Review of Pauline Hawkins--Ashes Ashes the Twins Fall Down

PICTURE AND SYNOPSIS FROM AMAZON.COM

Synopsis:

9/11: The Day That Defined a Generation Where were you on 9/11? That question has become part of the fabric of our lives as Americans. On that bright, sunny day, none of us had any idea what was in store and how it would change our lives. Depending on what part of the country you lived in, you may not have known anything was going on until several hours after the first plane struck. You may not have heard the news until you got to work, turned on your car radio, or received a call from a loved one asking if you had seen or heard the news. Ashes Ashes the Twins Fall Down is a look at the events of 9/11 from personal and informational perspectives. Author, Pauline Hawkins, who lived in Texas at the time of the attacks, shares her experience of 9/11, and its repercussions for her family, her job, and how she viewed the world. Pauline's story of coping with the news, reframing how she thought about America and the world, and making a conscious decision to become better-informed will resonate with anyone who lived through 9/11. In addition to her personal testimony, Pauline provides a thought-provoking context for the events of 9/11, including political background, social commentary, and reflections on the contributions of everyday heroes. You'll come away from this book both enlightened and comforted by Pauline's honesty and common sense, as well as her heartfelt appreciation of those who sacrificed for our country, and those who continue to work toward healing and rebuilding.

 

My Review:

 

I don't usually read nonfiction, it doesn't hold my attention enough, but I was asked by Pauline to do this review and she sent me a copy of the book, so I thougt, what the heck, I'll give it a try.

 

This book was really informative.  Pauline told how the events of 9/11 affected her, not being directly involved.  And I think she pinpointed how a lot of people feel.  It affected everyone in this country.  She did her research really well, and the book was well written.  Great job Pauline, I'm glad I read and reviewed your book.

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Review--A Christmas Romance At A Dickens on Main.

Synopsis--from Amazon.com

Christmas Romance at Dickens on Main
Three wonderful Christmas Novellas


Where’s The Dickens? By Teresa Lilly
When Rachel attends the Annual Dickens on Main event in Boerne, Texas, she is surprised and pleased to end up sharing the weekend with Charlie, a handsome Houston newspaper reporter, who wants to write about the event as seen through Rachel’s eyes. As their relationship grows, Rachel wonders if Charlie is the man God has prepared for her future, until she discovers that he may be a thief. Can Rachel unravel the truth before the weekend is over and Charlie goes home not only with the stolen Dickens collectible, but her heart as well?


Unexpected Love by Paula Mowery
A missing millionaire's son sets the detective team of Kirsten and Chad into action. Every clue turns up nothing until Kirsten takes a much-needed get-away only to discover a lead in the case. As Chad joins Kirsten in Boerne, Texas to investigate, he finds his interests turned towards Kirsten rather than on the case. As Kirsten and Chad search for clues, they enjoy the Dickens on Main event together more than they had planned, but the question is: will they find the missing millionaire’s son and will they discover something most unexpected in the process?


A Time for Christmas by Stephanie Guerrero
Love is the last thing on FBI Agent “Wolf” Davis’ mind. On leave for Christmas, he wants nothing more exciting than to sink his teeth into some good German pastry and enjoy the Dickens on Main event in his hometown of Boerne, Texas. When his partner, Angelika Muller, shows up with the terrifying news that terrorist sleeper cells are targeting small town celebrations nationwide; and Boerne, Texas is at the top of their list, they must pose as a couple for the weekend. Can four days possibly be enough to unmask a mole, stop a terrorist, protect the President-elect, and forge a love that goes deeper than partnership? Only time will tell, and for Gabe and Angelika: the clock is ticking.

 

My Review:

 

I was asked by Stephanie Guerrero to read and review this book and she provided me with my copy. 

 

I love Christmas stories.  They always leave a warm fuzzy feeling with me.  This anthology was no exception.  I really enjoyed each story.

 

The first story, Where's the Dickens, was a sweet and charming love story.  It told the most about the Dickens on Main fesitival.  Teresa did a good job with the descriptions of the places and events.  This is a festival that I would one day like to visit.

 

The second story, A Time for Love, had a lot of action.  It was about two FBI agents who have been partners for a while, but decide to explore their relationship a little more while they are on assignment at the Festival.  I also enjoyed this story.

 

The third story, Unexpected Love, is about a Detective and his assistant who have been friends for a long time.  They decide to explore their relationship more at the festival also.  They have a little bit of a bumpy road to travel before they get their happy ending though. 

