Book Reveiw: The Photograph

When Jed finds a picture of an Amish girl in a book on a train, he is intrigued. The book itself has many notes written in the margins and he comes to feel as though he knows the writer. Lily and her family are distraught because of the disappearance of her sister. What is the connection between the photograph and the sister?

I normally enjoy all of Beverly Lewis's books, but for some reason I struggled a bit with this one. I did like the premise, but I had a hard time really getting into the book. It may be more the busyness of my life right now than the writing though. Lewis's characters are always memorable though. Great light read.

~Book given in exchange for an honest review by Bethany House publishers. My opinions are my own. 

Book Review: The Love Letters

I love getting the chance to review Beverly Lewis's books! In "The Love Letters," Marlena has moved to a different town to help care for her mennonite grandmother. Some of the things she is learning there have caused her to reevaluate her beliefs and what direction she truly wants to go in life. On top of that, she is suddenly given the care of her estranged sister's newborn daughter.

I really connected with this book and loved it! I think part of my connection with it is identifying the love and care you can have for a child that is not born to you. It isn't exactly an adoption story, but is in some ways. I loved the characters and enjoyed the development of their story.

~Book given in exchange for an honest review by Bethany House publishers. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: Where Trust Lies

Where Trust Lies is the second book in the Return to The Canadian West series. While this series is meant as a companion to the popular television series produced by Hallmark, I feel the book is excellent on it's own. (And for me, reading the book doesn't pose the disturbing issue of having to watch the characters in a historic setting sporting modern day hairstyles... does this not bother anyone else but me?? ahem. back to the book...)  In this story, Beth is headed back home to her family and on to a steamship cruise of the east coast. They make some friends on the trip but also meet some people of questionable character, leading one of their party into danger! (Ok... no more spoilers here... read it!) :)

Janette Oke, yes she's been writing a while. Yes, some people feel that her stories are a bit formulaic. BUT, I'm really not of that opinion. While she does tend to stick in the same genre, historical fiction, that also happens to be one of my favorite genres and I feel she does a great job! Some of my favorite, re-read/comfort books are Janette Oke. :) This book is a quick fun read and I love the cover art - it can really make or break a book in today's competitive market! :)

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This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review by Bethany House Publishers. Just an aside... I love their review program. It is very personal and they are quick to answer any questions! I also love the quality books put out by Bethany House... some publishers I've had issues with content, but not Bethany. Kudos to a publisher for upholding high standards!

A bit of news and a book review!!

I'll start out with the news... our family is sooo excited! We have a contract on a house! It is a beautiful house with lots of room for our family, for us to (once again... finally) be able to entertain guests, and with a backyard for our little girl to have room to run!! I'm eager for that closing date to get here, but I've been keeping very busy with packing! Can you believe it's been almost two years since we sold our last home? I'm sooo ready to be in a home again!! And we are thrilled to be able to move into the neighborhood that we have dreamed about for years! (it just feels like home!) :) Prayers are very much appreciated though... that all will go well and that the transition will be smooth. :) In the mean time, I have a cute little helper!!! :)

A second item of news, my friends Brittany and Jenny have started a great new blog: Chapel Cottage Chicks!!! I love they're vintage cottage style, and I am working on getting them to make a "house call" after we get settled a bit!! ;)

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And now for the book review: I saw this book and thought, what a fun book to review for the 4th! So what better time to (finally) get this review posted! ;) I grew up with the Berenstain Bears as I'm sure many of you did as well. Both Stan and Jan Berenstain have passed away, but their son Mike continues to write and illustrate new books. These new books, under the Living Light series, are based on Christian principles! (you can read a bit more in this article.) So now, these favorite bears aren't just cute stories, but they are helping kids learn about God!

God Bless Our Country is a very fun book that has a brief overview of our country's history. I love that the illustrations are in part bear versions of famous paintings from America's history (including Washington crossing the Delaware and the signers of the Declaration of Independence.) Is it a history book? no... but it is a fun introduction to our nation's beginning appropriate for young children.

