softly movies.  Of course if they are going to do that... then they need to duplicate every detail off these books.  LOVED them.  I had heard many good things about them on Goodreads and in an Avid Readers of Christian Fiction group I am in but it did not prepare me to be WEEPING from the middle of book 2 right on thru the end.  I was totally caught up in Lonnie & Gideon's story.  LOVED this couple.  Loved their love, their bond to each other that can only be God given. 

In book one we meet Lonnie & Gideon.  Following an ill advised kiss Lonnie's mean and abusive father enters the picture and Lonnie & Gideon's story begins as they find themselves in attendance at their own shotgun wedding.  Unhappy to be together, they set out on a journey to find a new  home to begin their new life in.  Did I love Gideon at this point?  Um NO.  He was mean.  He was selfish.  He was abusive.  Yet I found myself rooting for him because you could somehow see there was a good man in there somewhere.  Somewhere along their journey Elsie and Jedediah enter the picture.  LOVED Elsie and Jedediah.  We all need an older, mentoring, wise couple like they are in our lives and what an asset they become to Lonnie & Gideon. 

Without giving away any details... because I know you are already online checking your library for these books aren't you??  I found myself rushing through book one (Be Still My Soul) to find out if Lonnie & Gideon would ever truly find each other, and find love.  They went thru many trials and tragedies but in the end... you will love how their story turns out. 

Enter book two (Though My Heart Is Torn) and Lonnie & Gideon's story picks up right about where it left off.  So of course they live happily ever after right?  I mean wouldn't it be wonderful if life just worked out like that?  Of course it doesn't and of course as book 2 helps us to see we learn that God works in us and we grow so much thru the sufferings and trials of life.  About midway through book 2 I was in tears. My heart hurt for what Lonnie was going through.  What Gideon was going through.  Yes... I managed to get myself under control but thru much of the rest of the book I am sure you would have seen a tear or three sliding down my cheek.  I was SO wrapped up in their world and just had to know how on earth were things going to work out for them?  I could not read fast enough.... which of course brought me to book 3 (My Hope Is Found). 

Book three did not disappoint.  I finished it in a day.  (OK a day I was home sick from work) I had to keep reading because I had to get to the end to find out what happened to this couple I was so emotionally invested in.  Did Gideon get to come home?  Would Lonnie be happy to see him?  Would Jacob remember him?  Would Elsie and Jedediah again invite him into their home?  And what about Toby?  And Cassie?  I wanted a happy ending for all of them.  A happy, we are all right in the middle of God's perfect plan kind of ending.  Did I get that?  Well I could tell you.... but then I'd have to kill you.  Bwa ha ha ha...

Seriously.  Not telling because you need to read this series. And then you need to join me in shooting off an email to Hallmark begging them to turn this into a series immediately.  Yes. It's that good.  Go.  Read.  And just let me say in advance.... You are welcome! 

I was provided with a copy of this book for review courtesy of Waterbrook Multnomah and have provided a honest review in exchange. 

White Picket Fences Book Tour

Today's Blog Tour is for White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner. Here is the book summary from the publisher:

When her black sheep brother disappears, Amanda Janvier eagerly takes in her sixteen year-old niece Tally. The girl is practically an orphan: motherless, and living with a father who raises Tally wherever he lands– in a Buick, a pizza joint, a horse farm–and regularly takes off on wild schemes. Amanda envisions that she, her husband Neil, and their two teenagers can offer the girl stability and a shot at a “normal” life, even though their own storybook lives are about to crumble.Seventeen-year-old Chase Janvier hasn’t seen his cousin in years, and other than a vague curiosity about her strange life, he doesn’t expect her arrival will affect him much–or interfere with his growing, disturbing interest in a long-ago house fire that plagues his dreams unbeknownst to anyone else. Tally and Chase bond as they interview two Holocaust survivors for a sociology project, and become startlingly aware that the whole family is grappling with hidden secrets, with the echoes of the past, and with the realization that ignoring tragic situations won’t make them go away. Will Tally’s presence blow apart their carefully-constructed world, knocking down the illusion of the white picket fence and reveal a hidden past that could destroy them all–or can she help them find the truth without losing each other?

