The Rose of Winslow Street: A Review

Bethany House has published a truly memorable “vacation read*.”  The Rose of Winslow Street is a book that is fragrant as it teases you with smells of jasmine and rose buds, flowers that hold much meaning in the plot of this entertaining book. 

Michael Dobrescu and his family move into an empty house in Colden, Massachusetts, thinking that the house is rightfully theirs even though they have never laid eyes on the home.  let me mention that the family members are recent immigrants to America. 

Libby Sawyer and her father are shocked to discover that the Dobrescu’s have moved in to their beloved house and seek help from the court of law.  While they wait for a verdict, Libby reaches out to the family her father has evicted.  In doing so, new feelings enter her heart.

The family’s become intertwined as they discover that inside the house is a clue to the future and the rightful owner.  

You might be surprised by the ending of this novel, but you won’t be disappointed. 

Have a copy of The Rose of Winslow Street delivered to your front door or onto your Kindle. 

This book was provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review.  Thanks Bethany House. 

The Mercy: A Review

I can’t believe it.  I missed the second book in the Beverly Lewis Rose Trilogy.  I was so excited to post this for you . . .

Having read the first book here.

But alas when I just looked The Mercy up . . . I discovered that it was the third book!

Gasp!  I missed book #2 – The Judgement . . . which explains why not everything totaled up to me!

So . . . you can read The Mercy and still have a good read.  I did.

What’s it about?

Rose Kauffman has reoccurring stirrings for the seemingly lost Nick Franco, the Bishop's foster son.  Franco got out of dodge soon after his “brother” died in a freak accident.  Because of Nick’s seemingly unruly behavior, his dad was silenced.  However, like any good story . . . there is more to this story than most people know.  Is Nick really rebellious?  Rose continues to be Nick’s friend . . . but there is tension between his use of modern conveniences and his refusal to make amends. 

But ya’ gotta know the whole story before you judge someone . . .

Back at the ranch, Rose's older sister, Hen, is living in her parents' Dawdi Haus. Rose is married to an Englisher who finds himself in a horrible car accident, leaving him in need of constant care. This is truly an example how God can use something bad for His good (yes, I know it is just a fictional story.)

Buy it in hardback or on Kindle!  You won’t be disappointed!

Thanks Bethany House!  I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

 

Three Cups: A Children’s Review

This Christmas, I received a Kindle Fire.  It has been a handy little gadget, providing hours of entertainment during my month of sickness.

(I discovered I have bronchitis, by the way.)

The one thing that I have had some difficulty finding (on my Kindle) are free children’s books.  So I was super excited to review Three Cups by Tony Townsley with Mark St. Germain via my Kindle . . . thanks Book Sneeze!  (By the way, the book was only free because I am reviewing it.)

I’m embarrassed to say that we have yet to do much instruction with the children on the concept of tithing, saving, and spending.  So this book was a welcome introduction into the world of Godly finances. 

The concept is simple.  It introduces the idea of a weekly allowance followed by placing three cups out with a label on each cup:  give, save, spend.  The allowance is divided right away . . . making sure that your child learns to give back first. 

Of course, it could be expanded upon . . . but that is what Dave Ramsey is for.  {Smiles.}

So, if you want to dip your feet into this VERY important idol topic I highly recommend this book.  You don’t have to view it on Kindle . . . it does come in hardback. 

Wonderland Creek: A Review

What a book!  Crazy!

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin was quite a book to read.  Parts of it made me mad! 

Main character, Alice Grace Ripley, likes to read books.  (I don’t know anyone like that do you?)  Her avid book reading destroys her relationship with her boyfriend, and even infringes on reality.

When Alice loses her job as a librarian, she rashly decides to travel to Kentucky to deliver five boxes of donated books to a coal-mining town . . . that is a little off its rocker.  She becomes imbedded into this ludicrous culture . . . and essentially held hostage.

Filled with adventure and unrealistic suspense, I did enjoy Wonderland Creek.

Go grab your hardcopy or Kindle version!

Thanks Bethany House!  This book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

Out of Control: A Review

I can’t remember the last time I sat at an almost too small table for Neo, myself, and my coffee . . . and blogged.  But here I am.  Here I sit.  Alone.  All of the family errands are completed.  Twenty minutes to myself.  To sit.  To relax.  To blog. 

And in this 20 minutes I bring to you a vacation reading review.  Call me crazy.  You may think I should read a book, do nothing, or blog about something more personal. 