 

All in all this anthology was good and I would recommend it.

 

Where to get this book!

 

Review: Everyday Matters Bible-for Women

All pictures and synopsis copied from CWA website.

Synopsis:

Today’s Christian Woman is so busy handling the challenges of day-to-day life that spending time in the Word can easily become yet another ‘should’ buried in that growing list of daily ‘musts.’ Created in partnership with Kyria.com,Christianity Today’s women’s magazine, the Everyday Matters Bible for Women is designed to help women develop spiritual practices that will make their lives richer, not harder. It offers practical encouragement and tools to renew, reinvigorate and restore meaning to everyday life.
This Bible features twenty-four disciplines—or practices—that position us to receive power and strength to do those things that we cannot possibly do on our own and make everyday life fuller and deeper. Each discipline is represented by a colorful icon whose illustration is a reminder of its meaning.
The contemporary language of the New Living Translation combines with content from today’s foremost Christian leaders to help readers understand and apply spiritual discipline..

    Here are the spiritual disipline icons.

My Review:

That is right, we women really are busy.  We try to do it all, but a lot of times all we accomplish is wearing ourselves out.  Most of the time, the thing we sacrifice, by being to busy, is our time with GOD.  The Everyday Matters Bible for Women is here to help remedy that. 
The 24 Spiritual Disiplines in this Bible are:  Acceptance, Bible Study and Meditation, Celebration, Community, Confession, Contemplaton, Faith, Fasting, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Hospitality, Justice, Mentoring, Outreach, Prayer, Reconcilliation, Sabbath and Rest, Service, Silence, Simplicity, Solitude, Stewardship, Submission, Worship, and each has it's own distinctive icon that you can find throughout the Bible. 
The devotionals in this Bible are broken down into four types:  Everyday Matters, which are two page devotionals, Everyday profiles, which are profiles of women in the Bible, Everyday Reflections, these show you how to apply God's word to your life, and finally, Everyday Q & A's, which are important answers to your questions of faith. 
I haven't gotten to really delve into this Bible a lot, yet.  But so far the features that I have read are very helpful and rewarding to my walk with GOD.  The contributors to this Bible, write insightful devotions that will help you overcome obstacles in your walk with GOD.  Of course, they are conveniently marked with a spiritual disipline icon.
I don't think this will end up being my everyday, go to Bible, because I have one Bible that I prefer over all the many that I have.  But I will definitly refer to it and study the spiritual disiplines.

Review of Lynelle Clark's--A Pirate's Wife

Book Cover and synopsis from Amazon.com

Rosa Lee Almaida grew up in a sheltered life after she and her mother experienced a horrific ordeal in the middle of Africa. Meeting her father was the only good thing that came out of it. The man honored by all sailors on sea for his bravery and unconditional love. He was her hero the example of how her husband must be one day. Now twenty years later she is forced to return to the seas that took the life of many.
Abducted from her parents’ castle in Portugal, Rosa Lee Almaida was part of a ransom to The Falcon, a brutal Pirate King on the Island of Madagascar in exchange for her younger brother Pedro’s life.
She came face to face with The Falcon’s son Roberto de Ville, a man equally brutal but with a hidden agenda.
Reliving her past on the voyage she found that she admired the Pirate for his leader ship and skill, and when he saved her life she new this was the man for her but can she look past his pirate exterior to see the man for who he is? Through the inscriptions her parents left in their diaries she could make a choice to safe her life.
Marrying him she had to trust him unconditionally, hoping that her life would be spared. Giving her self over to the love and intimacy she craved.
Twice she had to take a live in order to safe those she cared for.
Roberto had to bring Rosa Lee from Portugal and bring her to the Falcon on the Isle of St Mary. From the stories told by her brother his mind was made up from the start that she would be his. While listening to her and saw her bravery through a daring escape he knew that this was the woman he waited for all his life. He was willing to set the life of Piracy away to become a farmer but first he had to set a plan in motion to change his life forever. He could trust only Pierre his second in command to bring it to fruitation.
Would he be able to change and safe them both?
The out come startled her at the end. The biggest lesson learned.
NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER.

 

My Review:

 

I was asked by Lynelle to read this book and do a review.  This is not what I usually read, but it was very good.  It was a fast read and it had a lot of action.  I'm glad the love scene's weren't any more explicit that they were (I don't really like that kind of thing).  I'll have to say I was pleasantly surprised.  I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more.  It was well written with likable characters.  And it is true what the synopsis says:  Don't judge a book by it's cover.  Rosa Lee thought that Roberto was a Pirate, and in the end she finds out something totally different, but I won't give anymore of a spoiler.  I suggest you read this book, I think you'll like it.

