How Sweet the Sound by Vanessa Miller (Review)

How Sweet the Sound

by Vanessa Miller

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Historical  
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2014
Number of pages- 288
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-4928

In How Sweet the Sound, by Vanessa Miller, Shar Gracey first has to decide whether or not to go on tour with Thomas A. Dorsey and Mahalia Jackson or stay at home and perhaps become engaged to her pastor.

She decides to go on tour, because the money she will make will help take care of her mother’s medical care.  She did not realize though that the 1930s United States may not be friendly to the gospel choir, especially in the South.  She also did not expect to meet Nicoli James who would mistreat and use her.

She returns to Chicago because of James, but will Pastor Landon still be there for her?  What about her mother’s health and bills?

About the Author- Vanessa Miller currently lives with her family in North Carolina.  She is a playwright, motivational speaker, and author.  She can be reached at www.VanessaMiller.com.

My Thoughts- I thought How Sweet the Sound, by Vanessa Mille, was really interesting.  I thought the story about Shar Gracey was important as she was the main character in the story and had to deal with her mother’s health, the lack of interest from Pastor Landon, and the way she was treated on the tour, but I found the historical parts equally important.

I am from a small town in the Rocky Mountains and my historical interests are in Western History, primarily 1800s, so I knew nothing of the Restrictive Covenants or the Black Belt of Chicago.  I had no idea that life was so difficult in the 1930s for African Americans in the Northern States.  After I read this book I spent some time researching it and found out it took place in other large cities, not just Chicago.  I would like to thank Vanessa Miller for bringing to light a part of American history that I knew nothing about.

You all need to read this book to learn how Shar learns to overcome her situations and for an American history lesson.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received How Sweet the Sound, by Vanessa Miller, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

A Road Unknown by Barbara Cameron (Review)

A Road Unknown (Amish Roads series, Book 1)

by Barbara Cameron

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Romance / Amish  
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2014
Number of pages- 304
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-4059-6

In A Road Unknown, by Barbara Cameron, Elizabeth Bontrager is looking for her own happiness after having helped her mother and father with her younger siblings for most of her life.

She is currently living in Goshen, Indiana, but she is planning on moving to Paradise, Pennsylvania to live with her English friend, Paula.  She has fun living with Paula, but two men interrupt her fun and peace.  One of them is English and the other is Amish and is also her new boss.

What will Elizabeth do with her new life, stay in Paradise or go home to Goshen? 

About the Author- Barbara Cameron has written more than 35 fiction and nonfiction books.  She can be reached at www.barbaracameron.com and www.amishliving.com.

My Thoughts- I have read all of the books in the Quilts of Lancaster series, by Barbara Cameron and enjoyed them very much.  A Road Unknown, the first book in the Amish Roads series was excellent as well. 

While I really enjoy learning about Elizabeth Bontrager and her new life in Paradise, well named I thought, since she does find her own piece of paradise, I especially liked the back of the book that had recipes, glossary of Amish words, study guide, description of this series and a excerpt from the next book.  This information made me hungry, was very helpful for me to understand the words I did not know, and to think about and understand the message Cameron was writing.  I cannot wait to try some of the recipes.

It was very interesting to read a book where an Amish person lived with the English.  I thought it would be frowned upon, but if she is in her Rumschpringe, then I guess it would be o.k.  It was good that Saul and his family did not object to it.  Paula, who was English, was a very nice person and I am glad she was the one that Elizabeth stayed with.    

This is a very good book.  I hope you enjoy it as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received A Road Unknown, by Barbara Cameron, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson (Review)

One Imperfect Christmas

by Myra Johnson

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / General 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2009
Number of pages- 274
Age Group- Adult 
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-0070-5

In One Imperfect Christmas, by Myra Johnson, Natalie Pearce has been under a cloud of guilt for almost a year.  She blames herself for the stroke which put her mother in a nursing home.  She has put her entire life into caring for her mother and her job as a graphic designer.  She has put up barriers between herself and her family.  Her husband, Daniel, doesn’t know what to do anymore.  Lissa, their daughter, is going through a rebellious stage.