But . . . no.  I wanted to savor “old times” and check this review off of my list.

And get the book on my paperback swap list! 

Out of Control, by Mary Connealy,  might be a read for a bright, sunny room. . . . if you have an overactive imagination like myself.  The characters in this story have got some serious childhood issues that are a result of very dysfunctional families.  Curiosity and greed only serve to aggravate already strained relationships. 

Rafe Kincaid rescues desperately seeking fossil enthusiast Julia Gilliland.  Little do they know how intertwined their lives are . . . and will become. 

Like I said, there are parts of this book that might creep you out and act like a steroid to your imagination.  If you are prone to a story gripping your thoughts and creating graphics with the shadows, this book may not be for you . . . though a redemptive story in its conclusion.

Thanks Bethany House for providing me with a book to review!  I was not paid for this post and did freely express my opinion.  That’s what I like about Bethany House!

Lion of Babylon: A Review

Lion of Babylon is a great novel. reminiscent of a Joel Rosenberg book.  Davis Bunn’s book mainly takes place in Baghdad.  Spurred on by a close tie to missing intelligence agent (Alex Baird), main character Marc Royce is asked to return to the State Department to find Baird and three others. 

Who is behind the disappearances and why?  Marc Royce seeks to find this out while building friendships and trust between himself and the people of Baghdad, essentially bringing forth a large scale reconciliation between America and the Middle East. 

Discover how Marc Royce makes a difference.  It is something that we all could stand to do!

Thank you Bethany House for providing me a copy of the Lion of Babylon.  I was not paid for this review nor do I have to return the book. 

Summer Reading . . .

Since the kids are in a summer reading program . . . I decided I would join up too.  I’m actually in two.  The library’s and Tyndale’s Summer Reading Program. 

Both give prizes.  Score!

From Tyndale I have read . . .

Her Mother’s Hope by Francine Rivers . . .

This is the first book in a two part series . . . and I haven’t been ready to start the sequel. 

I “think” I liked Her Mother’s Hope, but at the same time I was really disturbed by main character, Marta.  Marta is a survivor . . . and she expects everyone to be tough as iron . . . like herself.  As a result, she really taints the majority of her relationships with her hard exterior that spreads tetanus to those she “loves.”  Though the book shares adult issues that are fiction in this story . . . I’m not so sure I want to read about present day events that capture the media’s attention in my nighttime vacation reading. 

The jury is still out if I will read Her Daughter’s Dream . . . because it appears that history repeats itself.

 

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Journey to Riverbend by Henry McLaughlin . . .

 

This book for sure is written by a man.  Meaning . . . blood and guts . . . detailed battle scenes.  I had to close my eyes at one point.  {Smiles}  Certainly a story of redemption and how the Lord can change our hearts and thus our life’s direction. 

In summary, Michael Archer seeks to save a relationship between a father and son, though the son was deceased.  However, Sam’s task is not an easy one as it involves a rather hard hearted Ben Carstairs.  However, Ben is kidnapped and begins to see the error of his wicked ways . . . but will he realize this too late?

That, my reader, is why you will have to read the book to find out. 

And woven throughout this book is a beautiful lady whose heart has been radically changed and uses the gift of intercession to usher in the Lord’s protection.  (Yes, I know this is fiction – the story, that is . . . not the power of God.)

 

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Pieces of Silver by Maureen Lang . . .

This book . . . I liked.  But it’s not on my list to tell you about! 

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From Bethany House Publishers. . .

Another Dawn by Kathryn Cushman . . .

 

If you don’t vaccinate . . . then this book if for  you.  However, it presents an interesting perspective.  Perhaps a scary one.  Character Grace Graham chose not to vaccinate her son due to witnessing first hand a change in her friend’s son’s behavior soon after receiving his MMR. 

A very real occurrence.  

The story . . . good . . . but the issue of immunization stands prominent in my memory banks.  Parents are faced with huge decisions when it comes to the health care of their children.  Grace’s son unknowingly infects a town with a potentially deadly virus that he could have been vaccinated for . . . Grace struggles with the “should have” or “could have” syndrome.

It’s a balance between the odds and the risk . . . but most importantly do your homework when it comes to vaccinations. 

That’s all I’m going to say.  Thumbs up. 

(Thanks for a copy of this book Bethany House!)

 

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An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser . . .

 

I stayed up WAY TOO LATE with this novel.  WAY TOO LATE.  If you are trying to be disciplined with your bed time, do not start reading this book.  I repeat . . . this book will not help you go to bed early. 

But it is a good book. 

I like An Unlikely Suitor because of the quirky rich characters that were well-rounded . . . and easily strode into the movie theater of my mind. 

That’s all I’m going to tell you!  Go to the library or get it for yourself! 

(Thanks for the book Bethany House!)

 

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The Whole Bible Story (everything that happens in the Bible in plain English) by Dr. William H. Marty . . .

If you are going to go to the effort to read this book (some 300+ pages) why not just read the Bible? 

Because the Bible is actually “given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16.17)

I find it alarming that the Word of God is being altered . . . shortened  . . . a Cliff Note version if you will. 

The back cover of this book reads as follows,

 . . . often the story can get lost among the laws, genealogies, prophecies, poetry, and instructions.  Sometimes we need to get back to what happens in the Bible, focusing on the plot and the characters.”

Humph. 

The story can get lost?  The whole beautiful story of humanity is found in every jot and title of Scripture!  This is why the Bible in 90 Days is SUCH a great way to catch the whole of God’s love towards His creation. 

My thoughts . . . read the Bible instead.  It is a MUCH more reliable resource.  To pick and choose what Scripture is important for a generation of people . . . scary.  Kind of cult-like. 

I doubt that was Dr. William Marty’s intention . . . just be careful people if you read this book.

(Thanks Bethany House!)

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Deeper into the Word by Keri Wyatt Kent . . .

You could easily treat this book like a devotion.  Pick out a topic and read reflections on 100 words from the New Testament. 

I view this book differently from the previously mentioned book.  Deeper into the Word doesn’t claim to be written because things are lost in the facts and laws . . . this is purely topical.  Topical studies can also be faulty . . . even misleading.  This is due to the fact that you have to look at a verse in its entirety . . . at the surrounding verses and the historical context. 

This is a great tool.  But it doesn’t replace a daily reading of your personal Bible.

(Thanks Bethany House!)

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Love and War, Devotional for Couples by John and Stasi Eldredge . . .

Normally a fan of the Eldredge’s, the Engineer and I were surprised by this devotional.  We weren’t very encouraged.  In fact, it left us depressed. 

But it could be encouraging for others  . . . offer hope and healing. 

We just couldn’t relate.  It’s a devotional for the marriage you always dreamed of . . .

I have a marriage that is more that what I ever dreamed it would be . . . but we have worked hard at that . . . regular dates, dying to self, sacrificing, and LOTS of communicating.  I know that I am blessed . . . and I’m not wanting to sound like a braggart.  A lot of you may have done what I listed . . . and it doesn’t seem like enough . . .

IF . . . IF  . . . you ARE in a rough spot . . . then I would recommend this book, or even better . . . attend a Family Life Marriage Conference. 

(Thanks Waterbrook Press!)

The Girl in the Gatehouse: A Review

The Girl in the Gatehouse, by Julie Klassen, is quite possibly the best “vacation read” I have shifted my eyes left to right on in quite some time.

Reminiscent of Charlotte Bronte’s, Jane Eyre, it is no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely piece of fiction. 

Who cares that Mother’s Day has passed, give this book to a friend, your mom, your grandma, or yourself because you need a mini-mind-vacation.

Found in Klassen’s book is this ironic quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne, “All women, as authors, are feeble and tiresome.  I wish they were forbidden to write.”  This theme runs throughout the novel.  Main character, Mariah Aubrey is banished from her childhood home due to a very grave sin.  Her father, more concerned about appearance than restoration, throws her out and hides Mariah in an abandoned gatehouse.

In this gatehouse, Mariah creates a new world filled with writing (under a pseudonym, not that I have ever done that . . . ahem), helping others, getting right with her Maker, and truly learning what it means to live and forgive.  

Get it. Find it on .  Ask for it.  Check it out from the library.

Thanks to Bethany House for sending me a copy of The Girl in the Gatehouse to review.  I was not paid for this post nor do I have to return the book.

Within My Heart: More than JUST A Review

You might laugh at me when I tell you that this book hit a little too close to home for me. 

 

I know that I get made fun of by the Hottie when such books keep me up late at night reading.  He takes one look at these “Christian” historical fiction covers  with their somewhat fru-fru covers and flutters his eyes and fawns like a lovesick teenager. 

Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander is yet another book by Bethany House Publishers.  It takes place in colorful Colorado (which I suppose is redundant of me to say since Colorado means colorful).  Widow Rachel Boyd is raising two young boys and struggling to keep her ranch afloat, when she is forced by circumstances to interact with the town doctor, Rand Brookston.  In an attempt to save a friend’s life, they become medical partners and a friendship soon follows. 

Seemingly typical and harmless reading, right?  I enjoyed the book. I would recommend it as what I call “vacation reading.”

But the book hit close to home. 

Two huge events happened in this book that have happened or are happening in my life right now.

There is a birth. 

There is a death.

Granted the birth in this book is a cow; but hey, cows are miracles too.  Seriously, can you imagine giving birth to something that big with hooves? 

Likewise, I gave birth last week.  Amazing experience – thankfully no hooves.  But looking back, I  think to myself . . . I did that?!  God really was creative when He came up with how birth would all go down.

I also mentioned that there was a death in Within My Heart.  The character that dies is one that we follow throughout the story.  The reader witnesses his beautiful relationship with his wife and the process he goes through to face death.  It is very real.  Tamera Alexander did a GREAT job truly capturing this experience that we all must face, should the Lord tarry.

Sadly, this week, our family is potentially looking at death.  Please don’t roll your eyes, but the death we may be watching before our eyes and played out in front of our children is our dog, Mussoorie.  This week has marked a dramatic change in whom we have always known as Mussie. 

Remember how this dog eats everything?  Butter, Friendship bread starter, cookies, whole loaves of bread, poop, diapers, sewing pins, essentially anything.

But not this week.

We can drop food from the table ON PURPOSE and she leaves it there.  I have actually had to sweep the floor because my brown furry vacuum isn’t doing her job.

She won’t get up from bed.  I miss tripping over her and being followed from room to room by her clicking toenails.  She used to sneak into bed once Brian escaped its warm covers to get ready for work.  But not this week.

(Brian reading her a birthday card from my mom on Monday. 

She turned 8.)

Her ankle is swollen,  She has a fever of 103.  She limps when she does walk.  She barely has the strength to go to the bathroom.

My sons have become her personal physical therapists,  Three times a day they make a walking course for her.  With each step that she takes she gets rewarded with a doggie treat. 

So as I was reading Tamera’s book the other night and how the characters in it are facing death, I looked over to my dog that had to be carried up to our bedroom.  There she sat.  Eyes watering.  Nose dry.  Staring at me.  Limp.  Whimpering. 

This was the dog we bought to prepare us for children.  To help us become responsible adults.

We figured that if we could keep her alive, then we could take care of a child. (Glad I didn’t have to nurse her.)

This was “our girl.”  We thought she would always be “our girl.”  And then the Lord provided Sweet Pea, of whom I am incredibly thankful for.  I’d gladly have two girls.

I still love my dog.  For the record, I love Sweet Pea more.

I’m not ready to give Mussie up, though. 

It is just so fast.  We did the surgery to prolong her life and I almost feel as if it put her on the fast track. 

Sigh.

I don’t know what else to say. 

I am in love with my new daughter, yet grieving at the demise of my dog.  Such extremes.  The delight and happiness over a human life given to me is far more important and the focal point of my thoughts. 

But it does grieve me to see our faithful friend grow old so quickly before our very eyes. 

And to watch the Hottie dote over this silly brown mow hawk dog, whom he still calls, “Darling.”  I get weepy every time—which is only compounded by the fact I just had a baby. 

Sniff.

Life. 

Thanks to Bethany House Publishing.  I am certain they never expected to receive a long review like this one.  But I suppose they should be proud of working with an author who was able to capture life’s experiences accurately.  I was not paid for this post and all opinions are mine. 

The Vigilante’s Bride: A Review

The Vigilante’s Bride, by Yvonne Harris, is a great western historical fiction novel.  Main character, Emily McCarthy, is on her way to meet her future husband (who isn’t a kind man unbeknownst to her) for the first time, when she is abducted by Luke Sullivan.  Of course, our heroine is a feisty gal and doesn’t take kindly to her rescuer.  Though a predictable story line of two people diametrically opposed to each other who end up falling head over heals in love with each other, it was a delightful novel to be entertained by.
Great vacation read . . . if you are going on vacation OR you need a vacation!
Thank you to Bethany House for sending me this book to read and review.  I was not paid for this post, nor do I have to return the book.

