Baseball and Life

I do not play baseball nor am I follower of baseball. Yet for some reason I was prompted to read The Matheny Manifesto by Mike Matheny. I figured I might be bored but was pleasantly surprised as Matheny captured my attention holding it throughout the book. Yes, there were some stats and explanations about baseball I did not appreciate as some baseball fans, nevertheless,
so much of what he wrote held truth I could relate to as a parent. He talks about eight keys that lead to success: humility, leadership, confidence, character, faith, teamwork, class and toughness. This inspirational story can teach us "about winning on the field and in life." I think that is why I enjoyed it so much.

Making Choices

Cindy Woodsmall's latest Amish novel is A Love Undone. Jolene Keim, a member of the Old Order Amish, goes the planning of her wedding to attending the funeral of both her parents and taking on the guardianship of her younger siblings. Her future husband is not ready to take on such a large responsibility thus the wedding is called off. Ten years pass for Jolene when a horse trainer enters her life. However, Andy Fisher is not an eligible bachelor- he is a grass widower. This is the background upon which the story grows.
I enjoyed the plot and the depth of the characters but I think the ending was a bit hurried with everything tied up too neatly.
I received this book free to review from Blogging for Books.

Page Turner

  Kim Vogel Sawyer latest book, When Mercy Rains, captured my attention immediately. So much so that I had a hard putting the book down. Needless to say I read it in record time!! We are introduced to Suzanne Zimmerman being sent away from her family and her Old Order Mennonite community by her mother because she is in the family way. Then we skip ahead twenty years when Suzanne receives a letter from her brother asking her to return home to help care for their invalid mother. But the family does not know about Alexa, Suzanne's daughter. Thus begins the inner conflicts of going home or staying put in Indiana. Alexa wants to meet her extended family unaware that they do not know of her existence. They go home to Kansas. This is where the story begins to unfold between mother and daughter, between old loves, and between family: bitterness, resentment, secrets. Can this family find healing? Or is it too late? The twist at the end only leads one to want to read the next part in this new trilogy.
  I received this book for free to review from WaterBook Press.

An Everyday, Every Moment Message

   I read the Be the Message since I had read a previous book by the same authors, Chris and Kerry Shook. The message theme is simple enough: live out God's message of love and grace every day, every moment. Don't wait thinking you have to do something big or go on a mission trip. Instead, reach out to those right where you are. So simple yet so hard at times. Reading this book will help you get started with baby steps and then, will then, you will be intentionally living out God's call on your life. Many examples abound but one in particular when one of the author's was waiting in line at the store, the express check-out no less, and is impatiently waiting on the customer ahead who discovers she does not have the money to cover her bill. The author realizes in that moment she is to be the message. She pays the customer's bill. So be the message. Step out in faith and read this book. It will change your perspective of living out God's word.
  I received this book to review free from WaterBrook Press and Blogging for Books.

Childhood: A Gift or a White Elephant

  I had read Johann Christoph Arnold's book Rich in Years a while back. I found his comments and concerns to be valid so when I had a chance to read another of his books I jumped at the opportunity. I was not displeased. Arnold's book Their Name is Today: Reclaiming Childhood in a Hostile World examines the childhood children are experiencing today. So much truth and wisdom are packed in this little book. Arnold explores child's unstructured play, parental influence or lack there of, technology addiction and materialism.For instance, he writes "Children model the behavior of adults, on whatever scale is available to them. Ours are growing up in a nation whose most important, influential men...solve problems by killing people."  If your concerned for your children, grandchildren or any child than you will want to read this gem.
I received this book from Handlebar to review for free.

Sew Heartwarming

 The latest in the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club series, The Healing Quilt, written by Wanda E. Brunstetter, is a delightful return visit with Emma and Lamar Miller only this time they are vacationing in Sarasota, Florida. Emma is not content sitting or walking the beach everyday. So Lamar encourages her to start another quilting class even though Emma is not sure about getting students. But surprises abound in this new quilting class one of which is a visit from Jan Sweet, a former quilting class student. This quilting class does not fail to bring healing and love and hope to those in the class a wheelchair-bound teen, a terminally-ill artist, a pregnant mom to name a few.
 It was fun to read about this group of quilters, their trials and tribulations, but it was also nice to be reacquainted with pass characters. I particularly liked the character Jan from Brunstetter's first book so it was nice to have him back in this third book. An easy and enjoyable read.
 I received this book free from Handlebar to review.

CAPTIVATING Tamsen Littlejohn's stepfather is planning an arranged marriage for her which is causing her much anxiety and distress. She pleads with her mother for help. The most her mother can do before her stepfather returns to escort her to the proposed suitor is secretly give Tamsen a wooden box and key. In defiance to him, she runs away with Jesse Bird-a frontiersman she does not know. Both Jesse and Tamsen's faith are tested as they cross the mountains to escape and start a new life. But Tamsen's stepfather is in pursuit convincing the suitor, Amborse Kincaid, she has been kidnapped and Jesse is a murderer. This is a frontier love story written by Lori Benton with many twist and turns. At first I thought I knew how it would end but was met with a suspenseful and surprising twist at the end. If your looking for a historical, faith-based romance to read-this a excellent choice.