New York Brides
Pamela Griffin
Barbour Books
PO Box 719, Ulrichsville, OH 44683
www.barbourbooks.com
ISBN: 978-1-59789-984-0, $10.95, 2007.
Reviewed for Reader Views, 03/08.
What do Eliza Doolittle and 2 children who survived the sinking of the Titantic have in common? These are just two similar stories to the ones inside "New York Brides." In "Heart Appearances," our young heroine is not named Eliza but instead Darcy Evans. She talks much like Eliza and is placed under the care of the harsh schoolmaster Brent Thomas who does not see himself as much of a Henry Higgins type man. Will Darcy be able to break through his tough outer shell and discover that inside Brent has a heart of gold and eager for true love to impact it?
"A Gentle Fragrance" is a gentle story of a young man named Bill Thomas who has to let go of his past and focus on his present and his future. Set in 1921, he is enlisted to escort a missionary's daughter from the South Pacific to New York. What happens along the way is truly God's plan as Sarah La Rue and he travel alongside each other to another location and another time in their life. When God is at the control, no one can stand in the way, not even those who think they have complete control over every aspect of their lives.
Peter Caldwell and Melissa Reynolds are survivors. They had survived the sinking of the Titantic. They may have been on a sinking ship but the waters continue to get very rocky but just as clouds have silver linings, the waves will subside and something truly beautiful will result. They need to take "A Bridge Across the Sea" and discover what lies before them and if they will share more than just their past together.
This is an excellent book for anyone who likes historical romances. There are plenty of historical facts presented in 3 beautifully crafted storylines. "New York Brides" of days gone by are her for today's readers to enjoy and embrace!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Blessings
Blessings
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Barbour Publishing
P.O. Box 719, Ulrichsville, OH 44683
www.barbourbooks.com
97801059789-406-7, $14.95,. 2008.
Reviewed for Reader Views, 03/08.
Sometimes blessings come in the most unexpected places. We never know just how and when God will decide to bless us. Trina Muller can't understand why she feels compelled to be a veterinarian. She has always loved animals, surely God could use her love of animals and talents to God's glory. If she was just an ordinary girl, her dreams of college and a career wouldn't be such a big deal. However, she belongs to an Old Order Mennonite group. Women are not to have any education beyond grade school, much less a career. She is supposed to be content in just being a wife and mother.
She has a strong Christian Mennonite man who wants nothing more than to be her husband. Graham and Trina have known each other for years and courting for quite some time now. Surely an engagement and traditional wedding ceremony is right around the corner. Graham sees Trina's tender heart and encourages her to follow her dream even if the other members of the fellowship don't understand why she isn't content to live the life she has to. The only one in Sommerfeld who truly wants to help Trina achieve her goals is the young newly married stained glass artist. She has an internet connection and wants to help in any way possible.
Just as things look like they might be able to do both, their marriage and her impending career, disaster strikes and it looks like God isn't blessing them in any way but isn't He?
"Blessings" is the the third book in the Sommerfeld triliogy. Kim Vogel Sawyer doesn't disappoint in this final book and we leave Sommerfeld. There are moments where you will laugh, cry and find yourself cheering on the young couple every step of the way. I was sorry to see the book end and am anxious to read more books by Ms Vogel Sawyer. Take a trip to Sommerfeld today, you will certainly fall in love with the characters and simplified way of life!
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Barbour Publishing
P.O. Box 719, Ulrichsville, OH 44683
www.barbourbooks.com
97801059789-406-7, $14.95,. 2008.
Reviewed for Reader Views, 03/08.
Sometimes blessings come in the most unexpected places. We never know just how and when God will decide to bless us. Trina Muller can't understand why she feels compelled to be a veterinarian. She has always loved animals, surely God could use her love of animals and talents to God's glory. If she was just an ordinary girl, her dreams of college and a career wouldn't be such a big deal. However, she belongs to an Old Order Mennonite group. Women are not to have any education beyond grade school, much less a career. She is supposed to be content in just being a wife and mother.
She has a strong Christian Mennonite man who wants nothing more than to be her husband. Graham and Trina have known each other for years and courting for quite some time now. Surely an engagement and traditional wedding ceremony is right around the corner. Graham sees Trina's tender heart and encourages her to follow her dream even if the other members of the fellowship don't understand why she isn't content to live the life she has to. The only one in Sommerfeld who truly wants to help Trina achieve her goals is the young newly married stained glass artist. She has an internet connection and wants to help in any way possible.
Just as things look like they might be able to do both, their marriage and her impending career, disaster strikes and it looks like God isn't blessing them in any way but isn't He?