Will Natalie be able to rid herself of the guilt for the sake of her family.  Will she be able to make it through Christmas?

About the Author-  Myra Johnson currently lives in the Carolinas with her husband and two dogs.  She is a full-time writer and is active in her church.  She has written a number of other books as well. 

My Thoughts- I thought One Imperfect Christmas, by Myra Johnson, was interesting.  This book is not a book I would have continued reading if I had not been reading it for a review.  I do not like reading books where the characters dwell in their own misery and guilt for the entire book.

This book could help a lot of people though, who are having a difficult time in their lives and are unable to cope with it.  Natalie Pearce was unable to cope with her mother’s stroke.  She blamed herself for it and shut everyone out, even her husband, Daniel.  I understand that everyone may not feel the extreme guilt Natalie did, but many may.  They may be able to use this book as a beginning point to help them recover.

While this was not my type of book, I thought it was well written.  You will have to decide for yourself if this is a good book or not.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received One Imperfect Christmas, by Myra Johnson, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman (Review)

The Christmas Quilt (Quilts of Love series)

by Vannetta Chapman

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Romance / Amish 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 256
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-5277-3

In The Christmas Quilt, by Vannetta Chapman, Annie Yoder is preparing to make a quilt for one of the babies, her brother and his wife are expecting.  Unexpectedly the babies are in danger of coming early, so Annie spends time in the hospital with Leah.  She hopes to finish the quilt on time, but she may not be able to.

About the Author- Vannetta Chapman currently lives in the Texas hill country.  She is the author of five books about the Amish.

My Thoughts- The Christmas Quilt, by Vannetta Chapman, was a heartwarming Amish story.  I have always enjoyed reading about the Amish.  Chapman’s book was unique, because it included a lot about our own world.  Leah needed to be in the hospital to postpone the birth of her babies, so Annie stayed with her.

I thought the best part of the book was the different stories that Leah and Annie told while they worked on a quilt for one of the bopplin (babies).  The quilt would have nine Dutch children.  God showed nine fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Leah decided that they should tell one story per Dutch child square about a specific fruit of the spirit.  She thought that while she was in the hospital she would work on improving herself.  That is something I need to do in my daily life, so this was an inspiration to me.

I highly recommend this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Christmas Quilt, by Vannetta Chapman, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Blame it on the Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin (Review)

Blame it on the Mistletoe: A Novel of Bright's Pond (Book 4)

by Joyce Magnin

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / General 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2011
Number of pages- 368
Age Group- Adult 
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-1162-6

Life is always exciting in Bright’s Pond and this Christmas is no different.  Griselda Sparrow has to decided if she wants to marry her longtime on and off again boyfriend, Zeb, or become involved with the man, Cliff, who is teaching her how to fly a plane. 

The Greenbrier Nursing Home, where Griselda’s sister, Agnes, lives, has something strange happening.  The residents are behaving as if they were decades younger.  Leon Fontaine could be the reason.  Nobody is sure.

Will the residents stay safe?  Who will Griselda chose?  Will she marry him?

About the Author-  Joyce Magnin currently lives in Pennsylvania.  She is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship and frequently is a workshop leader.  She has written three other Bright’s Pond novels.

My Thoughts- I am pretty sure this is my first time reading one of the books in the Bright’s Pond Tales series.  I thought Blame it on the Mistletoe was interesting.

Now that I have read the book, I don’t understand how it could have that title.  The book had nothing to do with mistletoe.  I don’t even remember mistletoe being mentioned.

I thought there could have been more faith in God embedded in this novel.  To me it was simply a feel-good-story with everyday problems people face.  I think if a book has Christian written on the back, then there needs to be more of a message about God and faith.