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Thanks to BookLook for the review copy... my opinions are my own. :)

Book Review: $10 Great Dates

Hubby and I are saving up for a house (and waiting for the right one to open..) ;) And with a little one, dates don't happen as frequently as they probably should, but when they do happen, they certainly aren't anything fancy. :) So $10 Great Dates by Mr. and Mrs. Larson and Mr. and Mrs. Arp really got my attention. The book is divided into sections by types of dates such as outdoor dates, adventure dates, and even seasonal dates. I love the imagination that the authors put into each date - they are things I wouldn't think of doing - lots of fun ideas! :) The have different sections for each date including tips for prep before hand, questions for during or after the date and a thought to focus on after the date. A fun resource for couples at any stage in life who want to light a fresh spark in their marriage.

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Thank you to Bethany House for the review copy. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: Words To Dream On

Somehow I have a renewed interest in children's Bible story books! :) When I saw the opportunity to review this one, it certainly sounded interesting! I have not been disappointed! I love the structure of the book. Each story has a Scripture verse as well as a bedtime prayer and a blessing. What a wonderful way to end the day with our little girl! The art work is beautiful, very colorful and pictures that a child will enjoy looking at.  I also love that it includes so many stories from the Bible. The last story is taken from 1 Thessalonians and mostly Revelation and talks about looking forward to Jesus's return and Heaven. Such an important part of God's book - the ending! :)


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I got this book in exchange for my honest review from the
BookLook review program. My opinions are my own. 

Book Review: The Sweetest Story Bible for Toddlers

What a fun little story Bible. We gave this to our little one for Valentine's Day. She liked it. The illustrations are very bright and colorful. Fun to look at! The stories are short, lots of detail left out. That bothered me a bit at first, but it IS a book for toddlers, so a lot of detail isn't necessary, and I know we will be getting more into detail as she grows older. I do love that in it's brevity, the book does have the story of Jesus's birth, death and resurrection - the main focus of the Bible. I also like that it is a board book, one I can let my 14 month old play with on her own.

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Book provided in exchange for review by BookLook. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: A Bride in Store

In "A Bride in Store," Eliza goes west to become a mail order bride. Her new life quickly off to a bad start when the train she is traveling on is robbed, she is injured and her dowry stolen. When she arrives in town, her groom isn't anywhere to be found. His business partner is, and allows her to work in their store. Eliza has a good mind for business and merchandising and quickly gets to work putting the store to rights. Unfortunately, when her groom finally shows up, he isn't the man she expected him to be.

This was a fun read, but didn't really grab me like some books do. The plot line did have some interesting twists and turns though. Would I recommend it? Of course! A fun read, interesting story and nothing objectionable. It's the author's second novel, it will be interesting to see what else she comes out with.

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Book provided in exchange for review by Bethany House publishers. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Secret of Pembrooke Park

After losing their wealth through poor investments, Abigail Foster's family is given the oppurtunity to live in at stately manor, the home of a distant relative. A home that was abandoned suddenly eighteen years before. Mystery surrounds the home and she isn't the only one searching for answers.

Intrigued? I was too! I love Julie Klassen's books. They do all need to come with a warning though... they are not easily put down! Unless, you're like me and you don't like reading suspenseful stuff at night, so you are worried about reading when you are the only one left awake... However, I needn't have worried. The suspense level is perfect. And like all her other books, once you start it, the story is stuck in your head... even when you're not reading.

I loved the characters in this novel! They aren't straightforward and expected. You might think you have someone figured out, but the character ends up being more complex or perhaps not as "evil" as you originally thought. The house itself is a "character" of sorts and well thought out. You'll feel like you've been there.

I loved the theme of friendship running through the book - enduring friendships past and the hope of future friendships. There is also the theme of righting the wrongs of the past, and the hope that we have in God to restore what has been broken by sin.

A couple of fun things to add to this review:
First my favorite quote that I put into a fun picture:

and a fun tour of the home that inspired the house in the story, done by the author, Julie Klassen.

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A big thank you to Bethany House Publishers for giving me this copy to review... my opinions are my own.

