American Troth Trumps

"The Liberty Bride" by MaryLu Tyndall is the latest book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series and so far the best I think. Emeline Baratt is returning to America on her father's privateer after a stay in England with her great aunt. What she didn't bargain for was being captured by a Britannic Majesty's frigate close to North America in 1814. To save her life, Emeline declares her loyalty to the British Crown. First Lieutenant Owen Masters questions her allegiances on board as he himself must keep up appearances as a loyal British servant. Both will be tested on their allegiance as the captain sends them on a secret mission vital to the British successfully winning the War of 1812. Sail away to another time in this adventure filled with love, history and a renewed faith in God. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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.

Spiritual Legacy of L'Engle

I had heard of the author Madeleine L'Engle but had never read any of her works. So when the opportunity presented itself to read the biography of her entitled "A Light So Lovely" by Sarah Arthur I seized it. I am glad I did so. It was fascinating to learn more about Madeleine and her life as a writer and as a Christian. Sarah Arthur does a fine job of interviewing friends and family to obtain insight and shed light on the complex nature of Madeleine's character. The world has been blessed by the writings of Madeleine L'Engle. Now the world is blessed to learn more of the spiritual legacy Madeleine has left behind for all in this biography. I received complementary copy of this book from Harbringer Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Charming

"The Hope Jar" by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a charming book built upon the theme of deception. The book begins with an assumption made by the Lapp family that Michelle Taylor is their new found granddaughter Sara, and Michelle seizing the moment to assume that identity. Michelle comes from a broken family, foster homes, and bad relationships. She yearns to find a family, to find acceptance and love. With the Lapp family, she finds these things and more with the discovery of a jar filled with prayers and scriptures. However, the lies continue to build so Michelle abruptly leaves the Lapp family knowing their true granddaughter is about to make her presence known. I found that Brunstetter gave character Michelle depth along with secondary characters in the story: Ezekiel and Brad. With a second book in the future these characters maybe allowed to grow even more along with granddaughter Sara. I look forward to learning more about the Lapp family and Michelle. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

More Than a Chemical Reaction

Dr. R. L. Werner has a meeting with Nicholas Drake to discuss her newest technology in making water safe to drink in cities. Nicholas Drake is more than ready to talk with the beautiful lady until he discovers she is the Dr. Rosalind Werner who is his opponent in court. What both don't realize is the chemistry between them is strong. Both can not deny it, but the battle of safe drinking water does come between them. Who is right? Roselind Werner, who has worked her entire life to develop a technique to ensure safe water for the public. Or Nicholas Drake, who does not want the chemical chlorine used thinking it is toxic to humans. "A Daring Venture," by Elizabeth Camden, is based loosely on the historical litigation of the efficacy of chlorine for disinfecting water safely. I found this historical read to have a dash of romance and subterfuge along with believable, well-developed characters. A definite must for your reading to-do-list! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Standing Fearless Against Warring Ideologies

Scandals. Shootings. Political attacks. Verbal back-biting. Terrorist bombing. The world-wide turmoil leaves one wondering what is next, how can it be stopped. Particularly as an American, how did we as a nation get so far off track from what our fore-fathers created? John Dickerson, writes “Hope of Nations,” as an answer to this question and many others. He writes the book in three parts: current happenings and ideologies, possible scenarios of what could/could not happen, and emerging cultural trends in the United States. Dickerson very clearly explains the warring ideologies taking place in America currently: Post-Truth versus Truth-Based. I found this book to be eye-opening: providing a plausible explanation for what is happening in American society. It also offered how we can stand fearless during these trying times. It offered hope. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Handlebar and was under no obligation to post a review.

A Grand Ruse

Historical fiction and romance meets the reader in "My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas: Madeline's Search" by Kathleen Y'Barbo. Madeline Latour has been hired by Madame Smith to write her memoirs and help Pinkerton agent, Jonah Cahill, find Smith's missing granddaughter. As the investigation plods along the danger that surrounds the pair seems to increase. Nothing is adding up or is all a ruse? Is their mutual attraction a ruse or is it genuine? A light mystery for a summer read. I found the plot to be of interest but the dialogue and characters were lacking depth at times. Madame Smith is a pivotal character but the reader is not presented with much substance. Still enjoyable! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Follow Your Dreams