The characters were described very well.  I could close my eyes and imagine what Agnes looked like or see Haddie Grace riding her tricycle in the hallway at the Greenbrier Nursing Home.

You don’t need to read the other books in the series to enjoy and understand this one.  If you enjoyed the other books in the series, then I am sure you will enjoy this one too.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Blame it on the Mistletoe, by Joyce Magnin, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

The Christmas Star by Ace Collins (Review)

The Christmas Star

by Ace Collins

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / General 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2012
Number of pages- 226
Age Group- Adult and Older Teen 
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-1468-9

In The Christmas Star, by Ace Collins, Jimmy Reed is on the fence between a life God would like him to lead and the other kind of life.  It is due to his father’s passing away in the early part of World War II and the Congressional Medal of Honor that hangs on their Christmas tree.  For Jimmy, that medal doesn’t represent honor and sacrifice, but pain and loss.

Through the grace of God and a man named Calvin, Jimmy is able to feel hope, but is it too late for him?  Will he lead the life of a criminal?

About the Author-  Ace Collins currently lives in Arkansas.  He has written more than fifty books and sold more than 1.5 million copies.  Some of his books have become movies and he has appeared on t.v.

My Thoughts- The Christmas Star, by Ace Collins, was one of the most captivating and memorable Christmas stories I have ever read. 

The best part for me was the last half of the book, when I was really able to see the hand of God working in Jimmy’s life.  It began with a man named Calvin and Matthew 25:35-40.  Jimmy knew then how much trouble he would be in if he continued on the path he was taking.  He knew he wanted a way out, but he didn’t think he would be able to do it.

I learned a lot about hope and listening to what God is telling you.  Some of the other people who were going to participate in the criminal activity were able to change, because God was talking to them and changing their lives.  They all also knew there was always hope.

I think every adult and older teen should read this book.  It could help turn their lives around.  Please find a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Christmas Star, by Ace Collins, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

A Simple Amish Christmas by Vannetta Chapman (Review)

A Simple Amish Christmas

by Vannetta Chapman

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Romance / Amish 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2010
Number of pages- 288
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-1066-7

In A Simple Amish Christmas, by Vannetta Chapman, Annie Weaver’s rumschpringe has come to an end, because her father was hurt in a buggy accident.  She will need to take care of him for her family.  She isn’t sure if she should tell the others in her family that she is a registered nurse.

Samuel Yoder is the person who has been watching Annie’s father since he came home from the hospital.  Samuel is suspicious of Annie.  He doesn’t think she can do the job.  He is sure in for a surprise. 

Will they have a good working relationship?  Will she tell him what she has been doing in Philadelphia?

About the Author- Vannetta Chapman currently lives in the Texas hill country.  This book is her debut novel. 

My Thoughts- I really enjoyed reading Vannetta Chapman’s debut novel, A Simple Amish Christmas.  It was the first book I have read about the Amish where somebody’s rumschpringe actually had a major impact on their community.

I was impressed with Annie Weaver.  She was strong when she was faced with all of the negativity from Samuel Yoder.  Samuel never realized how strong Annie’s dedication was to her father, family, and her community.  He was still thinking of her as someone with an eighth-grade education, a child.  She was so much more than that.  As a romantic, I’m glad they came to an understanding and were able to work with each other.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the end, because of the glossary of Amish words and the interview with Chapman.  An interview is a great way to learn more about the author and the book.

I recommend reading A Simple Amish Christmas.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received A Simple Amish Christmas, by Vannetta Chapman, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer Allee (Review)

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas

by Jennifer Allee

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Romance
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2012
Number of pages- 224
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-5249-0

In A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, by Jennifer Allee, Grandma Isabella has recently passed away and now Izzy Fontaine has a mystery to solve.

Grandma Isabella’s friend, Virgil, gives Izzy her grandma’s Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt.  It’s supposed to lead her to a treasure.  Virgil’s grandson, Max Logan, a curator, says the quilt is supposed to go to him at the museum.  There is a lot of disagreement, especially when Izzy’s family thinks it leads to a real treasure.

