Two of today's most popular genres--Romance and Amish fiction--together in one volume.
"Healing Hearts" by Beth Wiseman: Levina Lapp and her husband Naaman are alone for the first time in 30 years. When Naaman left to visit cousins in Ohio, Levina wasn't expecting him to be gone a year. Now that he's back, will they be able to move beyond this estrangement and fall in love again?
"What the Heart Sees" by Kathleen Fuller: A tragic accident rocks a peaceful Amish community, leaving Ellie Chupp blinded and Christopher Bender's future shattered. But they find love and forgiveness in a place they least expect.
"A Marriage of the Heart" by Kelly Long: Rachel Yoder is tired of her Amish lifestyle and her domineering father's ways. When handsome Joseph Lambert comes back from the Englisch, she lies to force a marriage of convenience, providing the perfect means to escape her father's rule. But Rachel never imagined she'd fall in love with Joseph so quickly or irrevocably.
My Thoughts:
I'm a little iffy on this novel. I both liked it and disliked. Why? Well, I am an Amish lover to no end, but, two of the books in this novella were a bit bland for me. It seemed to me that the authors just sort of ran on and on about much of the same circumstances. However, Healing Hearts was one that I truly enjoyed. Of course, I am hooked on Beth Wiseman and will forever be a fan of her work.
Please don't let my thoughts discourage anyone from reading this novella. I am just so used to one kind of thing and then read something that isn't my favorite, and I am giving my honest opinion. This will not stop me, however, from reading more Amish novellas and novels in the future from these authors, as I am sure that their talent will put forth something that I will enjoy beyond words.
~A Copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Possession by Rene Gutteridge
In the aftermath of investigating the D.C. sniper case, police detective Vance Graegan is burned out on life and love. Hoping to save his marriage, he quits the force and moves his wife and son to the other side of the country. But when the movers decide to hold his belongings for ransom, Vance is determined to ensure that his family’s new beginning is not ruined. Soon, though, losing his possessions becomes the least of his problems as everything they are fighting for begins to unravel in the hands of Vance’s past. In an unforgettable climax, a little boy’s innocent faith brings a group of desperate people to their knees. What is at stake counts for everything, but nothing can prepare Vance for who is behind it.
My Thoughts:
Being a lover of suspense, I knew that I would love this book. And, as predicted, I did. It certainly was filled with everything I look for in a good suspense novel. The twists, the turns, the page turning breathless gasps, the deep and meaningful characters that supply all of these things through the plot. Rene Gutteridge is new to me, and because I am highly pleased with the work of this talented lady, she is one that I will read again and again.
Having a retired military husband and living in Virginia and dealing alot with DC, this plot line really pulled me in. I was instantly in the middle of the heart racing action and suspense as I read about Vance Graegan and his wife, and the DC sniper case. It was life like and very fast paced. Definitely filled with lots of action and keeps the reader hanging on.
If you like edge of your seat suspense, then you definitely want to get a copy of this great novel by a highly talented author. I will be on the look out for more work by this author in the future.
~Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review~
~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~
My Thoughts:
Being a lover of suspense, I knew that I would love this book. And, as predicted, I did. It certainly was filled with everything I look for in a good suspense novel. The twists, the turns, the page turning breathless gasps, the deep and meaningful characters that supply all of these things through the plot. Rene Gutteridge is new to me, and because I am highly pleased with the work of this talented lady, she is one that I will read again and again.
Having a retired military husband and living in Virginia and dealing alot with DC, this plot line really pulled me in. I was instantly in the middle of the heart racing action and suspense as I read about Vance Graegan and his wife, and the DC sniper case. It was life like and very fast paced. Definitely filled with lots of action and keeps the reader hanging on.
If you like edge of your seat suspense, then you definitely want to get a copy of this great novel by a highly talented author. I will be on the look out for more work by this author in the future.
~Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review~
~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry
Billy Allman is a hillbilly genius. People in Dogwood, West Virginia, say he was born with a second helping of brains and a gift for playing the mandolin but was cut short on social skills. Though he’d gladly give you the shirt off his back, they were right. Billy longs to use his life as an ode to God, a lyrical, beautiful bluegrass song played with a finely tuned heart. So with spare parts from a lifetime of collecting, he builds a radio station in his own home. People in town laugh. But Billy carries a brutal secret that keeps him from significance and purpose. Things always seem to go wrong for him.
However small his life seems, from a different perspective Billy’s song reaches far beyond the hills and hollers he calls home. Malachi is an angel sent to observe Billy. Though it is not his dream assignment, Malachi follows the man and begins to see the bigger picture of how each painful step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful symphony that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.
My Thoughts:
What does a person write about a book that let them utterly speechless? There is not must that I CAN write about it. This book is wonderful. It is very emotional and thought provoking in a way that is beyond measure. I normally have words for books that I read, but this book, I had to ponder on my thoughts for a long while before being able to form the right words. This innovating and gripping story is one that should not be over looked. The characters are real, the plot is captivating and the author himself is truly talented.
I highly recommend this book to all readers. Grab a copy, sit back with a cup of coffee and lose yourself amongst the pages and the musical tones of bluegrass, as you befriend an angel named Malachi and sweet and tough hillybilly man named Billy.
~Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review~
~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~
However small his life seems, from a different perspective Billy’s song reaches far beyond the hills and hollers he calls home. Malachi is an angel sent to observe Billy. Though it is not his dream assignment, Malachi follows the man and begins to see the bigger picture of how each painful step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful symphony that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.
My Thoughts:
What does a person write about a book that let them utterly speechless? There is not must that I CAN write about it. This book is wonderful. It is very emotional and thought provoking in a way that is beyond measure. I normally have words for books that I read, but this book, I had to ponder on my thoughts for a long while before being able to form the right words. This innovating and gripping story is one that should not be over looked. The characters are real, the plot is captivating and the author himself is truly talented.
I highly recommend this book to all readers. Grab a copy, sit back with a cup of coffee and lose yourself amongst the pages and the musical tones of bluegrass, as you befriend an angel named Malachi and sweet and tough hillybilly man named Billy.
~Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review~
~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition by Robert J. Morgan
Stories of the most favorite and beloved seasonal hymns of faith.
Don't look for a dry recounting of boring historical fact, the devotional-style stories in Then Sings My Soul show the emotion and drama behind the hymns of faith that have changed many lives throughout history. Designed to be personally reflective, these stories speak to the soul and add depth to a meaningful worship time with God through song.
Recounted are stories of the people whose faith led them to write these wonderful seasonal hymns and the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing the songs.
Includes words and music to each hymn Special softcover, French flap cover design Ivory paper with brown ink Jagged edged paper, giving it a classic feel Complete with hymn index Use for devotionals, teaching illustrations, introductory remarks for song leaders and music ministers.
My Thoughts:
This unique book is wonderful. It's full of hymns that I remember from way back when. I loved the cover. It really caught my eye immediately and I knew I had to have it. I already have a copy of Then Sings My Soul so I wanted to added to my collection. The hymns in this special edition are perfect for the holidays, complete with stories that tell of each hymn.
If you love music, or you just simply love inspiration, then this Special Edition hymn book is perfect for you. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, this beautiful book, with it's 150 hymn,antiqued pages would make the wonderful gift for a music fan in your life. If you are looking for new hymnals for your church, may I suggest copies of this tenderly created hymn book? It's sure to be a hit everywhere!
~A Copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~
Don't look for a dry recounting of boring historical fact, the devotional-style stories in Then Sings My Soul show the emotion and drama behind the hymns of faith that have changed many lives throughout history. Designed to be personally reflective, these stories speak to the soul and add depth to a meaningful worship time with God through song.
Recounted are stories of the people whose faith led them to write these wonderful seasonal hymns and the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing the songs.
Includes words and music to each hymn Special softcover, French flap cover design Ivory paper with brown ink Jagged edged paper, giving it a classic feel Complete with hymn index Use for devotionals, teaching illustrations, introductory remarks for song leaders and music ministers.