"Blessings" is the the third book in the Sommerfeld triliogy. Kim Vogel Sawyer doesn't disappoint in this final book and we leave Sommerfeld. There are moments where you will laugh, cry and find yourself cheering on the young couple every step of the way. I was sorry to see the book end and am anxious to read more books by Ms Vogel Sawyer. Take a trip to Sommerfeld today, you will certainly fall in love with the characters and simplified way of life!
Stuck In the Middle
Title: Stuck in the Middle
Author: Virginia Smith
Revell Publishing, 2008.
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3232-5
If you have a sister or brother or both, you definitely know the term sibling rivalry. In the classic movie "White Christmas" one of the most beloved songs is "Sisters" sung by the Haines sisters. A line from the song is "Lord, help the sister who comes between me and my man." Ken Fletcher didn't realize when he moved into the house next door that he would set off a major case of sibling rivalry. He quickly becomes the subject of a well-meaning grandmother and also in the midst of a case of 2 sisters aiming to land the young handsome doctor's heart.
Ken's dog has already made his choice which woman he thinks is best for his owner. Ken's sister Karen is also confident that she knows who is best suited for him and better yet who he has an interest in. The only quiest is does the woman in question share Ken's love for the Lord?
The Sanderson sisters are a trio of engaging characters. Allie is expecting her and her husband's first child. Joan is the 25 year old manager of a rent-to-own store who lives whith her mother and grandmother. She feels responsible for Gram but why does she feel this element of allegiance to her? Tori is the youngest of the 3 and is used to getting her own way. She will stop at nothing to achieve her goal or will she? Tori has the right combination to get any man that she wants but will she step aside when she sees her sister has her sights set on the young neighbor.
Gram is very well meaning but is dealing with some things on her own. She wants to feel useful so she is always alphabetizing everything from cupboards to underwear drawers. The story lightly touches on some of the aspects of obsessive compulsive disorder.
"Stuck in the Middle" is an excellent book which has a delightful storyline with colorful characters. The storyline flows easily with humor, romance and the aging process all combined into one. This is the first book in the Sister to Sister series, I can't wait to read the next one! You won't want your sister around when you are reading this book, you would find yourselves fighting over who gets to read it first!
Author: Virginia Smith
Revell Publishing, 2008.
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3232-5
If you have a sister or brother or both, you definitely know the term sibling rivalry. In the classic movie "White Christmas" one of the most beloved songs is "Sisters" sung by the Haines sisters. A line from the song is "Lord, help the sister who comes between me and my man." Ken Fletcher didn't realize when he moved into the house next door that he would set off a major case of sibling rivalry. He quickly becomes the subject of a well-meaning grandmother and also in the midst of a case of 2 sisters aiming to land the young handsome doctor's heart.
Ken's dog has already made his choice which woman he thinks is best for his owner. Ken's sister Karen is also confident that she knows who is best suited for him and better yet who he has an interest in. The only quiest is does the woman in question share Ken's love for the Lord?
The Sanderson sisters are a trio of engaging characters. Allie is expecting her and her husband's first child. Joan is the 25 year old manager of a rent-to-own store who lives whith her mother and grandmother. She feels responsible for Gram but why does she feel this element of allegiance to her? Tori is the youngest of the 3 and is used to getting her own way. She will stop at nothing to achieve her goal or will she? Tori has the right combination to get any man that she wants but will she step aside when she sees her sister has her sights set on the young neighbor.
Gram is very well meaning but is dealing with some things on her own. She wants to feel useful so she is always alphabetizing everything from cupboards to underwear drawers. The story lightly touches on some of the aspects of obsessive compulsive disorder.
"Stuck in the Middle" is an excellent book which has a delightful storyline with colorful characters. The storyline flows easily with humor, romance and the aging process all combined into one. This is the first book in the Sister to Sister series, I can't wait to read the next one! You won't want your sister around when you are reading this book, you would find yourselves fighting over who gets to read it first!
Monday, November 5, 2007
The Parting
The Parting
Beverly Lewis
Bethany House Publishers, 2007.
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0310-7.
Teenage years are a struggle for both boys and girls. Add to the equation, the strict Old Order Amish ways and you really have a host of challenges on your hands. Nellie Mae Fisher is also trying to come to terms with her younger Suzy's death. How and why did Suzy have to die?
Nellie Mae has been going to singings and other young people's activties for some time now. She has captured the interest of young Caleb Yoder. He brings her home from the activities in his courting buggy which he got for his 16th birthday. Surely they will soon make their baptismal vows and become full-fledged members of the Old Order community. Or will they?