What will happen to everyone’s relationships, will they strengthen or fail?  Will Grandma Isabella’s plan succeed? 

About the Author- Jennifer Allee currently lives in Los Vegas with her family.  She has written other novels.

My Thoughts- I thought A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, by Jennifer Allee, was both touching and funny.

Izzy Fontaine’s grandmother was really smart when she made a treasure map, of sorts, for the family to use after she passed away.  Grandma Isabella knew her idea would bring her family closer together and mend what was broken between them.

Virgil and his grandson, Max Logan, were excellent additions to the mystery behind the Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt.  Grandma knew how much the quilt and it’s historical story would bring everyone together, even those who didn’t know one another.  It was even better when different people held the clues to solve the mystery behind the quilt.

If you like a fun mystery with a little romance, you will really enjoy this book.  I did.  Find a copy to read, then pass it on to others who would enjoy the story.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, by Jennifer Allee, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Severed Trust by Margaret Daley (Review)

Severed Trust (Book 4 of Men of the Texas Rangers Series)

by Margaret Daley

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Suspense 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 320
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-6186-7

Severed Trust, by Margaret Daley, is Book Four of the Men of the Texas Rangers Series.  In this book, Texas Ranger Ethan Stone is investigating the mysterious death of a high school student.

Sadie Thomson, a teacher at the high school, becomes involved with Ranger Stone and discovers that there is a lot of prescription drug abuse in the high school and the community.  Ethan’s niece, Lexie, is drugged and now everyone thinks that she is a drug abuser.  Then Lexie’s friend commits suicide.  Lexie, Sadie, and Ethan are determined to find out what has happened.  Will they be able to find out what happened?  Will they be able to keep Lexie safe?

About the Author- Margaret Daley currently lives in Oklahoma.  She has written more than sixty-five books and mentors other authors.

My Thoughts- I liked Severed Trust, by Margaret Daley, because it discussed a subject that many of us may not know a lot about, prescription drug abuse.  I didn’t know a lot about drug abuse before I read the book.  Now I realize how easy it is for everyone to have access to prescription drugs.  People really need to keep track of their prescriptions, because other people can be taking them.

I enjoyed the characters in this novel.  Sadie Thompson, Texas Ranger Ethan Stone, and Lexie Alexander were strong characters and dedicated to solving the mystery of the mysterious deaths of Jared Montgomery and Kelly Winston.  There were also other strong characters, but they were the ones who had done the crimes. 

I would recommend this book to both men and women.  There is a lot to learn about prescription drug abuse and what may happen when teens abuse the drugs.   

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Severed Trust, by Margaret Daley, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

For Love or Loyalty by Jennifer Hudson Taylor (Review)

For Love or Loyalty (The MacGregor Quest Series, Book 1)

by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Historical 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 352
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-1469-6

It is the MacGregors against the Campbells.  The Campbells have sold Malcolm McGregor’s mother and sister into servitude in the United States.  The ship has already left Scotland, so he takes a drastic move, by taking Lauren Campbell.  They go on one of the next ships to the United States.

Lauren doesn’t realize it, but she is going to be the one that is traded for his mother.  Lauren stays strong in her faith in God, the God Malcolm’s mother taught her.  Malcolm begins to trust and love her on the ship ride.  What is he going to do when they get to the United States?

About the Author- Jennifer Hudson Taylor graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Journalism.  She writes historical and inspirational fiction.  Her website is www.jenniferhudsontaylor.com

My Thoughts- Jennifer Hudson Taylor is one of my favorite authors.  I really enjoyed For Love or Loyalty.

This book starts with the Campbells fighting the MacGregors and it ends with fighting.  The epilogue will please you though.

The details in this book were very good.  I felt like I was on the ship with Lauren and Malcolm.  I also felt like I was with Lauren, when she was an indentured servant.  Taylor must do a lot of research to be able to include such great details in this book.  Based on all of the details in For Love or Loyalty, I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.

