P.S> It's Gonna be Good by Heidi Lee Anderson

 This book was a totally different type of Christian book and I just LOVE it.  I felt like Heidi and I were out shopping or at the beach or sipping hot chocolate and chatting.  She is so down to earth yet has awesome spiritual wisdom.  She writes in such a way as to invite humor and life in the nitty gritty into the writing.  At the same time she is not afraid to tackle some difficult theological questions.  This book was so refreshing and encouraging and inspiring.  I cannot say enough good things about this book.  Each chapter highlights a Biblical story but she brings her life experiences into the mix and this leads to a rip roaring good time.  As the title indicates:  P.S. It's Gonna be Good

Tired of Trying by Ashley Morgan Jackson

 The title of this book grabbed by attention.  The content kept my attention.  Jackson has a way of describing events, feelings and solutions in a way that makes it all seem authentic.  She doesn't just tell you to put on your brave face and pull up your boot straps and get going.  She details parts of her own painful journey through deep depression.  Then she gives pratical advice.  And some strategies to use to help you get where you want to be emotionally.  She is not fanatical but wisely advises a person to seek professional help from medical doctors as well as therapists.  But she gives more than this.  She shows how God is in the pit with you and that as you wrestle for your own mental health that He is right there beside you.  

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt

 The story is told from each sister's point of view.  Helena who at first seems the more traditioinal sister.  Antonina who braves the backlash of loving a Jew.  When Hitler and his German army threaten everything the sisters have known in their hometown of Poland suddenly things change.  Their father is off to war.  Antonina's heart is compeled to help her boyfirend and all those in the Jewish ghetto.  Secrets and misunderstandings occur and lead to the separation of the sisters, not just physically ut emotionally as well.  As the war picks up speed Helena and Antonina will make very different choices that will affect the rest of their lives.  This is a very personal, very intimate look at life in Warsaw Poland between the years 1939-1945.  It leaves one wondering what choices would be made if one lived through actrocities that were never before imagined.  And what lengths would one go to to save a loved ones life.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to right a positive review.

Her Secret Hope by Shelley Shepherd Gray

 Her Secret Hope is the last book in the trilogy:  A Season in Pinecraft by author Shelley Shepherd Gray.  The group of Amish women is from a more liberal sect and have more freedoms such as paving their own way for career and home.  Lilly Kurtz desperately wants to be recognized and loved for being her own person and not just what others project her to be.  When she gets a job at the local bed and breakfast she thinks her dreams have come true.  However, her path to discovering herself has a few twists and turns a long the way and not what she expeced.  As her friends try to give her advice and her boss doubts her motives she is thrown into an emotional whirlwind of emotions including meeting a handsome stranger.  This book deals with identity crisis, being true to one's self and what makes solid relationships that last.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni

 This book was a delight to read.  Packed with good neighbors, a family mystery, small town coziness and gentle whispers of God's love.  Moonberry Lake is a place I wish I could visit and be welcomed by the residents.  Cora lived her adult life in a post traumatic haze because of her mother's poor choices and unwillingness to forgive.  As Cora struggles to deal with her own need to forgive her mother she finds herself inheriting her grandparents lodge.  Through the restoration process of the lodge she begins to restore her faith in relationships and begins to build a circle of mixmatched and eccentric acquaintances that become dearer to her than anyone she's known before.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Lost and Found by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I read this book in one setting.  An amazing book dealing with honesty, mental health issues, church unity and acceptance of differences.  Ms Fisher is a true master at creating an enticing tale and at the same time addressing serious issues that impact many people not just in the Amish community but for all.  She hits head on the stigma associated with mental illness and how much damage we can cause our loved ones by not reaching out and helping others receive proper treatment.  The book has a much broader theme of being honest with oneself and reaching out for dreams despite fear or opposition.  There's a lot packed into this book about relationships personal and within the fellowship of a church body.  But it is in no way a dry reading.  I couldn't stop turning pages once I started.  A delightful part of the book was each chapter had a short blurb about a specific bird and its symbolism in the Bible or for Christians.  

I received this book from the publsihers but was not requird to write a positive review.