Why is that the Yoders are discouraging Caleb and his growing interest in the Fisher girl. Certainly he can find a good Amish girl, get married and settle down in the lifestyle of so many ancestors. There is much speculation surrounding the Fisher family. Nellie Mae is holding a secret in her heart which may bring some answers to why young Suzy Fisher has died. How far will Nellie Mae go in keeping her sister Suzy's diary a secret from the other members of the family.
Why doesn't Reuben Fisher keep his family in the way of the Old Order. His sudden interest in studying the "forbidden" parts of Holy Scripture seems to be creating a division of the community. Another matter of division is that some of the farmers believe that using tractors is permissible while others think that tractors are too worldly.
"The Parting" is based on actual events which ripped an Amish community apart. Will Nellie and Caleb's love for each other survive even if every thing and every one seems to be against the young couple? "The Parting" is the first book in Beverly Lewis' newest series 'The Courtship of Nellie Mae Fisher. Beverly Lewis has created another book series which has me anxious to read the next book in this series. She is so talented and uses her knowledge of the Old Order Amish to intrigue readers about this unique people.
Beverly Lewis
Bethany House Publishers, 2007.
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0310-7.
Teenage years are a struggle for both boys and girls. Add to the equation, the strict Old Order Amish ways and you really have a host of challenges on your hands. Nellie Mae Fisher is also trying to come to terms with her younger Suzy's death. How and why did Suzy have to die?
Nellie Mae has been going to singings and other young people's activties for some time now. She has captured the interest of young Caleb Yoder. He brings her home from the activities in his courting buggy which he got for his 16th birthday. Surely they will soon make their baptismal vows and become full-fledged members of the Old Order community. Or will they?
Why is that the Yoders are discouraging Caleb and his growing interest in the Fisher girl. Certainly he can find a good Amish girl, get married and settle down in the lifestyle of so many ancestors. There is much speculation surrounding the Fisher family. Nellie Mae is holding a secret in her heart which may bring some answers to why young Suzy Fisher has died. How far will Nellie Mae go in keeping her sister Suzy's diary a secret from the other members of the family.
Why doesn't Reuben Fisher keep his family in the way of the Old Order. His sudden interest in studying the "forbidden" parts of Holy Scripture seems to be creating a division of the community. Another matter of division is that some of the farmers believe that using tractors is permissible while others think that tractors are too worldly.
"The Parting" is based on actual events which ripped an Amish community apart. Will Nellie and Caleb's love for each other survive even if every thing and every one seems to be against the young couple? "The Parting" is the first book in Beverly Lewis' newest series 'The Courtship of Nellie Mae Fisher. Beverly Lewis has created another book series which has me anxious to read the next book in this series. She is so talented and uses her knowledge of the Old Order Amish to intrigue readers about this unique people.
What Your Daughter Isn't Telling You
What Your Daughter Isn't Telling You
Susie Shellenberger and Kathy Gowler
Bethany House Publishers, 2007.
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0375-6
"Mothers hold their children's hands for a little while, but hold their hearts forever." Surely you have heard this saying before, or seen a plaque with these words on it. That precious little girl you held in your arms on the day of her birth is growing up. Or perhaps you became her mother when you adopted her or married her father. You have been blessed with a duty to help her grow up into the unique woman God has designed her to be. The pre-teen years are the start of the hair-raising years. First boyfriend, first kiss, first date and the hose of temptations that along with these challenging years. You can only shelter her for so long. Before you know it, she is going to her friends for answers rather you, her mother. Perhaps she does not want to talk to you about "important stuff" anymore. Maybe she has got questions but is so afraid to ask you because she fears your reaction.
Don't you wish your daughter would have come with a guidebook? A guidebook is just what Susie Shellenberger and Kathy Gowler are trying to give in "What Your Daughter Isn't Telling You." This book will teach you to communicate with your daughter. Ms Shellenberger and Ms Gowler did not create this book all their own. They have asked hundreds of girls questions about their lives and incorporated the questions and answers in this book.
This is a must read for all mothers of pre-teen and teenage daughters. It doesn't matter if you are her mother by birth, adoption or step-parenting, there is a wealth of information to help you. It is written in an easy to understand manner with honesty and Christian principles applied. Children are a blessing from God. With Ms Shellenberger and Ms Gowler along with your daughter's creator, you can too have a terrific relationship with your daughter. As a mother of a pre-teen daughter myself, I found this book to be very educational and tips to increase and maintain communication through these challenging years.