If you like adventure, history, and romance, then this book is for you.  Make sure you buy a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Love or Loyalty, by Jennifer Hudson Taylor, for free from Abingdon Press and the Early Reader Program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

The Path to Piney Meadows by Gail Sattler (Review)

The Path to Piney Meadows

by Gail Sattler

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Romance
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 336
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-4267-355-0

In The Path to Piney Meadows, by Gail Sattler, Chad Allen has left Minneapolis where is home and job were located.  He gets stranded in Piney Meadows, a Mennonite town.  He decides to accept a job position and really begins to enjoy the people and their faith.

He becomes good friends with Anna and he helps her prepare for her move to a larger city.  As they help each other, they realize they care about one another.

Anna is still planning on moving to the city and Chad is facing a personal problem from when he lived in the city.  What will happen to their relationship?

About the Author- Gail Sattler currently lives in Canada.  She is the author of 21 novels and 12 novellas.  Her websites are www.gailsattler.com and www.mennoniteromancenovel.com. 

My Thoughts- I really enjoyed reading The Path to Piney Meadows, by Gail Sattler.  I have read Amish, contemporary, and historical Christian fiction, but never Christian fiction that included the Mennonites, and I loved it.

It was an interesting mix of today’s society and the Mennonites.  I would have enjoyed more information about the Mennonites in the book.  I really didn’t learn very much other than they didn’t really drive, but they did have phones in their houses.

I thought Chad’s attention to his hens was fabulous.  I have never known anyone who enjoyed their chickens so much.

I highly recommend reading The Path to Piney Meadows to learn more about Chad and Anna, the young woman who helps him adjust to life in the small Mennonite community.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Path to Piney Meadows by Gail Sattler for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

The Cutting Edge by Ace Collins (Review)

The Cutting Edge

by Ace Collins

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Suspense 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 336
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-4267-1466-5

Leslie Rhoads is very close to having the biggest modeling job of her career, but she decides to go home to ask her family’s opinions.  While she is at home she is assaulted and disfigured by a drug gang.  She is unable to be a model now and she doesn’t know what to do.  The gang members have not been incarcerated yet.

She reacquaints herself with an former classmate and meets a young girl, Angel, who also is disfigured.  Will they be able to help her or is life too much for her now?

About the Author- Ace Collins currently lives in Arkansas.  He has written more than fifty books and sold more than 1.5 million copies.  Some of his books have become movies and he has appeared on t.v.

My Thoughts- I thought The Cutting Edge was really good and I can see why Ace Collins has sold so many copies of his books. 

Leslie Rhoads was an interesting person.  I know that it can be hard to stick with what you believe in when you desire to be a supermodel, and she was doing pretty well.  I am glad she went home to ask her family their opinions before she took her latest assignment.  She did concentrate on her looks a lot though, thanks to her mother and that was harming her self-worth. 

It is important to be a pretty person on the inside and I am glad she was able to learn that lesson, too bad she had to be so badly harmed though.  I really liked Angel and Hunter.  The three of them helped each other out and God was able to be important in their lives.

I would recommend this book to people who like suspense, but I think everyone would like to read it.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Cutting Edge, by Ace Collins, for free from Abingdon Press and the Early Reader Program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Carolina Reckoning by Lisa Carter (Review)

Carolina Reckoning

by Lisa Carter

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Suspense
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 336
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-4267-5797-6

Almost the same day that Alison Monaghan learns of her husband’s infidelity, he is murdered.  Frank, her husband, is found near Weathersby Historic Park where he was on the board of directors and she is a volunteer garden docent.  Homicide detective Mike Barefoot is immediately suspicious of her, but over time he changes his mind and begins to like her.

Alison wants to clear herself of the murder, so she gets a job at the Weathersby Historic Park.  Detective Barefoot keeps an eye on her.  Will he be able to keep her safe and find the murderer?

