Sunday, January 30, 2011

Katie's Redemption by Patricia Davids


After two years away, Katie Lantz returns to her Amish community nine months pregnant and unmarried. With nowhere else to turn, she nervously knocks on her family’s door, fearing she will be shunned. Yet the handsome stranger who now owns the farm welcomes her in – just in time for Katie to give birth.

Carpenter Elam Sutter and his kindly mother care for Katie and her newborn in a loving way she never dreamed was possible. But in the face of a heart wrenching choice, Katie learns just what family, faith and acceptance truly mean.
I enjoyed this book,it was a very fast read! Can't imagine being pregnant and homeless with no money. She sure went to the right place. Love seeing God's hand in leading Katie. Don't want to give things away, but there are some good twists and turns!

Friday, January 28, 2011

A Place of Peace by Amy Clipston


Miriam Lapp, who left the Amish community in Pennsylvania three years ago, is heartbroken when her sister calls to reveal that her mother has died suddenly. Traveling home to Pennsylvania, she is forced to face the heartache from her past, including her rift from her family and the break up of her engagement with Timothy Kauffman. Her past emotional wounds are reopened when her family rejects her once again and she finds out that Timothy is in a relationship with someone else. Miriam discovers that the rumors that broke them up three years ago were all lies. However, when Timothy proposes to his girlfriend and Miriam's father disowns her, Miriam returns to Indiana with her heart in shambles. When Miriam's father has a stroke, Miriam returns to Pennsylvania, and her world begins to fall apart, leaving her to question her place in the Amish community and her faith in God.
This is the third book in the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series...along with the Plain and Simple Christmas. It also looks like there will be 3 more books and another Christmas Novella. I love that we continue with the lives of Kauffman's and the families around them.
I found this book to be another great read. A real page turner! This book was about Timothy Kauffman and Miriam Lapp and there stuggles to find Love. A series of lies, and tragedies tear them apart, and Miriam takes the blunt of this.
This book also has some very yummy recipes.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

The Search


This is the third book in this series and I've enjoyed them all. This one had me chuckling! An elderly Grandmother leading her 15 year old daughter astray! The pictures of the Sheriff chasing them still make me grin!
Lainey O'Toole is a spunky girl and so loving. She has had a rough road in life, and love how she learned to lean on the Lord. She let the Lord teach her forgiveness and how this impacts her life.
Product Description
Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many. Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.

Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes readers through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Fans both old and new will find themselves immersed in this heartwarming--and surprising--tale of young love, forgiveness, and coming to grips with the past.
The opinions express are my own I purchased this book.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Beauty of Brokenness




The Beauty of Brokenness (and Giveaway of Hollow by Jena Morrow!)
By: Jena Morrow, author of Hollow: An Unpolished Tale, which is today’s featured giveaway! Read on for details on how to win a copy of Hollow…

I love Mosaics. I love to look at each tiny little piece of broken tile, and try to see it first as separate from the whole, as a fraction of the thing it once was. Did it used to have a life of its own, maybe as a vase or a plate, before it met its shattering fate? How did it break? Was it dropped, mishandled, intentionally destroyed for a larger purpose? I love that the pieces haven’t been thrown away or wasted, but that the artist saw their remaining (or maybe enduring) value, and picked them up and said, “I can use you.”

Mosaics are cool, because they are a little visual allegory of the way God works. Human beings, it seems, are even more prone to breaking than ceramic or clay. When I think of all the people who have most touched my life, whose words and deeds and legacies have helped to form and shape me, I am taken by the realization of something they all seem to have in common: they are, or were, decidedly imperfect. They are works in progress, turning their messes into messages and their tests into testimonies. Some of them are, indeed, a bit rough around the edges, and I suspect that their creator and mine is okay with that.

People who have been through a bit of fire, who have lived and learned, who have shed some lifeblood and come out the better for it, are effortlessly inspirational. They don’t have to try too hard to be pithy or poignant or witty or wise, because the fact that they are still here speaks volumes before they ever have to say a word. They have a wide-eyed wonder at having endured, having been spared, that is contagious.

They are the recovered addicts, the tenderhearted former bullies, the learning-disabled scholars, the wounded healers. Their lives speak, encouraging others to press on, to trust in the restorative hand and heart of God.