Welcome to the world of mothering a pre-teen daughter!
Susie Shellenberger and Kathy Gowler
Bethany House Publishers, 2007.
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0375-6
"Mothers hold their children's hands for a little while, but hold their hearts forever." Surely you have heard this saying before, or seen a plaque with these words on it. That precious little girl you held in your arms on the day of her birth is growing up. Or perhaps you became her mother when you adopted her or married her father. You have been blessed with a duty to help her grow up into the unique woman God has designed her to be. The pre-teen years are the start of the hair-raising years. First boyfriend, first kiss, first date and the hose of temptations that along with these challenging years. You can only shelter her for so long. Before you know it, she is going to her friends for answers rather you, her mother. Perhaps she does not want to talk to you about "important stuff" anymore. Maybe she has got questions but is so afraid to ask you because she fears your reaction.
Don't you wish your daughter would have come with a guidebook? A guidebook is just what Susie Shellenberger and Kathy Gowler are trying to give in "What Your Daughter Isn't Telling You." This book will teach you to communicate with your daughter. Ms Shellenberger and Ms Gowler did not create this book all their own. They have asked hundreds of girls questions about their lives and incorporated the questions and answers in this book.
This is a must read for all mothers of pre-teen and teenage daughters. It doesn't matter if you are her mother by birth, adoption or step-parenting, there is a wealth of information to help you. It is written in an easy to understand manner with honesty and Christian principles applied. Children are a blessing from God. With Ms Shellenberger and Ms Gowler along with your daughter's creator, you can too have a terrific relationship with your daughter. As a mother of a pre-teen daughter myself, I found this book to be very educational and tips to increase and maintain communication through these challenging years.
Welcome to the world of mothering a pre-teen daughter!
What's the Big Deal About Jesus?
What's the Big Deal About Jesus?
John Ankerberg & Dillon Burroughs
Harvest House Publishers
Eugene, Oregon 97402
www.harvesthousepublishers.com
ISBN: 978-0-7369-2120-6, $12.99, 2007.
Reviewed for Reader Views, 11/07.
Have you ever seen the blockbuster hit "Passion of Christ?" Did you want to get a glimpse into what Christ endured for all of us? Did you want to build your faith or was it just Mel Gibson that made you interested in seeing the film? Perhaps you have seen "The Nativity Story." In recent years, Hollywood has certainly been bringing the name of Jesus to the silver screen. Why the sudden interest? For many years the stories of the Bible have been made into movies . Who hasn't heard about Charlton Heston's portrayal of Moses in the classic "The Ten Commandments."
"Jesus was just an ordinary man, wasn't he? Jesus was a magician because he healed people." Maybe you have had someone make comments like these about Jesus. How do you answer comments like this? Maybe you have a few questions of your own about this incredible man. There were hundreds of prophecies about the Messiah. Only one man could fulfill them all. Jesus is more than just a man. He was both true God and true man.
If you are constantly being asked questions about Jesus or are looking for answers to your many questions. Look no farther than "What's the Big Deal About Jesus?" John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroughs have created an amazing resource for those who thirst for the knowledge of the truth. With Scriptural references to back up their statements, your answers are here. Some of the questions answered within the pages of this book are "Did he really believe He was God's Son?," Did His life really fulfill the predictions?," "What does the Medical Evidence Suggest? and "Did People Really See Him Alive after His Death?"
Is this Jesus just a story told over and over again through the generations? This is truth backed with Holy Scripture. This is a terrific book which could be used for personal Bible study and Bible study groups. This is a priceless book for all people to read and understand the man who changed our destinys on Earth and beyond. This is a MUST read for Christians and those who have many questions about Jesus. After reading this book, you will not have questions in your mind only confidence in Christ Jesus, His life, His death and His resurrection.
John Ankerberg & Dillon Burroughs
Harvest House Publishers
Eugene, Oregon 97402
www.harvesthousepublishers.com
ISBN: 978-0-7369-2120-6, $12.99, 2007.
Reviewed for Reader Views, 11/07.
Have you ever seen the blockbuster hit "Passion of Christ?" Did you want to get a glimpse into what Christ endured for all of us? Did you want to build your faith or was it just Mel Gibson that made you interested in seeing the film? Perhaps you have seen "The Nativity Story." In recent years, Hollywood has certainly been bringing the name of Jesus to the silver screen. Why the sudden interest? For many years the stories of the Bible have been made into movies . Who hasn't heard about Charlton Heston's portrayal of Moses in the classic "The Ten Commandments."