Book Review: Where Treetops Glisten

Wow! So I guess it's a little late for a Christmas book review, but I guess you can look forward to reading this book next year! :) I love having Christmas books to read at Christmastime. It seems very strange to me to read "normal" books at such a special season. A lot of times, I just find quick books to read, very light and fluffy. This year, I was very excited to have "Where Treetops Glisten" especially since one of the contributors is one of my favorite authors, Sarah Sundin!

The book is composed of three novellas each about a sibling in one family and spans most of World War II. This is such a spectacular period in our nations history and I love books set in this period, especially since my grandparents were teens/young adults in this time. My grandpa served in the Pacific in the Army Air Corps. The stories follow Abigail, Peter, and Meredith Turner as they do their part in helping the war effort. Abigail has no interest in romance after losing her boyfriend at Pearl Harbor. Pete is home from the war but suffering from the mental anguish caused by hard fighting. Merry is a nurse hoping to go to the warm Pacific, but ends up in cold Europe. Each of these siblings finds love in unexpected places.

I really enjoyed reading this book! I love the descriptions of the town (especially Glatz candy shop where Abigail worked!) I also loved that each of the stories are connected. The authors are established in their writing and know how to compose excellent stories. I really enjoyed reading this book through the Christmas season!

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This book was provided by Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Book review - The NKJV Study Bible

A few weeks ago, I was thinking about getting a new Bible. I have one study Bible that I've used, but I was ready for something a bit different. I wasn't sure what yet, and I was going to start looking around. I thought maybe even a small Bible to carry. I wanted a New King James Version for a couple of reasons. I LIKE the version for one thing, and the other reason is that it is the version used in the study material for one of the kids' classes I teach at church. I went on BookLook to check out the new review offerings and would you believe that I had the opportunity to review a NKJV study Bible? :) I was thrilled! I hope you friends out there don't get too tired of my book reviews, but these programs have been such a blessing to me! Especially with something like this! I feel like The Lord just gave me a gift! :)

This is a hard cover Bible with a dust jacket. Honestly, the jacket is a little underwhelming to me. It doesn't really give a good feel for what is inside. BUT... There are many things I love about this NKJV Study Bible! I love all the color! (That's really deep, I know, but it is enjoyable to look at!) It is a beautiful Bible - very well designed and easy to read. I am happy to actually find a NKJV study Bible (very common around here is the NIV, which isn't my favorite). This Bible has a lot of great features and I like the way it is laid out. There are word definition blocks quite often - these include the Greek word and the Strong's number. There also are cultural notes that help explain the context for what you are reading. There are several maps in the back of the Bible, but I love that there are color maps within the text as well. In the study portion, the phrase that is being explained is in bold - makes it easier to find, especially if you aren't reading every note.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you to Book Look Bloggers for the review copy. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: Knockout Knits (And a question for fellow knitters/crafters!)

I claim to be a knitter. Truth be known, I think I've finished one dishcloth in the past year. Shame on me!! I do have a fairly valid excuse, someone else keeps my hands pretty busy. But then, we always find time for the things we put in priority don't we? I WANT to knit more, and after looking at this book and drooling at all the eye candy, it really gets me in the mood to pick up my knitting again.

Knockout Knits is a beautiful book to just look at! The pictures of knitted projects are certainly drool-worthy! I haven't knitted anything from it, yet, but I love that the projects are from small quick knits, such as cuffs or hand warmers all the way to more detailed shawls or shrugs. There are plenty of beautiful hat patterns as well.

I love how the book is set up. Each chapter introduces a new technique, such as chart reading, then starts with a very simple and quick project to help the knitter get a bit of practice. But the book isn't only for beginners, each chapter goes on to more detailed and advanced projects, building on previous knowledge.

I know some of you that read my blog are knitters as well. Question for you... do you, over time, lose a bit of excitement for that craft? Or maybe lose it for a time, but then it comes back to you? I do know that when I have a lot going on, or I'm feeling stressed, my creativity is the first thing out the window! (Thus the drop off in Finished Object Fridays as well...) And a certain little one does take up a bit of time... I wouldn't trade her for the world though!!! She is at a wonderful, fun age and is so much fun to be with!! (Provided she's had her naps...) ;) I'm just hoping that my exuberance for all things crafty will return at some point...