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

 Opening this book is like stepping into a modern fairy tale.  Complete with a shocking DNA discovery, missing prince, rival heir to the throne and one very handsome assistant this story has all the ingredients for a spicy mix of intrigue and romance.  Adelaide never knew anything about her father until a letter appears in her mailbox.  As she weaves her way through building a relationship with the father she just met and side stepping advances by Prince Georg while negotiating terms with her step-mother she learns what it means to await God's timing.  

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Letters From My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse

 What I like about the author Valerie Fraser Luesse is that every single book I have read of hers has surprised me.  I did not "figure out" the ending.  There was enough to keep me involved with the characters and turning the pages to the end of the book.  At the same time there is a realistic tone to" Letters From My Sister" that made me feel as if I could have been friends or neighbors.  Ms Luesse has a talent to create a story line that is incredible yet believable.  This book explores those faded childhood memories that come back to haunt us as adults.  Callie must choose to push down her doubts and fears or face the consequences of discovering what really happened.  Although we may not have as dramatic as a revelationas Callie did the storyline speaks to the reader about choices, family relationships and facing our fears.

I received this book from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review.

The All Amerian by Susie Finkbeiner

 I read this book in one day if that isn't endorsement enough, I don't know what is.  I couldn't stop reading to find out if Flossie would stand up to the bullies and if Bertha ever got to live her dream and what would become of their father accused of being a communist.  Why was Uncle Matthew a recluse?  And did Mother regret leaving her homeland to come to America?  But the story was much more than just  these notions.  In each of the hearts of the Harding family lies deeper and signifcant issues.  The way the individual members found healing as well as how family came together to help each other was truly beautiful to read.  Despite their differences the tender regard and steadfast love of this family makes an impact that stays with you after  you read the last page.  This book is more than just an entertaiing read it actually teaches a lot about human nature, fear versus bravery, bullies versus faithful friends and surviving the hard times with grace and hope.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Her Only Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray

 The story takes place in a fictional town of Pinecraft, Florida where a group of New Order Amish reside.  While Betsy tackles her wish list of achievements she also learns to overcome emotional fears that have kept her bound.  With the support of her friends and new found respect from her parents Betsy tackles subconcious and concioius inhibitions.  As her character develops her self confidence grows.  For the first time Betsy truly enjoys life to the brim.  The friendly people of the town along with the adventures of four best friends make this a fun summer read.  I couldn't put this book down wondering what Betsy would do next.  I've never been disappointed by a book by Shelley Shepard Gray but this might just be my favorite series yet.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

This is Where it Ends by Cindy K. Sproles

 If you think all Christian fiction is the same try author Cindy K. Sproles.  Her latest book:  This is Where it Ends had me deep in the Kentucky mountains.  I really felt connected to the characters.  This book wasn't a neatly wrapped up ending either.  I found it bittersweet yet satisfying.  Minerva Jane will pull at your heart strings and simultaneously frustrate you.  Her story is complex and yet something a lot of women could relate to in some fashion.  I liked how Sproles didn't sugar coat the hard parts but on the other hand this story does not leave the reader in despair.  The mystery of the box and the contents will make for good book club discussions or just individual introspection.  The story begs the question:  How long must a promise be kept?  

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

In the Shadow of the River by Ann H.Gabhart

 Ms Gabhart has done it again.  In my opinion this is her best work yet.  Rich description of life on the river with details of a showboat career are just the setting.  But the real meat of the story is about chosen family.  While Jacci may have a lot of questions about her birth relatives she does not lack for the love of those who call her theirs.  As Jacci discovers a true sense of belonging there are other mysteries and dangers to unravel.  Step into 1881 on the Kingston FLoating Palace and experience Jacci's dilemmas and triumphs.

I received this book by the publishers but was not required to write a postive review.

