Little One God Made You by Amy Warren Hilliker

In simple prose the important concept of the priceless worth of a child is told.  Author Amy Warrne Hilliker sets each page with words to comfort, soothe and affirm a young child in their unique place in God’s heart and this world.  The theme of no one is like you is told over and over through words of love.  The young child will enjoy words such as:  wiggly, squiggly toes and silly laugh in the bubble bath.  This Book is perfectly illustrated by Polona Lovsin to show loving interactions between an animal parent and animal child.  Scenes of tossing a baby squirrel, bear hugs, duckling tickles, fawn nose touches, smiles, grins and other expressions of joy and love are created through Lovsin’s adorable illustrations.

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

The Quieting – Book 2 of THE BISHOP’s FAMILY series by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The plot thickens as David Stoltzfus seeks counsel on what to do about his wayward Bishop.  His niece Abigail uncovers family secrets that generations have determined to hide and forget.  There are budding romances afoot, but will they ever bloom into fulfilling relationships?  And what to do about meddlesome Mammi who means well but can’t leave well enough alone?  These are just some of the situations the reader will encounter in the pages of this fun yet very meaningful book.  I appreciate how Suzanne Woods Fisher knows how to have some light hearted dialogue along with deep, insightful conversations between her characters.  This book especially deals with redemption discipline which I found inspirational.

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

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

There is plenty of intrigue in these pages with drug rings, addiction, shell shock, emotional scars, physical disabilities, friendships and romances on the brink.  All this and more you'll find in this book by Sarah Sundin.  The best thing about this book is that the characters struggle through their problems and wrestle with their choices.  In the process the author brings out their doubts, anger and longing for a God who truly cares about the details of their life.  Amazing things happen when each character surrenders their own strength to God's strength.  As the characters grapple with self-doubt, guilt and trust issues they evolve into more peaceful, loving and sincere human beings.  What each thought was impossible becomes possible through the grace and power of a loving Heavenly Father. 

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

Together at the Table Book 3 Two Blue Doors Series by Hillary Manton Lodge

I don't know how she did it but Hillary Manton Lodge created an even more amazing conclusion book to her series than the opener.  And I LOVED the opening book in this series!  Juliette is a complicated, modern woman with old fashion values.  She is someone you'd love to have as a friend to confide in and have fun with.  While her family has it flaws and foibles it would be a blessing to be part of that extended family.  Lodge wove together a story with enough suspense to keep your interest and at the same time believable characters the reader can relate to.  Lots of secrets in this tale combined with faith, loyalty and the discovery of what makes a love endure.  Fabulous recipes are sprinkled through the chapters.  This is a book that you can enjoy on so many levels and will want to share with your friends.

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

Baby Wren and the Great Gift by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Sally Lloyd - Jones is such a talented person for getting profound thoughts across to very young children.  She has a true gift!  This precious tale of baby wren will captivate your young child's attention from the start.  It is perfectly matched with Jen Corace's beautiful and comforting scenes on each page.  There is a phrase repeated throughout the text that children will enjoy repeating with you. There are many interesting and unusual creatures that baby wren encounters.  The theme of wondering what your special gift is carries throughout the story while demonstrating each creature has a different gift that is just as precious as the previous creature in the book.  The end of this tale is so magnificent because without trying the baby wren when experiencing the great wonders of God's glorious creation can't help but burst into song.  This song is individual to baby wren, it is the wren's gift to the rest of the word and it is completely perfect.

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

Behold the Man by Bodie and Brock Thoene

You really will feel as if you are beholding Jesus when you read this book and it's predecessors Take this Cup and When Jesus Wept.  The Jerusalem Chronicles and the Thoene's previous series A.D. Chronicles give a intimate glimpse at the lives Jesus touched while here on earth.  As you read the words and thoughts of those who lived when Jesus lived you will be drawn into the awe, the splendor and the majesty of Christ's love for you.  If there is one thing I would say about this book it is that it made me want more of Jesus.  I was sad this was the last book and wished there was another.  The narrative is given in such detailed imagery that you feel as if you are there with the crowd hearing Jesus speak the Beatitudes or beside the father bringing his crippled child to Jesus or in the tumultuous, clamoring crowd outside of Pilate's palace.  In this book you will find history, religious practices, political intrigue, military strategies and hearts plagued by doubt, fears, hatred, revenge, disappointment.  And Jesus stands out amongst it all as the purest, gentlest yet fiercest example of love.

The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

What’s not to like about this book?  Mysteries to uncover, broken hearts that need healing, intriguing dialogue, complex characters with real life sorrows, hang-ups and issues, and a  dream-like setting on Prince Edward Island!  From the first page this author had me hooked and to say that when I got the end that I cannot wait of the next book in the series is an understatement if there ever was one.  Johnson writes with heart and soul.  She draws you into the story like you are living there on the island amongst the characters.  You want to be friends with them.  You’d love to sample some of Caden’s scones or sit in Seth’s favorite spot looking out at the sea or chat with Liz or be comforted by Aretha.  Liz Johnson knows how to tell a fascinating story and weave God’s goodness and mercy into it naturally.  Her characters struggle but God leads them bit by bit into His perfect plan for their lives.  This is a book well worth reading.  You will not be disappointed!

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