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Showing posts from 2013

An Elegant Solution by Paul Robertson

Being somewhat a math person, this looked like a great book to try.  I enjoyed learning about some famous mathematicians and how real situations and mathematical ideas were woven though out the story.  I interwove a story about a math prodigy and how he was involved in several things that kept him from doing exactly what he wanted.  I enjoyed the mystery, but the mathematical part did go over my head some.  I would recommend this book for someone who is into the math and mystery.   I received this book for an honest review.

My Hope is Found by Joanne Bischof

This is the third book in the Cadence of Grace Series.  It continues the story of Gideon and Lonnie and the trials that they face in their marriage and lives.  I like continuing to learn about how they work on things and deal with temptations and obstacles.  This series is a great read, or it will stand alone.  I would recommend this book and any others in the series. More from the author can be found at  http://www.joannebischof.com/   "I received this book for free from  WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group  for this review."

The Dawn of Christmas by Cindy Woodsmall

A great story that is part of the Apple Ridge series.  Sadie and Levi want to do what they want, while trying to keep their families from interfering.  They  soon learn that they have more in common than they thought. I really enjoy a chance to read books by this author and this one did not dissappoint. more from this author can be found at www.cindywoodsmall.com "I received this book for free from  WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group  for this review."

An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling

I have read several of the other books involving this character from her being the one with the children to the stories involving her children and it was great getting to see her before she had gotten to this point.  I also enjoyed reading about how her life was and learning about the life on their land the the steps they took to have a productive life.  I enjoyed the story of the family helping out a stranger and how that helped to shape Ingeborg's life.  I received this book free to review. 

Burning Sky by Lori Benton

This book interested me because it gives a historical view in story form.  I enjoyed learning how Willa worked at fitting in in two different worlds.  She was kidnapped and lived in an Indian Village for a while and then later on went back to her home.  She finds that much has changed and had to be careful in what she does due to this.  She not only has to try to fit back in to her old world, but manage to do it with influences coming from her old world.  It is a great read and will really give you a different perspective on how things were. More from the author can be found at  http://loribenton.blogspot.com/ “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

I enjoyed this introduction to an author that I had not previously heard of and look forward to reading more from her.  This book tells the story of Julia Foster who once worked as a missionary with her parents and due to circumstances winds up taking a job as a governess.  She finds the job to be challenging not only due to her position that is not quite a servant, but not family either.  She also finds her charges to be a challenge and does not get a lot of help from the master of the house.  This book shows how she manages to work things out while still holding onto who she is. More from the author can be found at  http://carrieturansky.com/ “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

Fired Up by Mary Connealy

I really enjoy reading books by Mary Connealy and this one is no exception.  Fired up tells the story of Glynna and how she is determined to make it on her own as well as take care of her children.  Dare is the town doctor who has helped Glynna out, but seems to find trouble of his own. It is a great read and I want to thank Bethany House for providing me a copy to read.

The Secret Keeper by Beverly Lewis

Having read the other books in this series, I greatly enjoyed getting to read this one as well. It tells the story of Jennifer Burns leaving her English family and making the steps to join the Amish Church. It tells of how she adjusts and comes to really understand the ways of the Amish. Also the stories of other characters from previous books including Katie Lapp and her family. I received this book to review from Bethany House Publishers.

For Every Season by Cindy Woodsmall

This is another great book in the Amish Vines and Orchard's Series.  Rhoda has taken her talents with growing to Maine and is working hard to get the new orchard growing, but her relationship with Jacob has become more strained.  This book details how they work on their relationship and how others can can play a part in working things out.  I highly recommend this book as well as the others in the series.  More from the author can be found at www.cindywoodsmall.com “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Christina has taken over the running of a poor farm after her father dies.  After a fire displaces all the residents, she finds herself unable to see to the needs of everyone as she feels she should.  Levi is one of the townspeople who finds himself taking in one of the residents of the poor farm.  The boy he takes in winds up helping him as much as he helps the boy. This book shows how many of the residents start to see things different after the fire and how it made them to see within themselves and see how things could change.  I would very much recommend reading this book and trying to see a little of yourself in some of the characters.  More from the author can be found at http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/ “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

Splitting Harriett by Tamara Leigh

Another good read by Tamara Leigh. I enjoyed reading about someone who is trying to make the right choices and hasn't always done as they should. It gives insight to how we are all human and just try our best. More from the author can be found at www.tamaraleigh.com “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

Perfecting Kate by Tamara Leigh

Kate has had trouble with romance and has sworn off men.  She then meets two men but still has trouble with them.  One she butts heads every time they are together and the other keeps wanting to change her.  Kate soon learns to like herself for herself .  More from the author can be found at http://www.tamaraleigh.com/ “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

