Unending Faith

Meet Geesje de Jonge who comes to America from the Netherlands fifty years ago with her mother and father to escape religious persecution in Lynn Austin's Waves of Mercy. During that time she has experienced many trials and tribulations and the town has asked for an account of those early years to celebrate Holland's Semi-Centennial anniversary. The reader goes back in time, experiencing the events and emotions as Geesje recalls those fifty years. A family friend, Derk, is most interested in reading the account as Geesje writes her story. But Derk Vander Veen has his own story which he shares with Geesje of a young, socialite who is staying at the hotel where he works. Socialite Anna Nicholson is staying at the hote in Holland, Michigan after breaking her engagement. She is soul searching after discovering a small church in Chicago that draws her in and she continues to question the nightmares that she experiences. Austin weaves these two stories together for intriguing, heart wrenching read. Both ladies give the account of their stories, yet the how the two stories become one is most welcome surprise! I received this complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review.

Recipe for Success

There have been many books written on success, but this is the first one I have read giving humility a lead role in achieving success. Pat Williams' book, Humility: The Secret Ingredient of Success, packs alot of wisdom inside its covers. Williams uses real people and real stories to illustrate how humility versus arrogance played a role in the outcome. His stories include Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, Tiger Woods, Dan Price, Bill Hewlett, Dave Packard and many more. Williams writes "Humility is a gift we give to other people. Ironically, arrogance makes us seem small and pathetic. Humility is what makes people great" (p.41). There were many times I stopped short, paused, and reread what was written "thinking that is me and I thought I was being humble - not arrogant." Business person, church leader or volunteer, school teacher, coach, mother, father, or whatever your role, this book is a must read. If true humility was practiced daily, what a difference would be seen in our country! I received this complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishig in exchange for my review.

Pioneer Spirit

Eleanor Morgan escapes to America from England as an indentured servant when her money and letter of recommendation are stollen. She is taken to the backcountry of Carolina thinking she is to be a caretaker for a small child. But upon arrival she is forced to marry a man she has never met, Samuel Heath. He takes her back to his cabin and land far from town where she is to tend his daughter. Eleanor must learn to survive in the wilderness. Samuel must learn to trust with the threat of war and betrayal. Both must learn to depend on God. The author, Michelle Griep, attempts to capture the ruggard spirit of the early pioneers who settled this country in The Captive Heart. Although it is wonderful read, the main storyline is not new. The male protagonist is blacklisted while the forlorn female protagonist struggles to maintain her integrity. As always though love triumphs. Even so, the author did a great job of writing this story with realistic characters. I received this complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.