The theme of following ones dreams is apparent in Nancy Moser's "The Fashion Designer" as well as keeping your faith no matter the obstacles. Annie Culver and her two friends are going into the fashion business by establishing a store selling ready made dresses for the working class woman. They receive backing from a wealthy couple (The Sampsons) who believe in their vision that is until Mrs. Sampson starts to want her own vision. This puts a strain on the partnership and the future of the new business. Many obstacles are thrown in the way of achieving their goal but the friends continue to put their trust and faith in God. Of particular interest is the information that Moser provides at the end of the novel on the history of fashion in American during the early 1900s. So if you are interested in fashion and history and romance, then this is the book for you! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Aloha Summer Adventure

Dreaming of a trip to the Hawaiian Islands, but financially it is not possible? Try a staycation reading Wanda E. Brunstetter's new novel "The Hawaiian Discovery." Journey to Hawaii with Mandy and her husband, Ken, when they receive a call that Ken's dad has had a heart attack. Mandy's young Amish friend, Ellen Lambright, is left in charge of running their B&B until Mandy and Ken decide to stay in Hawaii helping his mom. Then, tragedy strikes Mandy and Ken again. Ellen still trying to figure out what to do with her life volunteers to go to Hawaii once she receives the Amish leaders permission. Her life is forever changed. So grab a lemonade, a comfy chair, and start enjoying this adventure to Hawaii. It could be life changing journey for you as well! I received a complementary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Trust and Believe

Genealogical saga of the Lytton family continues with the adventures of Mercy Lytton, who is part Mohawk and English in "The Captured Bride" by Michelle Griep. Mercy, independent and strong-willed, is a scout for the American army. Her assignment, along with Captain Prinn, is to transport a load of captured gold to Fort Edward but there is a hitch. The gold will be buried among boxes of home goods and she is to be married to one of the prisoners, Elias Dubois, at Fort Wilderness so that it looks like homesteaders are returning east. The general's son will make the fourth person to go on the trip. Many unforeseen dangers plaque this trip, one of which is her heart being captured by a condemned man. A second danger is admitting her trust in God. A gripping story-line for historical fiction fans. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Hope for New Beginnings

"A Breath of Hope" continues the Carlson family saga in Minnesota. In this second installment, the reader finds Nilda Carlson wanting to come to America and Uncle Einar has agreed to send her the funds in return for working for him on the farm. But, before she can leave the family works to save enough money for her brother, Ivar, to accompany her on the trip to America. Meanwhile, Rune and Signe continue to help Uncle Einar and Aunt Gerd on the farm. Uncle Einar does not let anything stop him from working even after suffering a fall. Nevertheless, his ambition and independent nature maybe his downfall. I found this second book in the series to be more interesting to read than the first. I look forward to the next book to see what happens with the Carlson family. I received a complimentary copy of his book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review.

Forgiveness

Melissa Jagears captures the reader in this third volume of the Teaville Moral Society series, "A Chance at Forever." Mercy McClain, along with her brother and sister-in-law, have been put in charge of the local orphanage. There she spends her days helping to take care of the children. She also is on the school board and it is here that she encounters someone from her past - her tormentor - George Aaron Firebrook. Better known in her childhood as the class bully. Now he was applying for a teacher's position. Would this be her chance to get even or would she live up to her name granting mercy? George Aaron Firebrook returns to Teaville, Kansas a changed man. However, he has his work cut out to show everyone, particular Mercy, that he is a new person. While waiting for the school board to decide on who the new teacher will be he is offered a job at the orphanage as the grounds keeper. This is a chance to prove himself and gain Mercy's forgiveness and friendship. Jagears does a great job exploring forgiveness and second chances in this latest novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book from BethanyHouse and was under no obligation to post a review.