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Book provided by Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Legend of St. Nicholas

Yes, Christmas is coming very quickly!!! Anyone ready? Yeah... me either. Every year I make plans that the NEXT year I will get my shopping done early!!  After all, I want to relax and be able to enjoy the holiday season! This year, I also have a very special birthday party to plan!!! (One I've been planning for oh.... about a year.) ;)

One thing I love about Christmas is Christmas books. I always have! Growing up we had a stack of books that came out with our other Christmas treasures. And I know it comes as no surprise that I have already started a stack of fun Christmas books for our little family. I was excited to get another new beautiful Christmas book to add to our collection.

The Legend of St. Nicholas begins with a young man named "Nick" who wasn't to eager to spend his savings on gifts for others.  While at the department store he over hears the store Santa telling the story of St. Nicholas and how he came to see the need of others and decided to share what he had to ease the hurt. Nick sees the joy in giving and sharing with the needy.

I love the illustrations in this book. They are very bright and cheerful and "Christmasy!" I love that the book also brings in the birth of Jesus as the basis for the celebration of Christmas and gift giving. I'm sure we will enjoy reading this book during the Christmas season through the years.

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Thank you to Book Look for this review copy. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: Streams in the Desert Bible

There are a few devotional books that have withstood the tests of time to keep encouraging Christians in their daily walk. Streams in the Desert is one of them. This devotional has a special meaning to me as the Bible college I went to was the same one that Lettie Cowman attended over 100 years ago. Her writings, in my opinion are especially meant to encourage a person who is going through a hard time in their life. I was excited to see a Bible that combines her writings with Scripture.

However... I wasn't overwhelmed with the layout. As I read through several passages, I keep thinking how hard it would be to read a section along with the dated devotional material. Some days are right next to each other and some are spread several pages apart. I understand that the intent is to keep the devotional pages close to the Scriptures they reference, but the layout would make reading through the Bible difficult. I like the idea of having a devotional in the same binding as the Bible, but maybe a daily reading layout would be better - even a suggested reading for the day. I'm also not a huge fan of the NIV either. There are other versions that I like better.

The devotional is in  updated language, which I feel is a good thing. It makes it easier to understand and smoother to read. It is a nice looking Bible and feels good to hold. The paper doesn't feel cheap. It is a good concept, I just feel a little more thought could have been put into the usability.

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Thanks to Book Look for the review copy. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: A Match of Wits

I enjoy a mix of fiction. Well, maybe not a very wide range... I don't enjoy suspenseful books so much any more. My fiction reading is mainly for relaxation. And for this reason I enjoy Jen Turano's books. Her writing is fun, her characters are unique and entertaining. She has a very distinctive style.

The beginning of A Match of Wits brings us to the wild western frontier. Agatha Watson is in search of stories to write and publish in the New York Tribune. In her travels, accompanied by her body guard, female companion, and recently acquired pet pig, she runs into Zayne Beckett, a friend from back home in New York. She is on this trip to escape those who have made threats on her life because of her writing. Zayne has buried himself in his mining work to escape his past and the hurt there. Agatha convinces him to return to New York where they both confront what they have been running from.

Yes, it's a fun, fast paced book full of unlikely happenings! But, as with Jen's other books, I enjoyed it. It's something different. Not always believable, but a fun, light hearted, fast paced read!

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Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the review copy. My opinions are my own. 

Book Review - Child of Mine

I've fallen a bit behind in my book reviews... and in my reading. Somehow the fiction gets read a little faster than the nonfiction. ;) And once I really start getting into a book, it's hard to put down!

Child of Mine is the most recent book that Beverly Lewis wrote with her husband David. I do enjoy Beverly's books, but I really enjoyed the added dimension that David brings to the plot. The story begins with Kelly Maine's search for her missing daughter. She has been searching eight long years for the baby was kidnapped and sold for drug money. After many promising leads ending once again in defeat, she gets a tip on Jack Livingston and his niece, Natalie. Jack is raising Natalie who was adopted by his deceased brother and his wife eight years before. But is Natalie her long lost daughter? She gets to know and love Jack and his little girl and comes to love them. Eventually the truth must come out and will that truth show that she is Nattie's birth mom? Or does that title belong to someone else?

