One of her best

This isn't the life Allison had planned but things don't always turn out as you plan. Her daughter is a grown woman and lives far away and her alcoholic husband left her even though she was certain God would heal their marriage, so Allison moves into the old log cabin home in the mountains of Idaho left to her by her Great Aunt Emma several years back. Allison has never been much of a collector nor has she kept memorabilia from her life. Emma left Allison box after box of items in the attic that reveal Emma had much more in common with Allison than she ever realized. Can Allison still be comforted and learn from the content of those boxes and the heartache her aunt had experienced? Healing comes from a number of unexpected places.

In some ways, there are two stories going on at the same time. Emma's story, which primarily takes place in the 1920s and 30s, and Allison's current day journey of healing, from her pain and disappointment, and her return to trusting God. The transitions between the time periods and the connection between the two are expertly done and easy to follow.

I have always enjoyed reading Robin Lee Hatcher's writings but she has addressed something in this novel that I don't know has been hit head on so well before. Allison felt certain God had promised to heal her marriage and then she felt God telling her to let go of her marriage. Why had God not kept his promise? Had she misunderstood either his promise or his direction?  Everyone has certainly felt that way at one time or another and the author does an excellent addressing that question. Knowing that Ms. Hatcher used experiences from her own life in this novel , walking a path similar to Allison's, makes it even a more compelling story.

One of her best yet, A Promise Kept addresses alcoholism, divorce, and searching for God through a beautiful story. I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive review.

Carolina Gold

The Civil War is over.  Her father is gone.  Charlotte Fraser has only her rice plantation and an island cottage her father left her.  She is determined to put the pieces of her life back together in spite of the fact that little is left of her former life, her father's slaves are now free, and little help to be found.  She may just be able to make it if she can grow the rice her father was famous for, Carolina Gold.  So many obstacles stand in her way and she has a loan to repay or risk losing Fairhaven so Charlotte agrees to tutor two neighbor girls to help pay the taxes and loan but gets more than she bargained for.

I selected this book simply because of the Charleston, SC area setting, never remembering having read any other novels by Dorothy Love but I wasn't disappointed.  What I found was an author whose pen brings history to life and makes the reader feel as if she is part of the story as one who is learning to live in the aftermath of the Civil War when the southern way of life was totally turned upside down.  Ms. Love is an author I will be looking for in the future as historical fiction is my favorite.  I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.

A trilogy to love

My Hope Is Found is the final installment of Gideon and Lonnie O'Riley's story.  I don't want to ruin the first two books, Be Still My Soul, and Through My Heart is Torn, but will attempt to vaguely tell their story as it leads up to this fabulous ending .

After a very rocky start to their marriage and then being torn apart when Gideon's past comes back to haunt him, Gideon is finally able to return to his family.  However, stepping back into Lonnie and Jacob's life isn't quite so simple.  Lonnie has grieved over the loss of Gideon (she has no reason to think that they will ever reunite) for months and has finally come to a place where she can open her heart and has--to a Scottish preacher named Toby McKee.  When Gideon returns and realizes what has happened, he has to turn the only place he knows to--God.  Could it be that Toby would be the better husband for Lonnie and does Gideon love her enough to let her go? 

I love, love, love this series!  The characters are endearing and my heart has grieved over all they have endured.  I have no doubt you will love Lonnie, Gideon, and Toby as much as I do. Each of these books in the series will leave you wanting more but know that they must be read in order. These are the first novels written by Joanne Bischof but I hope they will not be the last.  Even though she is from California, I can see and feel the Appalachians in her writing and she is dead on.  If you haven't read the series, may I recommend this as something to put on your wish list?  If you still aren't convinced, check out Ms. Bischof's website at http://www.joannebischof.com/.

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive review.  Five stars without any hesitation!

 

Excellent Biblical fiction

Return to Me by Lynn Austin opens with something of a prologue where the prophet Daniel is interpreting the writing on the wall for the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, King Belshazzar. Babylon's days are numbered.  That means uncertainty for Daniel and his people but they will continue to trust in the Sovreign God as he has done his entire adult life.

Chapter one introduces the priest, Iddo and his family.  After years of Iddo's nightmares of his capture and his never ending desire to return to the Promised Land, King Cyrus is finally releasing the Jewish people to return to their land and rebuild the temple.  Iddo's passion for doing so has not wavered but he finds that all the Jewish people don't have that same passion. Babylon is "home", a pagan world they have grown comfortable in, and their love for and faith in the one true God has wavered. Even his own sons wish to remain in Babylon.  Only his grandson, Zechariah, desires to go to the land of his forefathers and it takes an "act of God" to convince him but his decision to do so changes everything.

