The Heart's Appeal by Jenifer Delamere

Julia Bernay is a young nurse who dreams of obtaining her medical degree from the prestigous London School of Medicine for Women.  Unfortunately this same institution is under legal investigation and in danger of closing it's doors forever.  By a strange coincidence Julia is on a train during a horrific accident and saves the life of barrister Michael Stephenson.  Stephenson just happens to be one of the lawyers working on the case against the London School of Medicine for Women.  As the two are thrown together, learn about each other and develop a relationship things get mighty confused.  Not to mention Micahel's sister Corrina's plans to get him engaged to the lovely socialite Laura.  This story shows the class distinctions of the day in the 1880s in London, England and the role women were stuffed into.  Julia is one of the brave few who stepped out of the mold as she dared to dream of greater things for herself and other women.  As Michael delves deeper into his case he can't help but see the remarkable woman Julia is and second guesses himself in his involvement in the suit.  But will he find the courage to stand against his law firm, his family and friends to forge ahead on a new path?

I received this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review.

Courageous Women of the Bible by Latan Roland Murphy

Perhaps it was because I imagined this book being of a very different sort then it ended up to be, but I had hard time getting into it.  A ten page introduction for a 206 page book?  That was my first hurdle.  It then read too much like a textbook or manual to me.  I was looking for fresh insights into courageous women of the Bible.  I was hoping to "hear" their voices in the narrative but it was not written in the first person style.  The "Courage Quest"s at the end of each chapter were good.  The scripture passage is given for each courageous woman and then there are several questions to help the reader glean more from the story in a person way.  This added a redeeming quality to the book.

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

The Way of Abundance by Ann Voskamp

Books can impress or inspire you.  This book will revolutionize your heart and open your mind to possiblities you didn't know existed.  Voskamp is genuine.  That is what makes her books so appealing.  She is down in the mire with you but not wallowing!  She has felt devastating pain but she not only suvived she is willing to share so others can truly live.  Her relationship with God comes out in the pages of this book raw, unfiltered and deeply moving.  This book encouraged me so much in my trials and gave me hope to carry on.  Her words are sensitive and yet strong, bold and pack a punch.  The book is divided into six units all about how the brokenhearted can find a way of abundant life.  How the brokenhearted keep going, live like Christ, receive God's grace, find communion, release control, and get to love.  Each unit is divided into chapters.  Each chapter begins with a scripture and ends with questions for your reflection journal.  This book is designed to be a 60 day experience towards abundant life.  It can be a personal study.  I can imagine it also being a great women's prayer group or book club endeavor.  This book will not disappoint you. 

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

Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett

This book was just such a delightful treat!  What fun to go back in time to the 1920s and become a “visitor” to Yosemite National Park.  Barnett writes with such descriptive detail that it was easy to get lost in the wonder and grandeur of Yosemite’s beauty.  Imagining the trails with stubborn donkeys, campfires with Western singalongs and luxurious lodges with ballroom dancing made for a page turning book.  It was fun to read tidbits about famous people such as Ansel Adams.  The plot thickened through the book as mysteries were uncovered from the heroines past and present.  But what really drew me into the book was the relationship that budded slowly between Olivia and Clark.  Two very different people with wounds that only God could heal.  Their path towards God and eventually each other made a very sweet love story.