I remember an early concert given by the late Rich Mullins, the well-known Christian songwriter, wherein he reached for his guitar to play an acoustic ballad, and as he began to play, he started laughing and admitted, “This guitar is terminally out of tune, but I tend to think things are boring if they’re really fine.” The audience chuckled, because part of the appeal of Rich was that he was, in fact, quite rough around the edges. He didn’t stop to tune the guitar; he started the song over again, still with the same out-of-tune instrument.

I like his style; Rich could appreciate the brokenness in both people and things, because he himself was admittedly broken. And maybe he was right; maybe pristine equals dull, and flawed equals interesting. And if that’s the case, if all of us who are flawed and imperfect are more interesting and valuable for our brokenness, then maybe we can learn to embrace our shattered lives as a new kind of creation, like a mosaic. Maybe we can learn to be just a little bit more grateful for where we are, in light of where we were. Maybe we can remember that in our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect. And maybe, just maybe, broken will become the new beautiful.

Hollow: An Unpolished Tale is Jena’s memoir of her struggle with an eating disorder. It is not a polished tale of victory but an honest, true story of fragility. We have 3 copies for giveaways! Here’s how you can enter to win, and it’s not too late to enter to win the Kindle, just hop over to this post for details.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

The Amish Midwife by Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould


A deathbed confession... a dust carved box containing two locks of hair... a century-old letter about property in Switzerland...

Nurse-midwife Lexie Jaeger’s encounter with all three rekindles a burning desire to meet her biological family. Propelled on a personal journey of discovery, Lexie’s search for the truth takes her from her home in Oregon to the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish country.

There she finds Marta Bayer, a mysterious lay-midwife who may hold the key to Lexie’s past. But Marta isn’t talking, especially now that she has troubles of her own following the death of an Amish patient during childbirth. As Lexie steps in to assume Marta’s patient load and continues the search for her birth family, a handsome local doctor proves to be a welcome distraction. But will he also distract her from James, the man back home who lovingly awaits her return?

From her Amish patients, Lexie learns the meaning of the Pennsylvania Dutch word demut: “to let be.” Will this woman who wants to control everything ever learn to depend totally on God? Or will her stubborn determination to unearth the secrets of the past at all costs only serve to tear her newfound family apart?T

This book was filled with secrets that were hurting everyone. A great insight into Amish culture. I had a hard time putting it down. I felt as if they had all become my family and I want to go and spend time with them!
The next book in the series The Amish Nanny will be released in July 2011...can't wait!
There is a Family Tree available to read...it does contain spoilers so be aware! http://www.lesliegould.com/amish_family_tree_spoiler_sm.jpg

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad


When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will summer at Lake Manawa in 1895, she couldn't be more thrilled. It is the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon. It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews. But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's gambling problems threaten to ruin the family forever. Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune? Or will she follow her heart--even if it means abandoning the family she loves? Author Lorna Seilstad's fresh and entertaining voice will whisk readers away to a breezy lakeside summer holiday. Full of sharp wit and blossoming romance, Making Waves is the first book in the LAKE MANAWA SUMMERS series.
This book was an enjoyable read. She has a hard time conforming into what her Mother's wishes her to be. When I finished this book there were a lot of unanswered questions. Hopefully the answers will come in the next book.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Pearl In The Sand

Over on Katies Legacy she is giving away a copy of Pearl in The Sand!

http://katieslegacy.blogspot.com/2011/01/blogiversary-party-day-3.html

Singing Winds

A fabulous book Singing Winds by Linda Strawn is being given away at Katie Legacy.

http://katieslegacy.blogspot.com/#giveaway.singing.winds

Unexpected Love by Andrea Boeshaar Book Review/Giveaway

Unexpected Love by Andrea Boeshaar is being given away over on The Knowlton Nest..
http://jsknowlton.blogspot.com/2011/01/unexpected-love-by-andrea-boeshaar-book.html

Life Without Limits Book REview/Giveaway

The Knowlton Nest is giving away this great book.

http://jsknowlton.blogspot.com/2011/01/life-without-limits-book-reviewgiveaway.html

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Bauducco Giveaway

Sammi's Blog of Life is giving away a Chocolate Chip Panettone!

http://www.wordsearchpuzzledreams.com/#giveawaywin a 17.5 oz Hershey's Panettone from Bauducco!