Prairie Song by Mona Hodgson

After reading the Quilted Heart Novellas, I was more that ready to read Prairie Song.  The novellas introduced many of the characters and then you got to interact with them on their journey west.  The wagon train has left St. Charles and they are making their way westward.  Caroline is acting as a nanny for a family so that she can make her way on her own and while the children are no really a problem, she does have a few interactions with their grandmother.  She also finds herself growing more attached to the captain of the trip.  Anna is traveling with her mother and grandfather and finds herself keeping busy keeping an eye on her mother and butting heads with one of the trail hands.  A very enjoyable book and I am eagerly awaiting the next book to see how their journey west continues. More from the author can be found at   http://www.monahodgson.com/ “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

That Dog won't Hunt by Brandilyn Collins

This is a great read and introduction to the Dearing family.  I really enjoyed seeing the family dynamics and how it could be hard to fit into the family if you didn't really have the right personality.  I liked how Tamel managed to keep trying to stay a part of the family and how Christina finally managed to realized how to become a part of a family.

Trouble in Store by Carol Cox

I enjoyed reading this book by Carol Cox.  Melanie suddenly finds herself without a job and is in a quandary about what to do next, when she runs across a letter from her cousin.  Her cousin had a store in Arizona and while he has passed away, she feels like his partner will give her a job in the store and heads for Arizona.  When she gets there, she finds the partner has died as well, but soon convinces his relative to allow her to live above the store and work there. Caleb has taken over working at the store and doesn't like the changes that Melanie wants to make and tries to get her married off, but after realizing that she might be in danger living at the store, he soon begins to care for her himself.  The have to figure out who is leaving threatening notes and work on changing the public's perception of what is going on with the store and some people who were associated with the store. I received this book free to review.

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

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I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept me turning the pages to see where they would wind up next and what clue they would uncover. The relationships of the book were great too seeing how they developed. I think I will have to go and find the first book and eagerly await a new one.  (   )

Ripples Along the Shore by Mona Hodgson

A nice preview to the upcoming full length book.  This is a third in a set of novellas for her upcoming book and really serves to give you a taste of what is to come and wanting to know how things will turn out.  After learning that her husband is dead, Caroline first stays to take care of her aunt, but after her aunt dies, Caroline comes to live with her sister's family.  This really doesn't work well and she decides to join up with the wagon train going west.  She has to overcome some things to go in this trip, but eventually it seems that all will work out. More from the author can be found at   http://www.monahodgson.com/ “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

One Glorious Ambition by Jane Kirkpatrick

One Glorious Ambition by Jane Kirkpatrick is a fictional book based on the life of Dorothea Dix. Dorothea's story is told from childhood into adulthood. She advocated for the mentally ill and opened a school for the less fortunate.  She worked hard at her causes and did this during a time in history when women didn't really speak up and participate in things such as this.  I have read other books by this author and this one was just as enjoyable as the rest. More from the author can be found at http://www.jkbooks.com/index.html “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

Though My Heart is Torn by Joanne Bischof

Having read the first book in this series, I was very eager to continue reading in this series. Lonnie and Gideon have settled into married life after a not so blissful start and their family is starting to grow.  They have moved away from and are settling into life in the Blue Ridge mountains when an interruption to their peace comes in the form of Cassie Allen.  Cassie interrupts their lives by claiming that Gideon is her husband.  This causes much heartache and pain in their lives and is a big test of their marriage and faith. More from the author can be found at http://www.joannebischof.com/ “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

Gone South by Meg Moseley

I chose this book to read being from the south myself  and thinking it would be interesting to see her take on things there. Tish moves to Noble, Alabama when an opportunity presents itself to purchase a home that was in her family, but doesn't find the welcome that she had hoped for.  Being from the North, she like and outsider and not very welcome by the residents of the town.  This book shows how she continues to trust and help others even when she doesn't feel the most welcome herself. More from the author can be found at  http://megmoseley.com/  “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

I enjoyed reading this historical novel by Jody Hedlund.  Annalisa and her family are doing their best to survive in Michigan in the late 1800's.  She and her daughter find her husband dead in their field and her family decides that it is for the best that they find her another groom to help her to be able to keep the land.  Back in Germany, Carl has been accuse of a crime and finds himself in the way to America to keep his life.  Through connections, he finds himself helping out Annalisa  At first he as a hard time doing the work, but eventually is able to not only do the work, but help make other improvements.  Although he has only been sent over to help until her intended groom arrives, he soon finds himself caring for her. In reading the book, you find our what happens as well as meet other interesting characters.  I received this book free to review from Bethany house.  More from the author can be found at http://jodyhedlund.com/   .