Review of Carrie Daw's Crossing Values and GIVEAWAY!

Picture and synopsis from Carrie's page on Christian Women Affiliate Review Crew

Synopsis:

Christian romantic fiction that focuses on emotional and family healing.
For years, Amber traipsed around the northwest avoiding the skeletons in her closet. Job-hopping every few weeks, she refused to let anyone get close to her.
As winter plants itself firmly across the Rockies, she takes a chance on a job at a logging company with a family different from any she’s ever known.
Watching the family interact creates more questions than answers for Amber. Feeling like she’s entered the happily-ever-after written at the end of fairytales, she watches for cracks in the façade.
Surely as the days pass, the play-acting will cease and the real family will emerge.
Or could she be wrong? Could they truly be genuine?
Could Faye understand the trauma from her past or Peter think of her as more than just the winter office help? Could this family really hold the key to what she’s seeking?

my review:

 

Wow this book was wonderful. If you are looking for a quick, inspiring read this is it.  Good Christian Valeus at their best.   It shows you how GOD directs  your paths no matter what your situation.  Amber was a lost soul, and a truly hurting person, but GOD ordered her steps and her life ended up a true fairy tale.  She ended up meeting the Yager family.  They are a very unique family and even though they had experienced a tragedy, they still had a strong faith in GOD.    This shows that even though you are a Christian, GOD didn’t promise that you won’t have heartaches and troubles. It is how you respond to those heartaches that matter.   I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.  I hope it is as inspiring as this has been.  This book will stay with me for a long time to come.

Carrie Daws did an excellent job with this book.  I would highly recommend this book.  I give it Five Stars.    I did this review for CWA and got my book from Carrie herself.

Author info from CWA Review Crew, Carrie's page.


About Carrie
Over the years, God rewrote Carrie’s dreams to include being a stay-at-home mom and a writer. Originally writing weekly devotions as a way to share what she learned with women from various military bases, Carrie decided to enroll in the Christian Writer’s Guild. While there, seeds were planted and cultivated.
After almost ten years in the military, Carrie’s husband medically retired and they now live in central North Carolina with their three children. Besides writing fiction novels, she stays busy with homeschooling, working part time, and volunteering within two military ministries.
More than anything, Carrie strives to write clean fiction, happily-ever-after stories that gently advocate Biblical values and truths. She says, “I didn’t want to be embarrassed for my young daughter to pick up any of my books. I also didn’t want to be mortified if her life began to echo the activities of the lead character within my story. I believe the end result is books that not only provide some spiritual insight, but ones that reinforce accountability among unmarried men and women, healing from past hurts and families uniting in difficult circumstances.”

GIVEAWAY:

 

 

 

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Lectus: Do you know someone who's been wrongly convicted?

This is a great post, I'm glad that it was brought to everyone's attention.

Lectus: Do you know someone who's been wrongly convicted?: Not everyday we read newspaper stories about people wrongly convicted to life sentences or death row, but once in a while we read them. Do...

Giveaway

Starting Saturday, when I post my review, I'll be starting a Rafflecopter giveaway of Carrie Daws Book--Crossing Values.  I'll keep you updated.








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Review of Kathleen Fuller's Faithful to Laura

 

 

Book cover from Booksneeze.  Synopsis from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Laura’s Amish faith requires her to forgive, but she can only think of revenge.
Laura Stutzman leaves her Kentucky community for Middlefield, Ohio, with one purpose: to find Mark King, the man who pledged his love to her, then left. She can’t move on with her life until he explains why.
Sawyer Thompson wasn't born Amish, but has lived in their community for years. Now he must commit to the Amish church or return to the Yankee world. Having suffered loss at a young age, he understands Laura’s anger, but is determined to follow God’s will and forgive. As their friendship grows, Laura begins to let her guard down.
But new information surfaces about Sawyer’s past and threatens the couple’s budding relationship. Both Laura and Sawyer will need to release the anger in their hearts and forgive the people who’ve harmed them. As Laura struggles to trust God, can Sawyer remain faithful to Laura?

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My Review:

I liked this book.  It wasn't the best that I had ever read, but the characters were all likable.  I got to know them in the first book in the series Treasuring Emma.  Things finally work out for everyone in this book.  Everyone ties up their loose ends from the first book.  I hope that Kathleen writes another story in this series, I want to know what happens with Laura and Sawyer and would like to know more a Katherine.  She seems to be a likable character.