This was my first time reading this author. I enjoyed the book! It does not have a strong Christian message, but did show a family learning to seek God's help and presence in their lives. My favorite characters were probably Josef and Eliasz, the 2 Holocaust survivors. I have always had a connection with Seniors and have done some volunteering in a local nursing home so it was not hard for me to imagine sitting down with these 2 guys and hearing about their lives. The history elements and details of the Holocaust were very interesting. It made me want to know more and to now do some browsing on the Internet or at the library to find out more details about the Warsaw Ghetto and the children that were saved from the Concentration Camps. According to some information in the back of the book, a lot of the historical detail was true and accurate. Wow.. The book definitely grabbed at my emotions and I found myself near tears as some main elements of the story come together at the ending. It was a nice change to have a Christian Fiction book with an element of mystery to it as well. There were several things going on and I thought they were all tied together nicely. I would definitely recommend this book! You will enjoy it.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Please check back tomorrow! I will have another layout for you for the Willow Traders challenges and have been saving some fun links to share from things I've come across while Internet browsing... listen to me sounding like Yoda..."Internet Browsing she was..." Bwa ha ha ha ha.. What can I say.. it's late and this girl is getting punchy and heading for bed! Hoping my layout comes together well. The challenge is for the layout to be about something we are thankful for. I couldn't pick one thing so I did a photo collage and even added some fun brushes and text.. Yay me for going all digi huh? Wait... I was signing off and going to bed right? As Yoda would say.. .Go you must. :)

Blessings!

Fun Fall Reads Book Tour

So it is time for the official "Fun Fall Reads" blog tour with Blogging for Books. This time around I received 3 books to read and review. Cool huh? The first book featured is What Matters Most by Melody Carlson.

Here is a summary from the publisher:
Sixteen-year-old Maya Stark has a lot to sort through. She could graduate from high school early if she wants to. She’s considering it, especially when popular cheerleader Vanessa Hartman decides to make her life miserable–and Maya’s ex-boyfriend Dominic gets the wrong idea about everything.To complicate matters even more, Maya’s mother will be released from prison soon, and she’ll want Maya to live with her again. That’s a disaster waiting to happen. And when Maya plays her dad’s old acoustic guitar in front of an audience, she discovers talents and opportunities she never expected. Faced with new options, Maya must choose between a “normal” life and a glamorous one. Ultimately, she has to figure out what matters most.

This book is technically teen fiction, but I really enjoyed it. It was a quick, easy read, but it had a great message. I really liked the main character Maya and admired her desire and daily commitment to live the Christian life. I thought the book even offered good advice about how to know how God is leading when you have a particular question such as prayer, scripture, counsel from other Christians, etc. I liked this book and I believe it was 3rd in a series?? It made me want to go back and pick up the earlier 2. Since it is teen fiction, I am thinking I will give my copy to my 14 year old niece. I am thinking she will enjoy it too.

The second featured book is Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh.

Here is a summary from the publisher:
Piper Wick left her hometown of Pickwick, North Carolina, twelve years ago, shook the dust off her feet, ditched her drawl and her family name, and made a new life for herself as a high-powered public relations consultant in LA. She’s even “engaged to be engaged” to the picture-perfect U.S. Congressman Grant Spangler.Now all of Piper’s hard-won happiness is threatened by a reclusive uncle’s bout of conscience. In the wake of a health scare, Uncle Obadiah Pickwick has decided to change his will, leaving money to make amends for four generations’ worth of family misdeeds. But that will reveal all the Pickwicks’ secrets, including Piper’s. Though Piper arrives in Pickwick primed for battle, she is unprepared for Uncle Obe’s rugged, blue-eyed gardener. So just who is Axel Smith? Why does he think making amends is more than just making restitution? And why, oh why, can’t she stay on task? With the Lord’s help, Piper is about to discover that although good PR might smooth things over, only the truth will set her free.