Bending Toward the Sun by Mona Hodgson

I eagerly awaited the next book in this series to see how the story would continue. This book could be read alone or as a nice countenance to Dandelions on the Wind.  This story picks up with the story of Emilie who has been working at her father's store and continuing her education at the university.  Quaid has returned from the war and is working as a teamster making deliveries all over town.  They reconnect from knowing each other as children and start to have feelings for each other.  Her father is not happy about this since Quaid is Irish, but little by little they start to win each other over. More from the author can be found at   http://www.monahodgson.com/ “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

Dandelions on the Wind by Mona Hodgson

Having read the Sinclair Brides series by Mona Hodgson, I was pleased to find this book.  It was a  very enjoyable, quick read.  After Maren's fiance rejects her after she has traveled to the United States from Denmark, she finds employment with Elsa and her granddaughter Gabi on their farm.  Soon Gabi's father shows up after being away fighting in the Civil War.  This makes Maren feel like she should leave, and she finds employment in a store in town.  Gabi's mother died giving birth to her, and her dad couldn't face seeing her every day, so he had left, but now that he is back, he soon finds himself able to not only care for his daughter, but maybe Maren as well.  I am looking forward to the next novella in this series and the books yet to come as well. More from this author can be found at http://www.monahodgson.com/ " I received this book free to review from Waterbrook Multnomah Press"

Ollie Chandler Collection Randy Alcorn

Great chance to read a series all at once.  I enjoy getting to read books like this where you don't have to wait for the next book to come out to find out what happens next.  This set of books keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next with the mystery part and makes you really think about your purpose in life. more from the author can be found here   http://www.epm.org/ “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

The Rocky Mountain Heiress Collection by Kathleen Y'barbo

I quite enjoyed reading these three books, having previously read The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck, I was pleased to be able to read the other books in the series. I really liked seeing characters from one book, appear in another so I could see what had happened with many of the characters.  The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper Eugenia wants to see the west and sees her opportunity when she becomes a governess to Daniel Beck's daughter.  Her family at home feels like this is an adventure that wills soon play out and she will come home shortly.  Instead she finds herself very heavily involved in the lives of Daniel, his daughter, and the other town folk that she meets. Anna Finch and the Hired Gun Anna wants to become a reporter, but her father wants her to settle down.  Encounters in her town give her the opportunity to  interview  interesting people and keep her dream of reporting alive.  Pinkerton Agent Jeb Sanders is hired to keep her out of trouble, which

Northern Light Trilogy by Lisa Tawn Bergren

This book consists of the following three titles.  It was great to have the story altogether and not have to wait for the next book to come out to find out what happens next. The Captain's Bride tells the story of a group of friends and family leaving Norway and starting over a new life.  It tells of what they have to endure to start over and some of the interactions of the story members along the way.  Many of the characters are torn between what they know should be done and what they actually do. Deep Harbor continues the story with several of the characters settled into what seems like the good life, and  others enduring hardships of death and deceit. The must depend on each other to get through the tough times no matter what the cost. Midnight Sun tells the conclusion of the story as the characters search for what has been lost and the temptations they face along the way. I would recommend this series and author to anyone to read. More from the author can be found at 

Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert

Another good book from Katie Ganshert, author of Wildflowers from Winter.  I had enjoyed reading this book and was glad to be able to read it.   After Robin's husband dies, she is left to care for their three year old son and manage the cafe she has worked hard for.  When Ian comes in and tries to get her to give up her cafe, she puts up quite a fight.  The book tells of their time together and how they come to a resolution to this dilemma.  "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review." more from the author can be found here  http://katieganshert.com/

Fearless by Eric Blehem

This book was very insightful and informative.  It tells the story of Adam Brown who is a member of Seal team six.  It tells of several of the things he had to go through as a SEAL and how he came to know Christ.  I was amazed of the courage he had and have a better understanding of what the families go through.  I received this book to review from Waterbrook Multnomah press to review.  more from the author can be found at http://www.amazon.com/Eric-Blehm/e/B001IR1L2A/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Echoes by Robin Jones Gunn

I enjoyed reading this book that is a part of the Glenbrook Series.  I had read some of the other books in the series, so I had a pretty good background, but it is a book that can stand alone.  After a bad breakup,   Lauren starts an online relationship under the pen name KC.  She corresponds with Wren and after a while they grow close even though they have never met.  She finds it hard to explain this relationship in a way that others can understand.  They do finally meet and the book tells how things go. "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review." more from the author can be found here.  www.robingunn.com