I like how everyone forgave everyone in this story.  If everyone were more like the Amish in doing this, the world would be a better place.  Also when faced with the possiblity of having lots of money and power at his disposal, Sawyer makes a lifechanging decision and I think he made the right one.  He finds out that his real grandmother is alive and when she finds out about his she wants him back.  He does give her a chance.

I give this book five stars and recommend it.  Kathleen Fuller is an excellent author.

I got my copy from BookSneeze.

Review of Donna VanLiere's The Good Dream

 

 

Picutre and synopsis from Amazon.com

 

 

 

 



From The New York Times bestselling author comes a poignant, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting novel about an unlikely path to motherhood, and of two lost souls healing each other

1950 Tennessee, a time and place that straddles the past and present. Ivorie Walker is considered an old maid by the town (though she’s only in her early thirties) and she takes that label with good humor and a grain of salt. Ever since her parents passed away, she has hidden her loneliness behind a fierce independence and a claim of not needing anyone. But her mother’s death hit her harder than anyone suspects and Ivorie wonders if she will be alone forever.

When she realizes that someone has been stealing vegetables from her garden—a feral, dirty-faced boy who disappears into the hills—something about him haunts Ivorie. She can’t imagine what would make him desperate enough to steal and eat from her garden. But what she truly can’t imagine is what the boy faces, each day and night, in the filthy lean-to hut miles up in the hills. Who is he? How did he come to live in the hills? Where did he come from? And, more importantly, can she save him? As Ivorie steps out of her comfort zone to uncover the answers, she unleashes a firestorm in the town—a community that would rather let secrets stay secret. The Good Dream is Donna VanLiere is at her absolute best.

 

My Review:

 

Wow, that is about all I can say.  This book was excellent.  Donna VanLiere at her best.  This book will break your heart and make you smile at the same time.  Ivorie is a woman to be admired.  She does what most people would not do.  And she doesn't think twice about it.  The relationship she forges with Peter is so sweet.  I know this book will stay with me for a long time to come.  Thank you Donna VanLiere, the world needs more books like this.

 

 

Author Info

Donna VanLiere is a USA Today and New York Times Best-selling author.  She is the author of the other amazing stories Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing, which have been made into movies.  Donna lives in Franklin, TN with her husband and three children.

 

 

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Book Blogger Hop 9/14-9/20

Book Blogger Hop for the Week of 9/14-9/20

 

Q.  What is my most favorite recent Review


Welocome to the Book Blogger Hop!
Connecting book bloggers and readers every week.

 

 

 

 

A.  I would have to say my most favorite recent review is the one I did on A Season of Tending by Amy Clipston.  I really enjoyed the book and it is my most extesive review to date.  Here is a link to that review:  Review of Cindy Woodsmall A Season of Tending

 

 

Read the History and Rules of the Hop. This link also includes information on how to submit a question for the Hop and how to be a potential Host of the Hop!
Want to plan your posts in advance? Click this link to check out the future Hop questions!

*****

What to Do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

Highlight one of your favorite reviews from the past month!

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name, Genre you review, and direct link to your post answering this week’s question; failure to do so will result in removal of your link).
3. Visit other blogs in the list, spending quality time getting to know the people you are visiting. Don’t just visit the post with the question, but click around and read some of the blogger’s other content, too! This Hop isn’t about the number of people you can visit, but the quality of each visit. Readers – find a new blog to read by clicking through the links in the list!  Click the box to find the list.

Feature and Follow #114

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What hyped up book do think was not worth all the talk?

 

 

I would probably have to say Fifty Shades of Gray, even though I never plan on reading it.  Lara Spencer on Goodmorning America talks about this book all the time.  I don't think this is a good thing to promote.

 

 





RULES

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

• (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
• (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
• Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
• Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
• If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
• Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
• If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
• If you’re new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Happy Follow Friday!

This is a Blog Hop!

Review of Kathleen Fullers's Treasuring Emma

 

 

Picture and synopsis from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Emma always put the needs of others ahead of her own. When will it be her turn to be treasured?
Adam was her first love and best friend. But then he went away. Determined to experience the freedom of living in the Englisch world, he left Emma heart-broken. How could he have chosen the world over her?
Now Adam is back in Middlefield and Emma can't seem to keep him away from her family's farm. But this time she's determiend to guard her heart. It might be love that keeps him there . . . or perhaps just guilt.
When a newcomer arrives in town and shows an interest in Emma, she dismisses Adam's insistence that she be cautious. All this attention is new to her and she doesn't know quite how to accept it. Emma knows her Heavenly Father treasures her. But will her new beau?