I also enjoyed this book. I had not read this author before and her writing style did take me a little getting used to. The main character Piper has kind of a fun loving style and the story is told from her point of view. I liked Piper but I think my favorite character was Axel. I liked his commitment to being a Christian and living that out even when situations were difficult and many were against him wishing he'd keep his mouth shut. He still stood strong for his faith and his convictions and I found inspiration and encouragement in that. There was good reference to scripture in this book one of which God seems to be presenting me with here lately. I could also identify with Piper's history which was one where family and others insulted her for her weight and appearance. If you are a regular blog reader, you know that is an issue I have been dealing with especially here lately so again.. it seemed like a God thing to be reading a book which also had this subject. There was one theme I didn't care for regarding some rumors about a politician that Piper was doing PR/Public Image stuff for. I don't think it was critical to the story and wish it had been left out, although I could see how it would go along with normal headlines and scandals with political stuff.

The third book reviewed was Limelight by also by Melody Carlson.

Here is a summary from the publisher:
Claudette Fioré used to turn heads and break hearts. She relished the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle because she had what it takes: money, youth, fame, and above all, beauty. But age has withered that beauty, and a crooked accountant has taken her wealth, leaving the proud widow penniless and alone.Armed with stubbornness and sarcasm, Claudette returns to her shabby little hometown and her estranged sister. Slowly, she makes friends. She begins to see her old life in a new light. For the first time, Claudette Fioré questions her own values and finds herself wondering if it’s too late to change.

This was my least favorite of the three books. I am not sure that I would recommend it. This surprises me because I have read several Carlson books and normally do like them. I found the story somewhat slow moving and had some problems with a few of the themes. There were some funny and entertaining moments with Claudette's attempts to learn to care for herself by herself and with her learning about how to care for a home. I am not sure who I would pick as a favorite character in this book. Possibly her neighbor Bea? She was somewhat fun and eccentric. As far as the themes I did not care for, the book mentions church, and Claudette's Mother and Husband finding faith later in life, but it concerned me that it wasn't explained very well. It talks about them going to church, it talks about God, but Jesus and a saving relationship with Him was not mentioned. I am not saying every Christian Fiction book should necessarily share the gospel. However, the way it was portrayed in this book, I was concerned it might come across that just going to church is all that is needed. As the saying goes though, going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car. I wish since I felt the subject was broached that it had been explained better. I was also concerned about the character of Claudette's stepson. It was mentioned that he had a relationship with a man. I believe the Bible teaches against that and I really didn't see why it was necessary to the story. I am completely aware that others may not agree with my views, but I was asked to review the book honestly and therefore needed to do that based on my faith and convictions.

These books were provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

My First Book Tour

OK yay! It's here.. The Blogging for Books Book Tour for The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall. I just finished this book this evening and it was excellent! Here is a summary from the publisher:

Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry. Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?
I am having trouble determining if my favorite character was Beth or Jonah.... I think I'm going to have to go with Jonah. I liked his calm, quiet confidence and his wisdom. I also liked that he was an artistic and patient man and strong in his faith. I could totally relate to both Beth and Jonah's struggles to let go of painful things in their past. I also agree with how both of them learned that those painful things could be used by God for their good. This may be a fiction book, but I found myself underlining many passages because of the powerful truths that were shared. Many parts were as soothing a balm to my soul as they were to Beth's in the book. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend. Although there is a holiday element to the book, and a love story, it is far more than just a holiday or romance book. Excellent! My first time reading a book by Cindy Woodsmall but it won't be my last.

If you are interested in the book, you can purchase directly from Waterbrook Multnomah here and it is also available on Amazon.com here and CBD.com here.

And now... for some fun! Waterbrook Multnomah has generously donated a beautiful hard cover copy of this book for me to give away to a lucky blog reader!!! Yay!! The whole crowd cheers... kidding... Are you interested in a free book? Leave a comment on this post before 6 PM Eastern time on this Friday October 16th. I will use an online random number generator to select a winner sometime this weekend! Due to postage costs, this drawing needs to be limited to those in the USA only.

Hope you win! Happy reading!! I am off to get started on the Fall Fun Fiction Tour which will include 3 great books! Limelight by Melody Carlson, What Matters Most by Melody Carlson and Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh. That Blog tour will be for the week of Nov 2-6.

Blessings!