Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller

 Until Our Time Comes is based on true events occuring during World War II in Poland.  The heroine is an American fulfilling her life long dream to work with Poland's Arabian horses.  She meets Bret Conway a news reporter.  They will have to learn to trust each other in a time where nothing is as it seems.  This becomes more crucial as year after year progresses with more restrictions and danger.  This is an action packed story with a strong faith in God threading throughout each chapter.  It taught me about a specific aspecr of the Poland's history that I didn't know anything about.  And the courage to love and sacrifices that the main characters displayed was an inspiration.  At the conclusion of the book it was hard to believe this was the author's frst published book.  It was that good!

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

Unforgiven by Shelley Shephard Gray

 I found this book a good comparison between forgiving and keeping boundaries.  Shelley Shephard Gray is an author who knows how to paint emotions and also leave a lasting impression.  The contrast between Seth and Leon was well portrayed.  It was interesting to read about how Tabitha's Amish community treated her situation versus Bethanne's.  The characters were intriguing and I wish the book could have gone on longer to explore the ideas of forgiveness versus boundaries a bit more.  This was a more serious read but had enough light hearted moments with tender first loves so that it was a book filled with hope not darkness.

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

Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson

 Jacqueline Potter and Ginny Masters have their own set of unique issues at the management positions.  When the chance comes to switch places for the summer both are eager to take the plunge.  In the process they discover much deeper issues than discontent.  As each looks carefully at their lfe choices, their ways of developing and maintaing relationships and how they view themselves they make some startling discoveries.  This book is packed with fun antcedotes but equally mixed with wise musing on the parts of the main characters.  Melody Carlson is a master at keeping the reader engaged while imparting jewels of wisdom.

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

Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley

Fatal Witness is not my usual genre, however I could't help but be pulled into the story.  Fatal Witness is a perfect recipe for a romance/suspense novel.  Mae has been searching for her missing grandchild for many years and hired a K-9 specialist to aid her in the search.  Meanwhile Dani knows her parents were murdered when she was a very young girl.  Some believe she witnessed their murders but Dani has blocked all memories of that day from her mind.  One of the most intriguing parts of the story is when Dani begins to sketch some of her nightmares.  With the help of a loyal canine companion Lizi and clues that start to surface as danger lurks nearby Mae and Dani begin to bond together in their pain and deep desire to know the truth of what happened on that fateful day.

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

The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

 This book certaintly holds culinary delights in descriptive recipes and the process of the creation of these intriguing and delicious treats.  But it is through the making and sharing of her great-grandmother's recipes that Nikki discovers wisdom to help those she loves and even herself.  Faced with a complex combination of love, hurt and fear she flees to her uncle's farm.  There she meets a variety of interesting characters that both bewilder and comfort her in their own quirky ways.  When she discovers her great-grandmother's recipe book she finds wisdom within the pages to help her navigate this painful time in her life.  Her great-grandmother's hand written notes with each recipe offer just he words of advice she needs.  She begins to understand that forgiveness isn't given because someone deserves it but because of what God has done for each one of us when we didn't deserve it.

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

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.