An Emotional Jar

Inspiring, historical romance, "My Heart Belongs in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: Clarissa's Conflict," is set during the Civil War years. Clarissa Avery Ross is a spirited young woman living with her parents in Gettysburg doing all the things expected of a proper young lady except she holds a secret: she is a conductor for the Underground Railroad. Another conductor who often assists her is known to her only as "Liberty" and wears a black hood over his face. She finds the presence of this mysterious man to be infuriating and annoying but also intriguing. On the other hand, Kyle Forrester, a young seminary student, is all Clarissa dreams about for a future husband. That is until she hears his views about slavery and the outbreak of war. Now she is torn between two different men, two different views of the war, and how to respond when the war comes to Gettysburg. Murray Pura does a fine job of developing the story line against the backdrop of the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. He made it feel very real. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Girl Power

Jean Fischer has written a wonderful book for your tween entitled "100 Extraordinary Stories for Courageous Girls: Unforgettable Tales of Women of Faith." The title sums up what the book is about. There is a short biography of each of the 100 women from over the centuries whose faith helped them. (I found the stories interesting as an adult!) A question related to the biography is then asked for the young reader to consider. Lastly, a Bible verse is included after each biography. This book is not only an encouragement for your tween but could be used as a devotional, in a book club, or a home-study course. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Amish Romance

Shelley Shepard Gray has a new Christmas novel entitled "His Promise." It is an Amish Christmas story set in Hart County, Tennessee. Amish-woman Grace King finds herself pet-sitting over the Christmas holiday. As she contemplates having Christmas all to herself she runs into her neighbor John Michael Miller when the dog she is pet-sitting runs away. A neighbor she is not glad to see because of her sister and John's shattered relationship. A neighbor she once had hidden feelings for. Grace tries to forget him but a series of suspicious fires keep bringing them together. Can they work out their past and have a future together? And who is setting fires during the Christmas season? A festive romance for the holiday season.

Ruse Uncovered

Grayson Thibodeaux is a psychologist and part owner of the business creating mind adventure games for team-building experiences in Robin Caroll's "Stratagem." He is also trying to build a new life for himself after the divorce from his wife, Anna Belle, when his partner pressures him into doing a job for his ex-wife's company. Although Grayson is hesitant, he builds the game, and then goes on vacation leaving the rest in the hands of his partner. Only things do not go according to the game-plan as Grayson soon discovers when the police are at his door to inform him his ex-wife is dead. He is the prime suspect. He must prove his innocence. So begins an investigation to unravel what happened during the adventure game. Filled with many twist and turns, suspense, drama, and finally the truth. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Everyone Has a Story

The Daughters of the Mayflower series keeps getting better with each story. The latest one, "The Cumberland Bride," by Shannon McNear, follows the Lytton family lineage focusing on Katarina Gruener. Katarina lives during the late 1790s in Tennessee with her family. Her father has decided the family will move to Kentucky using the Wilderness Road that crosses over the Cumberland Gap. Katarina's family and others in the group travel by foot with Thomas Bledsoe as their travel guide. Trials and tribulations that awaited the people who traveled into the American frontier are addressed. Shannon McNear creates strong characters using actual historical events to support the story line. Many of the characters had faith grows, but it is tested and strengthened as the story unfolds, particularly Thomas. I found the novel a fascinating read due to the historical backdrop. Historical romance fans will not want to miss reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Sisterhood

Did you ever want to crawl inside a book and be of the characters? Well, this is the book - "Gathering of Sisters" by Darla Weaver. Darla, her four sisters, and their children come together every Tuesday at their parents house. It is a time filled with visiting, laughter, crafting, and sharing among the sisters and their mom. The antics of the children adds to the merry mix. Darla is part of an Old Order Mennonite Family where faith is built into everyday living. To be part of this sisterhood would be a blessing. I so enjoyed not only the recipes and Bible verses but reading how the children used their imaginations during playtime inside and outside. This is refreshing and delightful read. Thank you, Darla, for sharing a year of your life! I received a complementary copy of this book from Herald Press and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Greatest Legacy: Love

Tim Stevens, author of "Marked By Love," describes the current state of American society, especially believers in Jesus, so accurately and with such honesty. He speaks in a language all can understand, no churchisms, no religiousisms. Using stories from his own life, Stevens shows his audience Jesus' legacy, his real mission, was love. It is mentioned many places in the Bible and in simplest terms is: love the Lord and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). As Stevens writes, "Love is the difference maker. It changes everything" (p. 57). Imagine the society we would be living in if this principle was practiced regularly. It is a simple thing. It costs nothing in monetary terms. It is a game changer. It would be a make-over for the work environment, the political and news scene to name a few. Take the journey, be marked by love, Jesus' love. You won't be disappointed for having read this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.