Love of Family

I decided to read Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall's latest Amish novel, "Until Then," anticipating the usual Amish love story. But this was not the usual. At first, I even thought this dealt more with the afterlife. Then it became apparent it was a time-split historical novel that felt more like time travel. Vin and Celeste belong to an Old Order Amish Sect who frown upon artist work. Vin feels compelled to be himself and create his sketches of everyday life. Then one evening, as Vin takes some time to pray and do soul searching, he falls into a ravine. When he wakes up he does not know where he is. This begins Vin's journey to return to Celeste praying daily "May you use my time as you desire" and the people he meets who help him and how he helps them changing their future. For Celeste, she tries to cope with the lost of Vin and disparaging remarks made by the community. A must read for Amish fans as this is very different from most Amish stories.

Tea for the Soul

Sally Clarkson has written a wonderful new book entitled "Teatime Discipleship - Sharing Faith One Cup at a Time." The author reads the audio version of the book in a soothing voice making the experience so relaxing, so inspiring. So much so, I purchased the hardcopy version of the book to enjoy the beautiful picures and recipes. The book is divided into sections: devotional, scripture, short practice suggestions, and recipes. The devotions are shared stories from the authors life offering insight to a faith well lived. I agree with the author's comment about celebrating the life the Lord has given us. And this book provides ways of celebrating that life with a cup of tea. I received a complimentary copy of this audio book from Net Gallery and was under no obligation to post a review.

All Things Egyptian

Jocelyn Green does a wonderful job inviting the reader into the world of Egyptology through her protagonist, Lauren Westlake, in "The Metropolitan Affair." Dr. Lauren Westlake has worked hard earning her degree in Egyptology and obtaining a job at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. However, her one desire is to have a relationship with her father fulfilling her dream of going to Egypt with him. Then, out of the blue, her father offers a chance to join him on an archaeological trip to Egypt. But something holds her back from agreeing to go with him. In the meantime, an old friend, Joe Caravello, now a detective, seeks her out for help in solving art forger case, in particular, Egypt art pieces. Can their combined wits solve who the forger is? And can Lauren find a way to rebuild a relationship with her father? Suspense and mystery abound in this fast paced novel. It was hard to put the book down! I can not wait for the second installment!

Stepping Out in Faith

To be resilent one must first feel safe. For many safety comes in many different shapes or forms, especially those who are trauma victims. Aundi Kilber is a trauma survivor. She has taken what she has learned and put it to work as a counselor and now in the book, "Strong Like Water." Kolber explains how the sympathetic nervous system, ventral vagal system, dorasal vagal system and parasympathetic system work and how this relates to the trauma victim's reactions and feelings to the past and present. She provides insight as well as resources while doing it with a Biblical focus. I especially liked her comment that we all need support-lifelines, internally and externally, seen in the form of prayer or just having someone to talk with in a loving community. Counselors, medical personal, community people will find a wealth of helpful information within the pages of this book to be released in 2023.

Angel Inspiration

For fans of Roma Downey, you will not want to miss this devotional entitled "Be an Angel:Devotions to Inspire and Encourage Love and Light Along the Way." There are 52 devotions divided into categories such as gratitude, loss, joy, change, grace. At the end of each devotion is a "Be an Angel" prompt that provides an exercise to provoke a deeper understanding of the passage just read. The devotions are inspirational with most of them relating to some aspect of Roma Downey's life. I found the passages to be uplifting and encouraging. So if you are looking for a devotional and are a "Touched by an Angel" fan, then this is just the book for you! To be released in 2023 by Convergent Books.

Triumph over Tragedy

Meet Amish school teacher Lisa Miller who is dedicated to teaching her young students. As a seven-year-old she lost her parents and paternal grandparents in an accident in Indiana and came to live with her maternal grandparents in Ohio. Lisa has built a wall around herself as protection because she fears losing those she loves. But that may change if newcomer Paul Herschberger has anything to say about it and discover his secret. Readers are reunited with Orley Troyer and his wife as well at their antique shop where they offer words of wisdom and encouragement to Paul. Follow this romance in Wanda Brunstetter’s newest novel in the Creektown Discoveries Series, “Sugarcreek Surprise.” I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to review and all opinions are mine.