Masquerade: A Review

Masquerade, by Nancy Moser, reminded me of an old Disney movie, The Parent Trap.  Two good friends, Charlotte Gleason (who came from a wealthy family) and Dora (Charlotte’s maid), trade places or rather lives, on their boat ride to America – each to escape their old life.  However, both don’t end up getting what they want.  Through a series of twists and turns, they discover that in America awaits an even better path than they could have imagined!

Truly a very fun and entertaining read.  It was interesting to see the characters perspectives and paradigms change as they learned about what kind of women they were really created to be.

Two thumbs up!

Thank you to Bethany House for sending me this book to read and review.  I was not paid for this post, nor do I have to return the book!

Love is a Flame: A Review

 Love is a Flame, compiled by James Stuart Bell, is an easy book to read filled with hopeful stories of marriages overcoming seemingly insurmountable circumstances.  Though I have a happy marriage, I was still encouraged by the resilient couples who faced trying situations and with God’s help tackled their problems and won. 

This book contains 43 vignettes, that can quickly be read as stand-alone stories.  Great to read before bedtime or with your spouse. 

Published by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, this book can be purchased through Amazon for $11.69.

Thanks to Bethany House for sending me this book to review.  All opinions are mine as usual! 

In Every Heartbeat: A Review

Since finishing B90x, I have resumed my nighttime reading.  Normally, I finish historical fiction novels in two nights tops.  However, I slowly soaked my way through this book.  Perhaps I simply wanted to go westward in my mind.  Ride a horse or participate in a gun fight (though one does happen a the end of this novel). 

I suppose my struggle with this book lies in the fact that it confused me.  There existed three main characters, Libby, Pete, and Bennett.  All best friends joined at the hip due to their upbringing in an orphanage.  Pete is in training to be a pastor and for a major assignment decides to write editorials condemning the writing of romantic story writing in women’s periodicals.  Libby, however, is quite enthralled with this subject and accomplishes the task of writing such stories with great ease. 

Yet, I wonder:  why does author, Kim Sawyer, go to such great lengths at writing such a persuasive argument against romantic fiction . . . yet her book is that very thing which was so eloquently critiqued?

I don’t have an answer, but it was an issue I struggled with. 

So, my recommendation . . . borrow the book from a friend or check it out from your local library.  My copy will be found on Paperbackswap. 

Thank you Bethany House for sending me this book to review for free.  I did enjoy having some light reading to occupy my mind.  I was not paid for this post, nor do I have to return the book. 

The Thorn: A Review

Hooked.  It only took me two nights to read Beverly Lewis’s new book, The Thorn, which is the opening book for her new series called The Rose Trilogy. 

The story shows the contrast between the quiet life of an Amish town and what happens when an Englisher or outsider enters into this culture. 

Foremost in this book though, is a clear presentation of the Gospel message, the importance of having Christ as your Savior, and honoring your marriage vows. 

I can’t wait for Beverly Lewis’s next book in this series!

This book was given to me for free from Bethany House Publishers.  I was not paid for this post.  All opinions are mine.

Flight to Heaven: A Review

I was a bit skeptical to read Captain Black’s testimony of his Flight to Heaven. 

I had read a different book regarding another man’s journey to heaven . . . and was disappointed on the self-focus of said unnamed book. 

However, boy was I SURPRISED to find myself being challenged personally by reading about God’s transforming work in Captain Black’s  life. 

For years, Captain Dale Black kept what happened to him following a deadly plane crash secret, not feeling released from the Lord to share his story. 

I think this is what gives the man and his book credibility, along with plenty of scripture.  This book isn’t about heaven as the title suggests.   This book is totally about GOD.  It’s not about an EXPERIENCE or a FEELING but rather scripture and how God is still at work in real people’s lives. 

Captain Black didn’t write a story to create drama and publicity.  He didn’t write a story to give glory to himself.  This book is truly a work dedicated to sharing God’s powerful message of love and salvation. 

This book does what all Christian books should do . . . spur the reader on in their individual walk with the Lord, impart scripture, and give all of the glory to God.

Great book, good read.  Thanks so much for being sensitive to God’s timing, Captain Black.

This book was given to me for free from Bethany House.  I was not paid for this post, nor do I have to return the book. I was given free reign to express my true opinion. 

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