About the Author- Lisa Carter currently lives in North Carolina with her husband.  She has taught at many different age levels and is a member of the ACFW and RWA.

My Thoughts- Carolina Reckoning, by Lisa Carter, was the type of book I love to read, mystery with a little romance.

Alison Monaghan, the deceased’s wife and now the suspect, was a very courageous person.  I don’t think I could have gone to work near the place where someone special was murdered, like she did.  She even spent a lot of time with people who could have murdered Frank, the husband.

I liked her two children, best friend, and Homicide detective Mike Barefoot.  They were supportive and courageous as well.  They are the type of people I would like to have in my corner when things aren’t going well.

This book was excellent.  I recommend Carolina Reckoning to anyone who likes suspense and romance.  I would read more books if this was a series.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Carolina Reckoning by Lisa Carter for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Letters from Ruby by Adam Thomas (Review)

Letters from Ruby

by Adam Thomas

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Fiction / Christian / General 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 320
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-4267-4137-1

Reverend Calvin Hooper, newly ordained Episcopal priest, has arrived at his new parish in Victory, West Virginia.  It is nothing like he expected.  The parishioners are older and his inexperience begins to show.  Ruby Redding is part of a women’s group that he meets with regularly and he makes a connection with her that even lasts after he leaves.

Is Rev. Hooper going succeed at his new parish?

About the Author- Adam Thomas is an ordained Episcopal priest, one of the youngest men ever.  His blog is www.wherethewind.com.

My Thoughts- Letters from Ruby, by Adam Thomas, was heartwarming and inspirational.

Reverend Calvin Hooper’s character was written perfectly as a newly ordained priest.  I was glad to see Ruby Redding helping him.  He was certainly lost as to what to do with a new and elderly congregation.

Rev. Hooper spent a lot of time with the older women’s group of the church.  While I thought it was interesting, I would have enjoyed more interaction with the men of the church.

I think that Ruby’s letters would have made an excellent book on their own.  They were long and spoke volumes about her life and her relationship with Whit, her husband.

Since this book was written by a man and has a man for the main character, I wish it had been a better book for men to read.  I would say that Letters from Ruby would be best for women.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Letters from Ruby by Adam Thomas for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Mistaken by Karen Barnett (Review)

Mistaken: First Impressions are Never What They Seem

by Karen Barnett

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Historical 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 352
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-4267-7449-2

During Prohibition, honest men became crooked, and in Mistaken, by Karen Barnett, it is Laurie Burke’s brother, Johnny.  Daniel Shepherd is back in town and Laurie is convinced he is rumrunning with her brother.  Daniel thinks she is rumrunning with Johnny.  Federal agent, Samuel Brown, has come to town too, determined to catch everyone who is rumrunning.

Laurie finds herself falling for both men, but which one is the one for her?

About the Author- Karen Barnett currently lives in Oregon with her husband and children.  She has been published in Guideposts and Ladybug magazines.  You can find more at www.cannotbeshaken.blogspot.com.

My Thoughts- I should never start reading books when I go to bed, because I usually can never put them down.  That was exactly what happened with Mistaken, by Karen Barnett.  The Prohibition theme along with captivating characters like Laurie Burke, her brother, Johnny, and Daniel Shepherd were what kept me reading.

The most interesting part to me, aside from the Prohibition, was the relationship between Laurie and Daniel.  They never told each other the truth about themselves until much later in the book.  They could have eliminated so many problems if they had told each other the whole story.  The same could be said for the relationship between Johnny and Laurie.  Their examples made it concrete to me that I always need to say everything that is happening in my life to my family, no secrets.

I enjoyed this book so much, that there was nothing I disliked.