My Thoughts:
This unique book is wonderful. It's full of hymns that I remember from way back when. I loved the cover. It really caught my eye immediately and I knew I had to have it. I already have a copy of Then Sings My Soul so I wanted to added to my collection. The hymns in this special edition are perfect for the holidays, complete with stories that tell of each hymn.
If you love music, or you just simply love inspiration, then this Special Edition hymn book is perfect for you. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, this beautiful book, with it's 150 hymn,antiqued pages would make the wonderful gift for a music fan in your life. If you are looking for new hymnals for your church, may I suggest copies of this tenderly created hymn book? It's sure to be a hit everywhere!
~A Copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Dining With Joy by Rachel Hauck
Joy Ballard has a secret: she's a cooking show host who can't really cook.
When her South Carolina-based cooking show, Dining With Joy, is picked up by a major network, Joy Ballard's world heats up like a lowcountry boil.
Joy needs help. Then she meets chef Luke Davis who moved to Beaufort after losing his Manhattan restaurant. A cook at the Frogmore Cafe, he’s paying debts and longing to regain his reputation in the elite foodie world.
Luke and Joy mix like oil and water…until Joy is exposed on national television. With her career and his reputation both under fire, they’ll have to work together to fix the mess. Is it possible that they can learn to feast on God’s love and dine with joy?
My Thoughts:
While this was not one of my favorite books, I will say that I do think Mrs. Hauck has a talent for writing. She really knows how to blend the characters with the plot to create a story that someone is sure to love. I, myself, just couldn't get into the story enough to really try to figure out what was going on.
Now, I am not telling you this to be negative. On the contrary. I think that you should give this book a shot. It is one that my daughter will love (she is a fan of Rachel Hauck's) but I am not so much of a romantic contemporary lover. I really thought this book would be more to my liking, but, sadly it wasn't.
Please, give this book a try anyhow. It does deserve a chance, just not for a grandma like me.
~A Copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~
When her South Carolina-based cooking show, Dining With Joy, is picked up by a major network, Joy Ballard's world heats up like a lowcountry boil.
Joy needs help. Then she meets chef Luke Davis who moved to Beaufort after losing his Manhattan restaurant. A cook at the Frogmore Cafe, he’s paying debts and longing to regain his reputation in the elite foodie world.
Luke and Joy mix like oil and water…until Joy is exposed on national television. With her career and his reputation both under fire, they’ll have to work together to fix the mess. Is it possible that they can learn to feast on God’s love and dine with joy?
My Thoughts:
While this was not one of my favorite books, I will say that I do think Mrs. Hauck has a talent for writing. She really knows how to blend the characters with the plot to create a story that someone is sure to love. I, myself, just couldn't get into the story enough to really try to figure out what was going on.
Now, I am not telling you this to be negative. On the contrary. I think that you should give this book a shot. It is one that my daughter will love (she is a fan of Rachel Hauck's) but I am not so much of a romantic contemporary lover. I really thought this book would be more to my liking, but, sadly it wasn't.
Please, give this book a try anyhow. It does deserve a chance, just not for a grandma like me.
~A Copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Where Hearts Are Free by Golden Keyes Parsons
The odds are stacked against Bridget and Philippe reuniting. But God has a plan for them if they'll only believe.
It’s 1687, in the burgeoning town of Philadelphia, and for seven years, Bridget Barrington has watched with growing affection as Philippe Clavell worked as an indentured servant for her father, a wealthy landowner.
Her father rejects her request for Philippe to be a potential suitor as he has none of the qualities Mr. Barrington hoped for his daughter's future husband, the least of which is a respectable income.
Heartbroken, Bridget accedes to her parents’ wishes and gets engaged to a man she does not love. However, Bridget's husband-to-be does not love her, but only her wealth.
But there's always light in the midst of darkness for those who have faith. This stunning historical romance concludes the gripping Darkness to Light series.