A Creative Prayer Journal

"The Prayer Map for Women: A Creative Journal" is wonderful and encouraging for women wanting to begin or even deepen their prayer life. The journal is spiral bound making it easy to lay flat and journal on it's delightful pages, each having a scripture and topics to help a person along on what to write. Sometimes that is the stumbling block - what to write or how to write it. Now its really easy as you follow the format provided. And if another stumbling block is time. This book is small enough to fit in a purse or tote bag so you can jot down your thoughts/prayers where ever you are. I have been meaning to start a prayer journal but never did it. Now with this little gem I have no excuse. There is even room for my doodling! Happy journaling! I received a complementary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

A Lifestyle that Promotes Well-being and Health

The lifestyle a person lives affects not only health in general but more specifically it affects the cellular health. Chronic stress and inflammation damages cellular health which in turn affects ones immune system according Deepak Chopara, M.D. and Rudolph Tanzi, PhD in "The Healing Self." Dr. Chopara explains how important it is to protect our immunity to realize a healthy life. Our environment is full of deadly pathogens and toxins to name a few. Each person must take responsibility for his/her own health and not rely others. They write, "On its own the body knows how to survive, it's up to us to teach it how to thrive (p. 16)". The mind-body connection has never been shown to be more prevalent then between these pages. The book is divided into two parts: the investigation/research and a seven day action plan. The latter gives recommendations for each day of the week for a person to follow as he/she make lifestyle changes to better his/her overall health. If you want to take control of your health and well-being, I highly recommend reading this book and start working on the action plan provided. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books and was under no obligation to post a review.

Seeking Asylum

Jocelyn Green delivers a beautifully written historical novel, "A Refuge Assured," set during the eighteenth century in France, and then, in America. Vivenne Rivard is a lacemaker for the Queen of France until the revolution when, after her mother's death, she escapes to America to avoid being sentenced to death. But before leaving France a chance encounter brings her face to face with the father she never knew. Once in America, Vivenne tries to make a living working at a tavern where she meets William Delaney, a militiaman. She also befriends a French noblewoman who was part of the Queens court and her young son, Henri. As Vivenne tries to assimilate into living in Philadelphia, she finds herself the guardian of Henri after the death of this mother, and apart of something more sinister than she realizes while the tensions for the Whiskey law mount. Does going to the French settlement of Asylum as suggested by her father offer her the safety and peace she is seeking in her life? Read this exciting novel to find the answer and more. Greens historical details and characters make the reader feel like part of this adventurous story. I received a complementary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Upcycled

Seven people. Seven lives. All broken. All on a downward spiral. Remarkably something occurred that changed each of these seven lives; these seven people met Jesus. Author Jim Cymbala relates the stories of seven peoples whose lives were transformed by the love of Jesus in "The Rescue." These lives are filled with brokenness beyond what one can imagine in this depraved world. But each life was upcycled by Jesus and turned into something beautiful. A quick read that will transform your life. You may even know someone who would benefit from reading the book. Pass it on. Your life will be better for doing it. I received a complementary copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Pirate and the Orphan

Wow, romance mateys, you are going to enjoy "The Pirate Bride." Maribel Cordoba is a precocious twelve year old when she is taken by her father aboard a ship sailing for Havana. He has told Maribel her mother and her grandfather have died. On the journey, their ship is ambushed by a privateering vessel sailed by Captain Beaumont that ends with Antonio Cordoba going overboard. Maribel pleads her case to stay on board as a privateer but Captain Beaumont believes she is better off someplace safer. Fate plays against Captain Beaumont when his ship is attacked. Most of his men are killed. And Maribel goes missing until providence brings them together eleven years later along with the discovery she has a family. The plot is filled with twists and turns keeping the reader engaged and crying "shiver me timbers!" Kathleen Y'Barbo does not disappoint with this second novel in "The Daughters of the Mayflower" series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Family Drama

Families - you got to love them - eccentricity, unconditional love and all! Shay Henke discovers this with the approaching family reunion in the novel "High Cotton" by Debby Mayne. The reader meets several family members and how Shay becomes involved with their lives, their problems, and the effect these relatives have on her life. The woman we meet at the beginning of this book is changed by the end. There is much drama, just as there is in our own families. But through all the ups and downs, Shay holds on to her faith. Join Shay, meet the relatives, and be ready for a roller coaster ride that you won't want to end!! I received a complementary copy of this book from Gilead Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. To purchase: check out Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christian Books Distributors.

Unknown Scion

It's 1884 and Nolan Price, a stable boy, is determined to discover who his father is. His mother will not tell him. It is a subject that has been nagging him for years. He had planned to go to the town of this birth but Hannah, his girlfriend, asked him to wait. In the meantime, Nolan plans out his future by agreeing to buy a small farm. Next he plans to ask Hannah to marry him. Before he can carry out this part of his plan, his mother falls ill. It is on her deathbed he is told who his father's name. Discover who Nolan's father is and what the future holds for him and Hannah in "A Most Noble Heir." The author of this finely crafted novel is Susan Anne Mason. Mason keeps the pages turning with her spirited characters and superb story telling in this historical romance. I received a complementary copy of this book from Bethany House (Litfuse Publicity Group) and was under no obligation to post a review.