I recommend this book to adults, I believe that women would prefer Mistaken more than men.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Mistaken: First Impressions are Never What They Seem by Karen Barnett for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Renewed by Lucille Zimmerman (Review)

Renewed: Finding Your Inner Happy in an Overwhelmed World

by Lucille Zimmerman

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian Life / Personal Growth 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 198
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $15.99, ISBN 978-1-4267-4860-8

Are you having a hard time balancing your life?  Renewed,  by Lucille Zimmerman, will help you learn the best ways to balance your life.

Zimmerman has included lists of ways to integrate each idea into your life.  Some ways to become renewed include solitude, play, and exercise.  There is a section at the end of the book where you can take notes and make lists.

About the Author- Lucille Zimmerman currently lives in Colorado with her husband.  They have two adult children.  She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and has a private practice and is an affiliate faculty member at Colorado Christian University.  You can learn more about her at www.LucilleZimmerman.com. 

My Thoughts- Reading Renewed, by Lucille Zimmerman, helped me find peace and happiness.  I’m feeling renewed!

I liked how it was easy to read, yet had very informational text.  Some of the topics included being renewed through connection, exercise, solitude, and healthy boundaries.  My favorite chapter was about solitude.  I am fortunate that I am able to spend a great deal of time with my children, but sometimes I need time to myself.  Over the past year my husband has been spending time with them on the weekends and I have taken advantage of that to enjoy the solitude.  It has helped me enjoy my relationship with my family even more.

I enjoyed reading and embedding the tips at the end of each chapter in my mind.  I am going to make sure I keep thinking about them.

I highly recommend Renewed to everyone.  Please buy a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Renewed: Finding Your Inner Happy in an Overwhelmed World, by Lucille Zimmerman, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Unraveling by Elisabeth Klein Corcoran (Review)

Unraveling: Hanging Onto Faith Through the End of a Christian Marriage

by Elisabeth Klein Corcoran

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Nonfiction / Christian Living 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 240
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $15.99, ISBN 978-1-4267-7027-2

In Unraveling, by Elisabeth Corcoran, you will learn what she has gone through in her divorce and how she made it through each emotion and situation in chronological order. 

Corcoran wrote short chapters about emotions and situations such as gratitude, health, fear, and more.  The short chapters begin with a short piece from her journal then continues with the text and concludes with a prayer, “A Next Good Step,” and Set Your Mind On.”

About the Author- Elisabeth Klein Corcoran has led missionary trips with Samaritan’s Purse.  She speaks at MOPS conferences and Hearts at Home.  She is also a women’s ministry leader.

My Thoughts- I thought Unraveling, by Elisabeth Klein Corcoran, was a book that any woman going through a divorce should read.

I appreciated her personal stories and all the different emotions and situations that were covered.  I don’t think there were any emotions or situations left out.  She included the positive emotions like joy and relief and the negative ones like sadness and grief.

I thought it was interesting how Corcoran set up the chapters in the chronological order in which she experienced them.  I liked the excerpts from her diary and the beginning of each chapter and the prayer, “A Next Good Step,” and “Set Your Mind On” at the end of the chapter.

I only wish there were more Bible verses in each chapter to help the reader find solace in God’s word.

I recommend Unraveling to women who are going through a divorce.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Unraveling: Hanging Onto Faith Through the End of a Christian Marriage by Elisabeth Klein Corcoran for free from Abingdon Press and the Early Reader Program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

The Soul of the Rose by Ruth Trippy (Review)

The Soul of the Rose

by Ruth Trippy

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Romance 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 336
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-4267-6749-4

In The Soul of the Rose, by Ruth Trippy, Celia Thatcher has recently moved to work in a bookstore in Massachusetts.  There she finds the peace she has been looking for and the attention of two men.  Charles Herrod tells her religious views unlike any she has heard.  The reclusive Edward Lyons has turned from God and his faith.

Who will Celia chose? 

About the Author- Ruth Trippy currently lives in Florida where she has taught high school language arts.  She has also worked as a Public Service Director for a radio station.

My Thoughts- The Soul of the Rose, by Ruth Trippy, was intriguing.  I wanted to learn more about Celia Thatcher and Edward Lyons.