My Thoughts:
I must say that this is not my style of book. I just couldn't get into the story line of this book. It may be that I'm used to a certain genre of books, or that I am just not used to this author, but it wasn't to my liking.
That doesn't mean it's not good for someone out there. If you are a Golden Parsons fan, then definitely check this book out. If you like the stories that are set in the 1600's and way back in history, then you will like Golden's style of writing.
This will be a book that I will pass on to my daughter in hopes that she enjoys it better than I did.
~A Copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~
It’s 1687, in the burgeoning town of Philadelphia, and for seven years, Bridget Barrington has watched with growing affection as Philippe Clavell worked as an indentured servant for her father, a wealthy landowner.
Her father rejects her request for Philippe to be a potential suitor as he has none of the qualities Mr. Barrington hoped for his daughter's future husband, the least of which is a respectable income.
Heartbroken, Bridget accedes to her parents’ wishes and gets engaged to a man she does not love. However, Bridget's husband-to-be does not love her, but only her wealth.
But there's always light in the midst of darkness for those who have faith. This stunning historical romance concludes the gripping Darkness to Light series.
My Thoughts:
I must say that this is not my style of book. I just couldn't get into the story line of this book. It may be that I'm used to a certain genre of books, or that I am just not used to this author, but it wasn't to my liking.
That doesn't mean it's not good for someone out there. If you are a Golden Parsons fan, then definitely check this book out. If you like the stories that are set in the 1600's and way back in history, then you will like Golden's style of writing.
This will be a book that I will pass on to my daughter in hopes that she enjoys it better than I did.
~A Copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Code Triage by Candace Calvert
Dr. Leigh Stathos likes her ER shifts fast, furious, and adrenaline-infused—“Treat ’em and street ’em”—with no emotional complications. Life’s taught her a soul-rending lesson: nothing lasts forever, including marriage. And the clock is ticking toward the end of hers. Then an unwelcome confrontation with “the other woman” begins a whole new set of lessons.
San Francisco police officer Nick Stathos never gives up, whether protecting his patrol neighborhood, holding fast to faith—or trying to save his marriage. Seven days is all he has to reach Leigh’s heart. But when a desperate act of violence slams Golden Gate Mercy Hospital into lockdown, it starts a chain of events that will change lives forever.
My Thoughts:
I can't lie that I didn't like this book very well.I didn't like it, well, simply because I loved it! When you read a Candace Calvert novel you can't go wrong. Code Triage is book 3 in her Mercy Hospital series and it accentuates the other two PERFECTLY.
I love the messages that Candace adds to her books, and the heros and heroines that she constructs with her love and care. It's amazing to read a book like this and feel like it is really happening, right in front of you.
This particular novel has everything from crime, to drama, to romance and a smidgen of mystery. But the overall message from God about second chances and His redeeming love. A wonderful thrilling new novel to unwind with at the end of a stressful day.
I highly, highly recommend this new novel to everyone out there in the reading world. You want want to miss the other books by this author, either!
~Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review~
~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~
San Francisco police officer Nick Stathos never gives up, whether protecting his patrol neighborhood, holding fast to faith—or trying to save his marriage. Seven days is all he has to reach Leigh’s heart. But when a desperate act of violence slams Golden Gate Mercy Hospital into lockdown, it starts a chain of events that will change lives forever.
My Thoughts:
I can't lie that I didn't like this book very well.I didn't like it, well, simply because I loved it! When you read a Candace Calvert novel you can't go wrong. Code Triage is book 3 in her Mercy Hospital series and it accentuates the other two PERFECTLY.
I love the messages that Candace adds to her books, and the heros and heroines that she constructs with her love and care. It's amazing to read a book like this and feel like it is really happening, right in front of you.
This particular novel has everything from crime, to drama, to romance and a smidgen of mystery. But the overall message from God about second chances and His redeeming love. A wonderful thrilling new novel to unwind with at the end of a stressful day.
I highly, highly recommend this new novel to everyone out there in the reading world. You want want to miss the other books by this author, either!
~Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review~
~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~
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