Facing the Dawn by Cynthia Ruchti

 This is a very "heavy" book.  It is written in an almost dark tone.  It deals with some very serious issues that evolve around unexpected deaths.  There is a lot of criss cross emotional confusion among characters.  The family struggles with anger, sorrow, bitterness and guilt.  The book's slow progress towards resolution matches the processes involved in the stages of grief.  While at times this book has a feeling of hopelessness it eventually breaks forward into acceptance, strengthen ties and new life.

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

Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith

 

I found this book hard to stay focused with.  It started with 5 year old Miriam’s conversations with her mother being way above her years.  It was frustrating to read dialogue that seemed unrealistic to me between a 5 year old and adult.  I had to push past that frustration to read the rest of the book.  It appears the author was trying to reconcile the seemingly harsh judgements of God on infractions of the law with His deep and intimate relationship with Moses.  However, the scenes depicted made it appear as if God has favorites.  This was disturbing to me.  I can appreciate the author’s motives but this story just didn’t resonate with me.  It was disappointing compared to her other books.

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

A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

 Moira is compelled to take a job in Ireland to honor her mother's dying wish.  Although she loves the idea of teaching in the rural Irish village she finds that fitting in isn't automatic.  In fact the harder she tries to befriend the villagers the more they seem to avoid her and even shun her.  Confused by the attitude she endeavors to prove herself as a capable teacher.  Secrets long hidden from her start to seep out as members of the tight knit community lash out at her.  Just when she thinks she is finally making some real friends a betrayal so deep shakes her confidence that God led her here.  This book blends mystery, the meaning of true friendship and God's healing into a lovely mix that has you longing to comfort Moira and be her friend.  It's more than a fun read.  There is depth to the lessons in this story.

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

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Lucy is anxious to leave the confines of society behind and explore her options.  When her aunt requests her help she is only too eager to assist.  Lucy meets with quite a few surprises from riding mules, to encountering a lifestyle she really hadn't imagined.  As she gets to know the people that her Aunt Cora loves her mind is opened up to new possibilities.  Putting her judgments aside she begins to see the worth and precious value of the Kentucky hills people.  As she listens to the life stories of others she delves into her own past.  Through her acceptance of others she sees that she has not accepted herself.  This is a story of spiritual healing with plenty of good twists and turns that will keep you guessing.

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

All That We Carried by Erin Bartels

 Unique.  Intriguing.  This book has emotional depths.  After finishing the book I just sat in silence for awhile absorbing what I read.  Almost the entire book takes place during a backpacking trip between two estranged sisters.  There are intense flash backs that give clues to what is really going on between these two sisters.  This story takes a very unusual approach and path to understanding God's place in grief and unexpected twists in a person's life.  This is not light reading but it is well worth the time to contemplate the weightier matters of life while enjoying the dialogue and journey (both literally and emotionally) of the characters.  

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

Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler

 This unusual and delightful Amish book took me into a new area of Amish life.  Young Jonas joined the army because of his convictions about slavery being wrong.  Yet the Amish make no exceptions for military service.  When he returns home three years later his love Katie has been faithfully waiting for him.  But now he has to convince the Bishop and the bretheren that he is worthy to take vows for the church and as Katie's husband.  Meanwhile he brings home a non-Amish friend Aaron who has suffered severe injuries inccured in battle.  Katie's best friend Elizabeth finds this unsettling as she is drawn to him despite her resolve to ignore him.  As Aaron heals physically he begins to understand how truly deep his emotional and spiritual wounds are.  As these four young people search for what it means to follow God a beautiful story is told of friendship, courage, faithfulness and devotion.

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

The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant

 This book has all the wondrous things we all enjoy about a good, clean love story.  But added into the mix is a healthy dose of reality that for me makes the love story all the sweeter and more tender.  The heorine of this book has dream like fantasy of the perfect love story for her life.  The problem is that no man can meet up to those fairytale like expectations.  When Bri finds out that her "perfect" parents maybe didn't have the "perfect" marriage after all it sets her into a tailspin.  But not one to flounder, Bri begins to piece together a puzzle that just might help put her heart back together the way it should be.  Ready for authentic relationship and committed love.  

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