I have not read many books where the romance begins over books.  Trippy did an excellent job of melding the love of books, the need for the love of God, and the need for others.

Celia was an admirable character, because of her strong faith and how she knew she shouldn’t be yoked to an unbeliever, Edward.  She took the time and space that she and Edward needed so they might have a relationship based on God.  I also admired Edward for taking the time and respecting Celia for her thoughts and beliefs.

I highly recommend this book.  I was captivated by Celia, Edward, and the 1876 Massachusetts they lived in. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Soul of the Rose by Ruth Trippy for free from Abingdon Press and the Early Reader Program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Annie’s Christmas Wish by Barbara Cameron (Review)

Annie’s Christmas Wish (Quilts of Lancaster County, Book 4)

by Barbara Cameron

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Romance 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 304
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-4267-3389-5

In Annie’s Christmas Wish, by Barbara Cameron, Jenny needs to go back to New York City to accept an award.  Her Amish family is going with her.  Her stepdaughter, Annie, is really excited to go there.  She has been wanting to go there for years.  Jenny’s career is writing and over time that is what Annie has decided she would like to do too.

Aaron, one of Annie’s friends, comes along and wonders if the city will pull Annie away from him.  What will happen to the relationship Annie and Aaron began to develop before they traveled to New York City?

About the Author- Barbara Cameron currently lives in Florida and has written more than thirty-five nonfiction and fiction books.

My Thoughts- I have enjoyed reading the other books in the Quilts of Lancaster County series, so I was excited to read Annie’s Christmas Wish, by Barbara Cameron.

I have always enjoyed reading about the Amish lifestyle, because they base their lives on God’s word and their culture is based on agriculture.  Their faith in God has always seemed so strong and they show it in what they do. 

Cameron did an excellent job of portraying the Amish and what it would be like for them in a big city.  It would certainly be a change for a young lady like Annie who had never been to a large city.  I was glad to learn about Annie’s strength and dedication to her faith in God and her family.

This would be an excellent book to read during the Christmas season or any time.  Find a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Annie’s Christmas Wish by Barbara Cameron for free from Abingdon Press and the Early Reader Program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

When the Clouds Roll By by Myra Johnson (Review)

When the Clouds Roll By (Till We Meet Again, Book 1)

by Myra Johnson

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / General 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 352
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-4267-5356-5

In When the Clouds Roll By, by Myra Johnson, Annemarie Kendall is waiting for her fiancé, Lt. Gilbert Ballard, to come back to Hot Springs, Arkansas.  He has been serving overseas in World War I.  He was injured in the war and is coming home, where he has decided to end his engagement to Annemarie.  Lt. Ballard’s new friend, Army Chaplain Samuel Vickary, tries to convince him that Annemarie will always love him.  Army Chaplain Vickary finds himself falling for Annemarie.

Annemarie is unsure about what she should do.  Her fiancé doesn’t want to be engaged anymore and she is beginning to have feelings for his best friend.  What is she going to do?

About the Author- Myra Johnson currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and pets.  She has written several books and is active in local and national writers group.

My Thoughts- When the Clouds Roll By, by Myra Johnson, was an excellent post World War I book about young love.

I enjoyed this book very much.  I enjoyed the detail, dialogue, and each chapter seen from the viewpoint of a different character.  It was the attention to detail that first captivated me.  I felt as if I was there in Hot Springs, Arkansas with Annemarie Kendall and Lt.  Gilbert Ballard, seeing what they saw and tasting what they tasted.  The dialogue also intrigued me.  It helped me know Annemarie, Gilbert and Army Chaplain Samuel Vickary very well.

Although it took place after World War I, it reminded me of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and how the soldiers are coming home wounded.  I think many people would enjoy reading this book.  I highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received When the Clouds Roll By by Myra Johnson for free from Abingdon Press and the Early Reader Program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.