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Family Ties

Shelley Shepard Gray returns readers to Hart County in "His Risk." Calvin Fisher lives in the English world apart from the Amish community he was raised in. Calvin works as an undercover agent in the gun running gang the Kings. He's moving up in the gang's ranks. Then he gets a phone call telling him his older brother, Mark, has been diagnosed with cancer. Now he has to figure out a way to be with his brother and not blow his cover. Once back in Horse Cave his path crosses with Amish preschool teacher Alice Yoder and he can't keep from thinking about her. He knows better than get involved with a woman, particularly an Amish woman. He knows he can't jeopardize his cover or the safety of Alice. What will he do? Alice knows better than to encourage a friendship with an Englishman. What will she do? Follow along in the latest novel to see how Gray resolves these and other problems in Hart county. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Golden Love Fever

Plucky socialite Abby Effingham is on her way to Oregon City to see her mother but her travel plans are soon changed. The spring rains have washed away the trail meaning Abby and Neville, the family butler, will need to return to St Louis or continue onwards to San Francisco. Abby decides to take on the adventure of traveling to San Francisco after hearing about the city from the waiter on the train. But what she has been told and what she sees upon arrival are two very different things. Thanks to Sam Harris, Abby and Neville make it to their hotel and the following morning visit the Gold Rush Inn meeting the famous cheery pie maker, Cookie. Cookie brings humor along with a Bible verse for every situation, crisis and person to the story. Once in San Francicso, Abby must decide how to get her mother to come home. In Janice Thompson's "My Heart Belongs in San Francisco: Abby's Prospects" the reader will meet many interesting characters making this book light and fun to read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Life's a Gamble

Are you looking for intrigue, mystery, and romance in a Regency novel? Then look no further with the latest novel from Michelle Griep entitled "The Innkeeper's Daughter." The reader will be captivated from the very first page. Johanna Langley is trying to save the inn her family runs but obstacles keep mounting putting more and more pressure on Jo. Her mother uses her faith to keep going during the difficult days. To add to the mystique, Alexander Moore is an officer who goes undercover as a wine merchant and gambler to discover who is plotting against the British crown. Delightful characters such as Mr. Nutbrown and his puppet. You will empathize with Jo's plight so much so you will not want to put down the book losing several hours of sleep to unravel the mystery. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Delicious Comfort Food

An amazing cookbook, Amish Cooking Class Cookbook, features recipes from the Amish Cooking Class series by Wanda E. Brunstetter as well as more than 200 more recipes. This cookbook has basic advice on cooking and baking, interesting articles on Amish cooking and beautiful pictures. I enjoyed looking at the beautiful pictures of the Amish and delicious foods. There are so many wonderful recipes, using basic ingredients, it was hard to pick which one to do first. I also thought having two different indexes - one for food sections and one for key ingredients - to be really helpful. A go to cookbook for delicious comfort food. Bon appetit! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Music Played On

Roseanna White transports the reader back to England at the outset of World War 1 while meeting protagonist Willa Forsythe, Rosie's younger "sister," in A Song Unheard. Willa, a self taught violinist, is given an assignment by Mr. V to steal a cryptology key from famed violinist Lukas De Wilde. England is not the only one after this key from De Wilde. As Willa's friendship with Lukas grows, she risks her life and future to help him find his mother and sister who were left behind in Germany occupied Belgium. The book is filled with intrigue and suspense and adventure. Nothing is as it seems. One can't help but love Lukas' sister and all the other charming characters that make this story come to life. I hated reading that last page knowing the book had ended for this second installment in the "Shadows Over England" series. I received a complementary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review.