Lynn Austin has successfully brought to life the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.  Not only does the story bring to life the characters from those Old Testament books, much of the story comes straight from scripture.  Ms. Austin's books are always among my favorites and this one is no exception.  Her writings demonstrate that she is well researched and thorough.  Her novels are typically lengthy but not filled with fluff.  This one is no exception.  I love how she makes me feel as if I am walking alongside these Biblical characters.  A must read for any historical fiction reader.  Return to Me is the first installment in the Restoration Chronicles.  I look forward to the furture installments.

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.

Three Christmas Novellas in One Volume!

For a year, Beth has mourned over the death of her fiancé. Everyone is encouraging her to move on but she is still dressed in black and appears content to live above and work in the dry goods store with her spinster Aunt Lizzy. Lizzy fears that Beth may hold on to the past forever and end up just like her--alone. Every day Beth pastes on a smile that would leave most to believe she is okay but it is the secret she hides that makes her hesitant to open her heart even if the man be to the artist who stirs her soul with his work.

Mattie runs her own shop and is fulfilling her dream of being a cake decorator after having her heart broken and leaving Pennsylvania for Ohio. Mattie has found someone new, Sol, whom she plans to marry--some day. But Mattie lacks the bond with Sol that should be present with the one you want to spend the rest of your life with even if Sol does have all the characteristics she ever wanted in a husband. So why does her ex-fiance, Gideon's, voice keep popping up in her head? When tragedy strikes, Mattie is forced to return to her Pennsylvania home. Here she will be faced with the truth behind her broken heart.

Sadie has finally found love--Daniel. That is until Daniel betrayed Sadie, with her own cousin whom she had invited to visit for the months leading up to hers and Daniel's wedding. But her whole family believes exactly as she does. If she doesn't marry Daniel, she will never marry. Sadie is torn between suffering the scorn of calling off a wedding and being strong enough to marry the man who has lied to her. Unable to bear either, she moves away and is permitted to go on Mennonite mission trips to Peru until her family insists she return home several years later. Might she open her heart and learn t o trust again?

Christmas in Apple Ridge is a collection of three Amish novels in one, all of which are centered around the Christmas season. Each story is connected through either family or friendship. The first two novellas have been released previously but the third story is new and a continuation of the first two. Difficult circumstances resulting in broken people who, through God and the love of his people, begin to heal and open their hearts again make for some very believable and touching characters. As always, Cindy Woodsmall does an excellent job of capturing the Amish way of life and includes an Amish soap recipe for the reader to try their hand at the Amish way of doing things. I have never been disappointed in a Cindy Woodsmall book and this one is no exception. There are times when escaping to a less commercial, "simple" lifestyle sounds quite appealing and doing so in the pages of an Amish story is preferable to my cutting off the electricity. They were all a joy to read and got better with each one.

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.

A Christmas Gift for Rose

World War II has recently ended and Rose Yoder should have been married to Jonathan by now but he ashamed their community when he voluntarily joined the military as a medic, a decision that went against the Amish pacifist way of thinking.  Rose wanted a good Amish life, not a worldly one.  How could Jonathan have turned his back on her and their future?  But perhaps the recurring nightmare Rose has had much of her life holds the secrets to the reason she has broken things off with Jonathan.  Can Rose trust Jonathan with her heart and her secrets?

Jonathan knew he couldn't stand the Englisch gazes and comments and stand by and do nothing when so many other men were giving their all for the war effort.  Even though the war is over, the results of his choice and the war itself may be with him the rest of his life. 

Tricia Goyer has woven an Amish tale of love, faith, sacrifice, and forgiveness that is set in one of the most magical times of year--the Christmas season.  It is full of surprises with the twists and turns that will keep you guessing.  For an enjoyable afternoon read, pick up the new novella, A Christmas Gift for Rose, for your own reading pleasure or as the perfect gift.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and the story felt complete even though short.

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.

The Women of Christmas

Three women.  All chosen by God.  All played a vital role in Jesus' birth as did the men in their lives.  After reading The Women of Christmas, you may  have a better understanding of why God chose them and what they can still teach  us today--to wait on the Lord, to trust Him with everything, and to pray until your prayers are answered.

Christmas is so much more than a holiday filled with glittering lights, music, cookies, fancy bows, and parties.  It is a season for reflection, preparation, and renewal.  Perhaps you already know the stories of Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna but Liz Curtis Higgs' writing will help you see them in a new and fresh way.  The book is also scattered with the thoughts and quotes from women who participated in an on-line Bible study such as "When the circumstances of life threaten to overwhelm me, I remember Mary's response to God's appointed plan--one that meant great cost to her, one of suffering and not understanding all God was doing. Her example of simple but complete trust has encouraged me through some difficult hours".  The Women of Christmas also contains a thorough study guide which can be used for small group study or personal advent reading.

I always enjoy Liz Curtis Higgs' humor and writing.  While this isn't my favorite of hers, I did very much enjoy the fresh look at the nativity story and plan to revisit this title beginning the first of December.  It is a quick read if you wish to do it in one sitting and would make a great ladies group study book for the months leading up to Christmas.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am in no way obligated to leave a positive review.