This book really did draw me in! One obvious factor for me was the adoption plot line. One thing different from Beverly Lewis's other books was that, though there is an Amish character, the story does not revolve around an Amish community. I enjoyed the plot twists. Early on I thought I had it all figured out, but the ending surprised me. A very enjoyable book to read.


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Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: Let's Sew Together

Let's Sew Together by Rubyellen Bratcher. What a fun book! Blogging for Books has expanded to make available many different books and I was excited to get this book to review!  The book itself is colorful, fun and made for families to enjoy! The project range from quite simple (cutting a square piece of fabric for your child to imagine with!) to a bit more complicated (such as a doll house pillow.) All the projects encourage child interaction and many of them include your child drawing on the fabric. (How fun is that?) :)

The author starts out very basic with many tips and tricks and how to's to sewing - great for anyone who has no experience with using a machine or doing sewing crafts. The instructions seem very easy to follow (though I haven't done a project myself yet...Hopefully in a few years!) I love that the examples aren't perfect, it makes the projects feel attainable and that they don't have to turn out just so.

I also LOVE the side bars! Many of the projects have a side bar with book suggestions to read along with the project! There are also ways to use the project to further education... such as having writing prompts to write a fun story about the doll or robot craft. Great for homeschool or summer projects! I give this book two thumbs up!

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This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review by Blogging for Books. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: My Happy Pumpkin

Ok, so it isn't quite fall yet.. but September will be here before we know it!! :) I thought this little book looked like one Joy and I will enjoy through the years. :) The illustrations are very sweet and fun as well as pretty fall colors to look at. There are interesting things in the illustrations that will be fun to "find" as we look at it together as she grows older. (There is a sweet little mouse on almost every page.) The rhyme of the story is fun too and great for little ones to listen to. I love the theme of the book that ties in with an object lesson about pumpkins. When God forgives our sins, He scrapes out the bad in us and makes us new, shining His light through us. Fun little story and it would be great for a preschool class at church as well.

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This book was provided by BookLook blogger book program in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Four Weddings and a Kiss

Sometimes you just need a light, fun read, right? Well, I know I do. :) I got this book specifically for that purpose. I wasn't disappointed. It's four novellas in one volume, tied together with a mini story. They are all stories of unlikely romance and each story is very different and fun, set in the historical west. Each author is an established writer and the stories are well written.

I do enjoy these kinds of books, not for deep reading, but as something to read to relax and enjoy. (Also, if I read novellas, they don't tend to keep me up ALL night long because I can finish a story so quickly.) I also like collections because I can find new authors that I will enjoy. So a fun, clean summer read. Great for taking along on a vacation!


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Thanks to BookLook book review program for this review copy. My opinions are my own.

*** Coming soon: A post of my baby favorites! And I'll try to post a family update soon as well. Thanks to all of you who (maybe) still read my blog. Blogging time is limited to nap time, which sometimes is spotty... and I do need to fold laundry occasionally... ;)

Book Review: The Last Bride

I've heard it said that all of Beverly Lewis's books sound the same.... and this thought does kindof come to mind because, on the outside, they all look very similar and they DO have similar settings. But never judge a book by it's cover! :) The Last Bride was a very hard one for me to put down!! (It took longer for me to get around to writing a review than it did to read it!) :)

Tessie is in love with a man, and her father refuses his approval and doesn't tell her why. Impulsively, she and her fiance, Marcus, elope; sneaking off to a Justice of the Peace. Afterwards, they continue to live their lives separately, sure that given enough time, her parents will come around and bless their marriage. Tragically, before they can divulge their secret, Marcus dies in an accident.  Tessie must grieve alone. She must tell her people eventually, but will they believe her?

I don't want to give away the ending. Beverly Lewis is a bestselling author for a reason. She truly is a master storyteller and knows her setting well. I certainly don't regret reading yet "another" Beverly Lewis book. :)

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This book was given to me by Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.