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.