"Jesus was just an ordinary man, wasn't he? Jesus was a magician because he healed people." Maybe you have had someone make comments like these about Jesus. How do you answer comments like this? Maybe you have a few questions of your own about this incredible man. There were hundreds of prophecies about the Messiah. Only one man could fulfill them all. Jesus is more than just a man. He was both true God and true man.
If you are constantly being asked questions about Jesus or are looking for answers to your many questions. Look no farther than "What's the Big Deal About Jesus?" John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroughs have created an amazing resource for those who thirst for the knowledge of the truth. With Scriptural references to back up their statements, your answers are here. Some of the questions answered within the pages of this book are "Did he really believe He was God's Son?," Did His life really fulfill the predictions?," "What does the Medical Evidence Suggest? and "Did People Really See Him Alive after His Death?"
Is this Jesus just a story told over and over again through the generations? This is truth backed with Holy Scripture. This is a terrific book which could be used for personal Bible study and Bible study groups. This is a priceless book for all people to read and understand the man who changed our destinys on Earth and beyond. This is a MUST read for Christians and those who have many questions about Jesus. After reading this book, you will not have questions in your mind only confidence in Christ Jesus, His life, His death and His resurrection.
Ready to Wed
Ready to Wed
Melody Carlson
Guideposts Books, 2007.
ISBN: 978-0-8249-4724-8.
Have you ever had a dream which seemed so real that it has been hard to believe it is only a dream? Belle Bannister has had just one of those dreams. Her dream was so realistic that it draws her to some drastic measures.
Belle leaves her home and the life she knows to see if her dream will become a reality. She travels to Acorn Hill, Pennsylvania and takes up residence at the Grace Chapel Inn. The Grace Chapel Inn is a bed and breakfast which offers small town friendliness and the most helpful owners. The owners are 3 sisters and their Aunt Ethel. Aunt Ethel makes it her personal goal to help Belle find "Mr Right."
Belle's dream was that she was to meet and marry the man of her dreams in this small town within a few short weeks. Acorn Hill has many eligible bachelors including the town's unsuspecting pastor. Belle catches the town by storm making plans for her wedding which she believes is to be the first Saturday in June. Everyone but Aunt Ethel thinks Belle is crazy to be planning a wedding when the groom is yet to be named. Can she rely on her time schedule or is there someone else who has plans according to His time schedule. One of the innkeeper-sisters Jane Howard has received a letter from her ex-husband Justin. Just why has he picked now to contact her after many years of no contact? Why is he being so insistent on having the oppotunity to talk to her again.
Melody Carlson has written a delightful novel. You are sure to fall in love with this quaint small Pennsylvanian town., its residents and its one very unique visitor. Was this dream of Belle's really God calling her to Acorn Hill for such a time as time. God's timing is always best even if we often think otherwise.
Visit Acorn Hill and Grace Chapel Inn today for an experience you won't soon forget!
Melody Carlson
Guideposts Books, 2007.
ISBN: 978-0-8249-4724-8.
Have you ever had a dream which seemed so real that it has been hard to believe it is only a dream? Belle Bannister has had just one of those dreams. Her dream was so realistic that it draws her to some drastic measures.
Belle leaves her home and the life she knows to see if her dream will become a reality. She travels to Acorn Hill, Pennsylvania and takes up residence at the Grace Chapel Inn. The Grace Chapel Inn is a bed and breakfast which offers small town friendliness and the most helpful owners. The owners are 3 sisters and their Aunt Ethel. Aunt Ethel makes it her personal goal to help Belle find "Mr Right."
Belle's dream was that she was to meet and marry the man of her dreams in this small town within a few short weeks. Acorn Hill has many eligible bachelors including the town's unsuspecting pastor. Belle catches the town by storm making plans for her wedding which she believes is to be the first Saturday in June. Everyone but Aunt Ethel thinks Belle is crazy to be planning a wedding when the groom is yet to be named. Can she rely on her time schedule or is there someone else who has plans according to His time schedule. One of the innkeeper-sisters Jane Howard has received a letter from her ex-husband Justin. Just why has he picked now to contact her after many years of no contact? Why is he being so insistent on having the oppotunity to talk to her again.
Melody Carlson has written a delightful novel. You are sure to fall in love with this quaint small Pennsylvanian town., its residents and its one very unique visitor. Was this dream of Belle's really God calling her to Acorn Hill for such a time as time. God's timing is always best even if we often think otherwise.
Visit Acorn Hill and Grace Chapel Inn today for an experience you won't soon forget!
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