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My Review:

I thought this book was really good.  I like how Kathleen protrayed the characters, showing how they struggle, just like normal people.  You wouldn't think that what happened in this book, could happen in an Amish community, but I'm sure it does.  I'm not going to give any spoilers, you need to read it to find out what happens, but I say good job Kathleen.  This was an excellent book.  Now I'm reading Faithful to Laura.
I got this book from my local Library.

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Feature and Follow

 

 

 

 

 

 

Question of the week is:  What book are you reading right now and what do you think of it?

 

 

I'm currently reading The Good Dream by Donna VanLiere and Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller.  I like both pretty well.  I'm partial to Amish Fiction, so I read a lot of that.

 

 

 

RULES

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

• (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
• (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
• Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
• Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
• If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
• Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
• If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
• If you’re new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Christian Bookshelf Reviews: Interview & Giveaway! Julie Lessman - Author of A ...

Christian Bookshelf Reviews: Interview & Giveaway! Julie Lessman - Author of A ...: Hi everyone! Today we have with us Julie Lessman, the author of many books including A Passion Most Pure  (which I finally read a littl...

Tamara Alexander's new book

Picture from Amazon.com

Check out vignettes of Tamara's new book--To Whisper Her Name.  It is the second book in the Belle Meade Plantation Series and if it is anything like the first It will be great.  Click to link below to check out the vignettes.  


http://www.tameraalexander.com/bellemeadeplantationnovels.html


You can preorder this book on Amazon for a discounted price of $4.99.  Check it out.

http://www.amazon.com/Whisper-Belle-Meade-Plantation-Novel/dp/0310291062/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347364238&sr=8-1&keywords=tamara+alexander

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop:  The book series I never want to end is...

 

 

 

 

 

The series I never want to see end is the Bed and Breakfast cozy mystery series by Mary Daheim.  I love Judith and Renie and hope they keep solving crimes for a long time to come.  I was also disappointed to see the Kauffman Amish Baker Series by Amy Clipston come to an end.

Review of Cindy Woodsmall's A Season of Tending

 Picture and Synopsis from Amazon.com

Synopsis:

In a community where conformity flourishes, seeds of Rhoda’s odd behavior were planted long ago. Can she cultivate her relationships with the same care and tenderness that she gives her beloved garden?
Old Order Amish Rhoda Byler’s unusual gift and her remarkable abilities to grow herbs and berries have caused many to think her odd. As rumors mount that Rhoda’s “gift” is a detriment to the community, she chooses isolation, spending her time in her fruit garden and on her thriving canning business.

Miles away in Harvest Mills, Samuel King struggles to keep his family’s apple orchard profitable. As the eldest son, Samuel farms with his brothers, the irrepressible Jacob and brash Eli, while his longtime girlfriend Catherine remains hopeful that Samuel will marry her when he feels financially stable.

Meanwhile, Samuel’s younger sister Leah is testing all the boundaries during her rumschpringe, and finds herself far from home in Rhoda’s garden after a night of partying gone badly. But Leah’s poor choices serve as a bridge between Rhoda and the King family when a tragic mistake in the orchard leaves Samuel searching for solutions.
Rhoda’s expertise in canning could be the answer, but she struggles with guilt over the tragic death of her sister and doesn’t trust herself outside her garden walls. As the lines between business, love, and family begin to blur, can Rhoda finally open up to a new life? And what effect will this odd, amazing woman have on the entire King family?

My Review:

I got an Advanced Reader Copy from Blogging for Books.
I absolutely loved this book.  It  is the best book I've read by Cindy Woodsmall.  It kept my attention from the start.  It didn't start out slow, like some books, but was enthralling throughout. 

Rhoda was a very likable character.  Cindy made you really feel Rhoda's stuggles.  She was accused of things that weren't true and suffered for those accusations.  She got through those stuggles courageously and with integrity. 

When I first meet Leah from the King family, I didn't like her, but her character got stronger as the story went on and she redeemed herself.  The rest of the King family was also very likable.  Samuel trys to do what is best for the family orchard.  His brother Jacob has secrets of his own that he has yet to really rsolve as the story comes to a close.  Eli was a minor character, but hopefully we'll hear more about him in coming books.  Samuel's girlfriend, Catherine, is a character I didn't care for, but with Cindy's writing style, I still had empathy for her.