The Swindler's Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee

 Ms McGee's book is fun to read without being trite or frivilous.  While the characters are delightful and endearing they also deal with some hard faith walk challenges.  Also if you've ever wondered how to know if you were following God's will and why sometimes things seem to get worse after deciding to follow God this book creates a meaningful exploration of those questions.  There's plenty of suspense in this book, which lasts to the end pages as one mystery after another confront Lillian as she tries to navigate honoring her mother and discovering God's path for her own life.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

After the Shadows by Amanda Cabot

 Mrs. Carmichael was lucky in the love the first and second time around when she remarried after her first husband died.  She is the town matchmaker for widows and widowers.  Some of the recipients of her attention are determined to never love again.  When a string of sudden deaths occur in Sweetwater Crossing it leaves everyone on edge and wondering who they can trust.  This book deals with family relationships, the ways we grieve and the hope God gives even in the darkest times.  I couldn't put this book down and read it in two days time.  Amanda Cabot once again caught my attention by her inriguing title and kept it as I read her book.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Second Time Around by Melody Carlson

 Mallory finds herself an empty nester that has inherited her grandmother's old store.  When she goes to check it out she is as surprised as anyone when she decides to resettle in her grandmother's old home town.  When she decides to open her own home decor store her family wonders if its folly or a midlife crisis.  Mallory is offended and hurt by others judgments of her.  But soon discovers that she has some preconceived opinions of others that she needs to remedy.  What I liked about this book is that is made God a natural part of Mallory's life and not an artificial or tacked on part of of the story.  And while Mallory has some things in her past to deal with she isn't a bitter woman but a lady with a good attitude and one that is relatable.  

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

The Maid of BALLYMACOOL by Jennifer Deibel

 Ms Deibel makes Ireland come alive to all the senses.  The story of Brianna and Michael show a way of life in the early 1930s in Ireland but weave a story that goes back with a de ja vu feeling for both of them.  As the mental clouds start to lift and mysteries start to unravel there is the realization that things could change forever.  Once the reader jumps into the pages of this book it will be hard to put down.  I found it fascinating and inspirational.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Daughter of Eden by Jill Eileen Smith

 This book spans the life of Eve from her creation in the perfect Eden until her death in a fallen world.  This give an imaginary glimpse into her life, thoughts and emotions.  Through Eve's "voice" we come to understand what it must have been like to transition from a world without pain to one filled with unknown fears and griefs.  Yet through it all the hand of a merciful, loving and redeeming God is revealed.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

 Michael and Natalie's stories are complex and intricately woven together by music and the shared emotion of grief.  Michael's background is one of a fractured family while Natalie has had a secure foundation based on love, devotion and commitment.  While drawn to each other the glaring differences and hurdles to overcome mistrust and misunderstands seem to sabotage their relationship before it can even begin.  As they both navigate deep grief and tensions in the music arena they see things in each other that weren't evident before.  This story gives the reader an inside view of creating, recording and performing music.  The author pays special attention to what is sacrificed and how choices have far reaching affects.  The characters storylines are not fairytale but show real struggle and provide thought provoking situations the reader can apply to other areas of life even if not in the music industry.  If this book were a music album it might be considered a cross over from Christian to Mainstream.  While God is mentioned the book has a lot of raw material such as fist fights and some language.

I received this book from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review.

Her Heart's Desire by Shelley Shepard Gray

 Her Heart's Desire by Shelley Shepard Gray was a very different type of Amish story.  It highlighted Modern Order Amish which I did not know anything about before.  This helped the story have a fresh view and not the ordinary Amish tale.  It highlighted Mary and her friends who had felt like misfits for various reasons in their Amish communities.  They meet while on vacation and develop close bonds.  Each girl must face things within themselves and also in their relationships with others that may have caused or prolonged some of what hurt them from the past.  Their friendship with each other bolsters their courage to try new things and new ways of thinking.  "Pinecraft" is a very inviting place where healing can begin.

I received this book from the publishers but was not requred to write a positive review.

The Rose and the Thistel by Laura Frantz

 This book was a historical novel set in the early 1700s when Catholics and Protestants political leanings caused dissention and utimately war in Britain.  The story is set in Scotland where Blythe has been sent by her father for protection.  I felt this book didn't give enough information for the reader to understand the tensions and fierce hatred between the two political groups.  It was also confusing about the feelings between English and Scottish citizens.  The dialogue between the main characters seemed trite.  The plot was too predictable.  This was a simple love story, which some may find sweet.  But if you're looking for a historical novel this book lacked substance.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.