Mayflower Adventure

Kimberley Woodhouse introduces readers to a new series with this first book, "The Mayflower Bride." The concept of following along and learning about the what may have occurred on the Mayflower's voyage to the new world peaked my interest as I enjoy genealogy. Mary Elizabeth Chapman is a fictional character on board the Speedwell in 1620 with her father and her younger brother. The reader is also introduced to actual passengers who were aboard the Mayflower and Speedwell. The author states she has tried to keep the story as historically accurate as possible. The final time the Speedwell enters port due to water leakage, the passengers all board the Mayflower making the final passage across the Atlantic late in the season. Woodhouse tries to make the reader feel and see what the passengers on board would have from the cramped quarters, the sea sickness, the stench from illness, sweat, and unemptied chamber-pots. With that said, I still felt there were times the author did not dive deep enough into what was happening or not happening. "I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

A Recipe for Friendship

Lyle Troyer suggests his wife, Heidi, host another cooking class only this time for children to help their two foster children make friends in "The Celebration." What she doesn't expect as she plans and presents the classes are the many issues-some good and some bad- that the children bring with them. To complicate matters, a new family has moved into the neighborhood. Velma thinks life has dealt her a bad hand from wrecking her only car, her oldest daughter leaving home and there's not much money even with her husband working. But Velma and her family get a much needed boost when yet another tragedy strikes. Heidi and Velma both learn a thing or two about trusting God. This is Wanda Brunstetter's third book in the Amish Cooking Class series. Doing a children's cooking class is a great idea, I think I would have taken my children if I had had the opportunity. This book follows Brunstetter's usual style of writing. At times I felt the dialog was stiff but overall it was a good story-line. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

You are the Song I Sing

Music crosses racial, ethnic, and cultural lines. It soothes the soul. It tells a timeless story. In "The Melody of the Soul" by Liz Tolsma, music becomes the lifeline for Jewish Christian Anna Zadok and her grandmother and Nazi officer Horst Engel during WWII. Anna's family is deported from Prague, leaving her to take care of her grandmother. But soon after her family's deportation a Nazi officer moves into the ground floor apartment making Anna's life more tension filled and fearful. Her only solace is playing her violin which the Nazi Regime has declared illegal. But Anna continues to play. Officer Horst hears Anna playing, the music penetrating his soul, his psyche. When it comes time for Anna and her grandmother to be deported, Horst risks everything to save them. The story is quite moving, tears will fall for the cruelty to mankind and as one cheers for this displaced group to out-smart the Nazis. I received a complementary copy of this book from Litfuse and was under no obligation to post a review.

Financial Savvy

I have read other financial books in the past but none compared to "Faith Finance" by Emily Stroud. I actually had this book read in a day. It was that well written, understandable, and had great illustrations. Stroud even provides a budget template that may be very helpful to some people. She also discusses the 10/10/10/70 rule concerning how to disperse ones money. I found the section on investing for retirement enlightening as that time-period quickly approaches in my life. At the beginning, Stroud writes her goal for the book as "an overview of what a successful financial plan looks like in real, everyday life" (p. 21). She does all of this a with faith based foundation. I applaud her for accomplishing this goal in a down-to-earth, coherent style. I received a complementary copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Secrets of Ivy Hill Library

Regency Romance. Mystery. Jane Austin. If any of these interest you, reader, then you will be delighted to read "The Ladies of Ivy Cottage" by Julie Klassen. In this second book of the series, Rachel Ashford has gone from living the life of a gentlewoman to one of having to earn a living. Her father left her his entire collection of books so the women of the community, known as the Ladies Tea and Knitting Society, encourage her to start a "subscription library." Support in the community comes in many ways, particularly with anonymous donations that hold clues to why James Drake came to Ivy Hill. Her friend, Mercy, is caught up in her own problems: becoming the guardian of one of her students and a possible suitor. The book started out slow but I think that is because I had not read the first book. I soon was caught up in the story and the characters and could not put the book down. I received this book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review.

Laura Ingalls Wilder's Faith Journey

As a child I was delighted to hear my fourth grade teacher read "Little House on the Prairie" to the class and later watch the series on television. I continued to read the entire series on my own. Then as an adult I read the series to my children and began to collect all of Laura Ingalls Wilder's books. So to read Stephen W. Hines' book on Laura Ingalls Wilder's faith journey entitled "A Prairie Girl's Faith" was inspirational. Life as a pioneer was tough, tougher than what we can imagine in today's world. To understand Laura's faith is come to know the real Laura as she matured into womanhood and in her later years as she began to write about her pioneer life. If you love "Little House" series then don't miss reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.