These characters face many obstacles and challenges as they try to do what is best to make a good living for themselves.  Rhoda sometimes feels that the troubles are fault, but as you come to find out, as is with everything in life and in books, GOD has a perfect plan for everything.

The dialogue and comentary in this book are great.  The plot is realistic.  I cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out.  Cindy Woodsmalll I think you did a very excellent job with this story.  Thank you very much.  These characters will stay with me for a long time to come.

For more info on this book:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=208962


Also visit the Author's website:

http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/


Author Bio:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=72213


Read an excerpt:

A Season for Tending by Cindy Woodsmall (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

Welcome to Follow for Follow Friday!

The question for this week is:  What book are you currently reading and what do you think of it?

I'm currently reading a Season of Tending by Cindy Woodsmall and so far I really like it.  It has kept my attention pretty well.

RULES

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

• (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
• (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
• Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
• Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
• If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
• Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
• If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
• If you’re new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

I just joined Follow for Follow Friday via Allison Can Read.  Hope to met a lot of new people with the same interests as me.



Rules:



To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
2. (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.
5. If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
6. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"
7. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
8. If you're new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Christian Bookshelf Reviews: Interview & Giveaway! Laura Frantz ~ Author of Lov...

Christian Bookshelf Reviews: Interview & Giveaway! Laura Frantz ~ Author of Lov...: Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Laura!! Will you tell us a little about yourself? I'm just a plain old Kentucky girl with a p...

Write Now: A Visit with Author Cathy Gohlke

Write Now: A Visit with Author Cathy Gohlke: Happy Labor Day!             I'm thrilled to have Christy Award winning author Cathy Gohlke along this week. Band of Sisters , Cathy...

What is the one book or series you are dying to see turned into a movie or series?


I think I would like to see any Amish series turned into a series.  Maybe the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series by Amy Clipston.  There are all kinds of different show on TV now, I think a drama about the Amish would be refreshing.


Click to Book Blogger Hop above to visit http://crazy-for-books.com., to visit the other Blogs in the hop and to play along.  Happy hopping.

Review of Rosalind Lauer's--A Simple Spring

From Amazon:

A CHANCE TO FOLLOW HER HEART,
A CHOICE THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME

Although Sadie King is blessed with the voice of an angel, she never thought that following the song in her heart would take her far beyond the strict boundaries of her Amish faith and away from the only home she’s ever known. But during her rumspringa, one road leads to another, and suddenly she’s secretly performing with a band. Now she faces an impossible choice between the music in her heart and the traditions branded upon her soul.

Mike Trueherz is a dedicated young paramedic who finds a kindred spirit in Sadie. Torn between family duty and his desire to pursue a life beyond his father’s rural medical practice, he is inspired by Sadie’s honesty and courage.

While spring unfurls rich colors and bounty through the countryside of Lancaster County, Sadie and Mike must reconcile their families’ expectations with their own callings. Ultimately, their faith in each other and the God that has brought them together will give them the strength and the peace to take a chance—and to make the biggest decision of their lives.

A coming-of-age story reflecting the deepest messages of love, A Simple Spring is music for the heart.


From the Trade Paperback edition


My Review:

I really enjoyed reading this book.  I'm a lover of Amish Fiction, so I read a lot of it.  I admire  how the Amish live, but I don't agree that they don't let the people express their gifts.  GOD gave everyone a gift to use to Glorify him.  Rosalind Lauer tells a  touching story of one Amish girl wanting to embrace the gift that GOD gave her, but coming up against opposition from the Bishop and Preachers.  I felt Sadie's pain.  She didn't want to leave or disappoint her family, but she wanted to follow GOD's calling for her life.  This book is filled with charming characters who stay with you after you put the book down.  Good job, Rosalind, this is a great read that I highly recommend.  It even speaks to someone who isn't Amish to pursue the gifts that GOD gave them.  I give this read five stars.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/landing/B005F7A3X2/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=melsbooblo-20">Melina's Review</a><img src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=melsbooblo-20&l=ur2&o=1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />

Labor Day Blog Hop

Romance at Randon and the sites listed on Romance at Random website(see link below)  are hosting a blog hop and giveaway.  You could win FREE Books.  The hop is from 9/1-9/5.

Click the image at the top to enter the contest.  Or the link below to enter.


http://www.romanceatrandom.com/labor-day-blog-hop-begins-91-free-books/