The Heart's Journey Home

The Heart Journey Home is being given away over on Katie's Legacy Blog.
http://katieslegacy.blogspot.com/2011/01/blogiversary-party-day-2.html#giveawayThe Heart’s Journey Home.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

BeJool Tiffany Inspired Heart Necklace

http://www.wordsearchpuzzledreams.com/search/label/Giveaways
ONE (1) winner will win a Tiffany inspired floating heart necklace.

Pur Faucet Giveaway

http://www.wordsearchpuzzledreams.com/search/label/Giveaways
ONE (1) winner who will win a Pur one click faucet mount.

Over on Sammi's Blog Of Life

http://www.wordsearchpuzzledreams.com/2011/01/red-robin-review-and-giveaway.htm

ONE (1) winner will win a $25 gift card to Red Robin.
http://reviewsbyjane.blogspot.com/2011/01/author-interview-and-giveaway-kathi.html?
One winner will be able to choose whether they would like to receive No Greater Love, More Than Conquerors, or Red Ink!
This giveaway is available Internationally

Friday, January 7, 2011

Free Lego Club Magazine 2 year Subscription

I just did this for our little guy...so am passing this along!

**HOT** FREE Lego Club Magazine 2yr Subscription
I'm super excited to have stumbled upon this deal! My son, 5 1/2yrs, absolutely adores playing with Legos. It keeps him busy for extended periods of time, which means mommy also loves Legos! I have to admit, I often do get annoyed at the teeny little pieces I find all over the place but it's worth it. These days I wonder 'was it a Lego or Barbie shoe I just vacuumed up?' LOL

Aaaand, since I love FREE things you know I jumped on this FREE 2yr subscription to Lego Club Magazine! What makes this deal even sweeter, for us, is that they send out Lego Club Jr. to members under the age of 7. Nice!

SIGN UP for your FREE 2yr Lego Club Magazine Subscription HERE. Make sure to read the fine print, there are some exclusions.

I received no compensation for this post. I found the deal and posted about it on my free will.

The Other Daughter


The Other Daughter

The Other Daughter: A Novel
by Miralee Ferrell (Goodreads Author)

Maureen Timerman's review
Jan 07, 11 · edit

5 of 5 stars
status: Read in January, 2011

The girl standing at the door took a deep breath, pulling her suitcase a little closer to her trembling legs. “My mama’s dead. He’s my daddy.”

Susanne Carson knows that she can trust the love of her life—her husband, David—until she discovers a strange, unkempt young girl on their doorstep, claiming to be David’s daughter.

Not that their marriage has ever been perfect—David’s decision to embrace the Christian faith has strained their relationship. Susanne may not agree with his beliefs, but at least she trusts him. Has David been hiding this not-so-little secret from his past? He wants Susanne to believe in God, but believing hasn’t done much to keep David out of another woman’s arms. What else could her husband be hiding?

As David confronts the truth of his past, Susanne must face her own moment of truth as her marriage is taken to the breaking point and the life of one young girl is left in her hands.

Can you even imagine something like this happening? I enjoyed this book and it was a very fast read. I loved that Brianna was a very sweet girl. Davids and Susanne's two children unconditionally accept the new sister. While David withholds his Love and Susanne turns her head. I loved the way Brianna made her way into their hearts ...including Susanne's Mom! The other unconditional acceptance came from Grandfather.

This book will make you cry and warm your heart as they realize they must lean on the Lord.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

A Memory Between Us (Wings of Glory, #2)A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge--until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she carries a shameful secret that keeps her from giving her heart to any man. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?
I gave this book a 5 star rating. It is the second book in the Wings of Glory Series. It can stand alone, but the first book, A Distant Melody is an awesome 5 Star book!
The words used in this book paints an honest picture of WWII, you feel like your right there. Whether your in the hospital with Ruth or in the plane with Jack.
I didn't like how Jack blamed Ruth for something that happened when she was only 13, but did like how God was showing them how to trust him and move forward.
A Memory Between Us is a perfect blend of Romance and History.



View all my reviews

Celebrate Lit Presents: A Canine Christmas Author: Jennifer Sienes

  About the Book Book:  A Canine Christmas Author:  Jennifer Sienes Genre:  Christian Contemporary Romance, Christmas Fiction...