Dear to Me
Wanda E. Brunstetter
Barbour Books
PO Box 719 Ulrichsville, OH 44683
www.barbourbooks.com
ISBN:978-1-59789-611-5, 2008, $14.95
Reviewed for Reader Views.
When faced with a major decision and desiring for God's will in your life, don't you wish that the correct decision would come to you like a bolt of lightning? Melinda Andrews has everything that a young Amish girl would want. She has been baptized in the Amish faith, and is being courted by her longtime good friend, Gabe Swartz. She has learned all she has to learn in order to be an Amish wife and mother. That is all that young Amish girls are supposed to be able to do with their life anyway.
Melinda has a job working with the local veterinarian. She is able to put her love of caring for animals and make additional income for her family until she and Gabe are ready to be married. Everyone in Webster County realizes that Melinda has a heart for wounded animals. She often has injured animals delivered to her farm for medical attention. She is also known to bring animals (tame and wild ones) home from the veterinary clinic for personalized attention. Her parents and brother do not understand her caring spirit and why she is so fascinated with caring for animals rather than attending to her family's needs as expected.
Gabe sees her caring spirit as a valuable trait as it means she will be an excellent mother to their children. The vet, Dr Franklin, sees additional traits in Melinda which would make her an excellent vet assistant or even a veterinarian. But she will need additional education which is contrary to Amish beliefs.
Melinda is so focused on her dream of becoming a vet a reality. She insists that if Gabe really does love her he will follow her into the English world. Being outside the Old Order Amish world is not foreign to young Melinda as she lived her first 6 years in Branson, Missouri while her mother was chasing stardom. Why is Gabe being so stubborn, doesn't he love her at all? Does loving someone require you to give up all your hopes, dreams and all that you have ever known? What will it take for Melinda to realize what God's plan is for her life?
Wanda Brunstetter is a wonderful story teller. She uses her experience in visiting Amish settlements throughout the United States to add realism to her stories."Dear to Me" is the third book in her "The Brides of Webster County" series. "Dear to Me" will have you seeing what is really dear to Melinda's heart and how God can work in your hearts and show how you can utilize your talents to His glory!
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Friday, March 28, 2008
New York Brides
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!
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!
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.
Monday, October 22, 2007
A Big Apple Christmas
A Big Apple Christmas
Vashti Reyes Acosta, Gail Sattler, Lynette Sowell, Carrie Turansky
Barbour Publishing, 2007.
ISBN: 978-1-59789-5
Reviewed for Reader Views, 10/07.
Every year about about a million people cram into Times Square in New York City on New Years' Eve, while another billion TV viewers tune in to watch the ball drop and a new year to begin. There are bound to be plenty of stories of people who venture to New York City to take in all the lights, sounds and activities of the holiday season. "A Big Apple Christmas" gives you four stories of people who ventured to New York not for love but find themselves enjoying being in one of the United States busiest cities.
In "Moonlight and Mistletoe"" Sarah Montgomery has made friends with her neighbor in her apartment building. Lillian is an elderly lady with a big heart and way too much stuff. After Lillian's accident, Justin comes to help with Grandma's things. He hires Sarah to organize Grandma's belongings. How can he take this much time off in order to help Grandma, doesn't he even work? Why is he offended when Sarah tries to rid Grandma's home from children's poetry books?
In "Shopping for Love," Emily Jones just wants to forget Brian. She has been burned in a relationship and just needs some rest and relaxation so she takes off to New York City. The farthest thing from her mind is literally falling into the arms of another Bryan. Why won't this Bryan just leave her be, but every chance he gets he invites her to go shopping and seeing the sights?
"Where the Love Light Gleams" is a heartwarming story of Gwynn Michaud's trip to New York to see a tree from her land be the centerpiece of Rockefeller Center. As chance would have it, her daughter's roomate Maline is from New York and offers to house Gwynn during her stay in the Big Apple. Theophilius Stellaki is Maline's father and is a cranky professor but being a proper gentleman offers to accompany Gwynn to the lighting ceremony. Will he end up escorting her to more than just a tree lighting?
"Gifts from the Magi" is by far one of the most romantic stories I have ever read. Elias Perez is youth pastor at the church where he grew up. Cecilla was one of the few girls who didn't make fun of Elias and his being sickly when they were kids. Throughout the Christmas season, the two work together on many projects. He's a friend to her so she asks who would possibly be giving her all these anonymous gifts like 2 dove candy bars and 4 cell phone pictures of pigeons.
Once reading "A Big Apple Christmas" you won't be watching the ball drop on New Years quite the same way. Maybe there are stories like this one developing out there on Times Square. Even if you can't make it to New York to celebrate Christmas this year, you still can enjoy "A Big Apple Christmas!"
Vashti Reyes Acosta, Gail Sattler, Lynette Sowell, Carrie Turansky
Barbour Publishing, 2007.
ISBN: 978-1-59789-5
Reviewed for Reader Views, 10/07.
Every year about about a million people cram into Times Square in New York City on New Years' Eve, while another billion TV viewers tune in to watch the ball drop and a new year to begin. There are bound to be plenty of stories of people who venture to New York City to take in all the lights, sounds and activities of the holiday season. "A Big Apple Christmas" gives you four stories of people who ventured to New York not for love but find themselves enjoying being in one of the United States busiest cities.
In "Moonlight and Mistletoe"" Sarah Montgomery has made friends with her neighbor in her apartment building. Lillian is an elderly lady with a big heart and way too much stuff. After Lillian's accident, Justin comes to help with Grandma's things. He hires Sarah to organize Grandma's belongings. How can he take this much time off in order to help Grandma, doesn't he even work? Why is he offended when Sarah tries to rid Grandma's home from children's poetry books?
In "Shopping for Love," Emily Jones just wants to forget Brian. She has been burned in a relationship and just needs some rest and relaxation so she takes off to New York City. The farthest thing from her mind is literally falling into the arms of another Bryan. Why won't this Bryan just leave her be, but every chance he gets he invites her to go shopping and seeing the sights?
"Where the Love Light Gleams" is a heartwarming story of Gwynn Michaud's trip to New York to see a tree from her land be the centerpiece of Rockefeller Center. As chance would have it, her daughter's roomate Maline is from New York and offers to house Gwynn during her stay in the Big Apple. Theophilius Stellaki is Maline's father and is a cranky professor but being a proper gentleman offers to accompany Gwynn to the lighting ceremony. Will he end up escorting her to more than just a tree lighting?
"Gifts from the Magi" is by far one of the most romantic stories I have ever read. Elias Perez is youth pastor at the church where he grew up. Cecilla was one of the few girls who didn't make fun of Elias and his being sickly when they were kids. Throughout the Christmas season, the two work together on many projects. He's a friend to her so she asks who would possibly be giving her all these anonymous gifts like 2 dove candy bars and 4 cell phone pictures of pigeons.
Once reading "A Big Apple Christmas" you won't be watching the ball drop on New Years quite the same way. Maybe there are stories like this one developing out there on Times Square. Even if you can't make it to New York to celebrate Christmas this year, you still can enjoy "A Big Apple Christmas!"
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