Tuesday, July 26, 2016
HOME TO CHAPEL SPRINGS by ANNE MULLIGAN
Buy the book ! Buy the book! Oh sorry I was busy shouting to the world to buy this amazing unforgettable book that is so gracefully written I want everyone to read it. The town is so picturesque and quaint that I want to live there. How fun it would be to sit in the local hangout and talk about the town while being surrounded by friends.
Carin is a well known author and her husband , Wick, is a famous race car driver. They have a son and it seems like the perfect life. That all changes when Wick does something that causes Carin to leave with her son and move into the house her nana left her . She packs up and heads to Chapel Springs. Will Carin ever be able to forgive her husband? What adventure awaits her in Chapel Springs? I'm excited to go back to the town and revisit some of the characters from the other books in this great series. They are funny, mysterious at times and down right stubborn other times. I'm glad to come back to visit Chapel Springs.
The story is very well written and flows smoothly. There is mystery, surprises, heartache and love just waiting for those who visit this beautiful town . I laughed at some of the sayings in the book. It made me think of the good old days, when people sat on their front porch, sweet tea in their hand and a warm smile for everyone who passed by. I don't want to give anything away because readers need to experience this story one page at a time. It is a hard book to put down and there may be a few tears shed, but the story is filled with Gods love and a lesson in forgiveness.
We don't get to choose our family, but the book reminds us that we do get to choose who to love. Sometimes it might be hard to love someone, but through love comes forgiveness and acceptance. It's time to sit back and read a story that will make you smile, cry, and laugh but most of all feel at home. Don't forget to look at the great recipes at the end of the book and look over the discussion questions. I hope to visit Chapel Springs again very soon.
"Home is where you decide it is, you make a decision to put down roots and make friends."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Carin is a well known author and her husband , Wick, is a famous race car driver. They have a son and it seems like the perfect life. That all changes when Wick does something that causes Carin to leave with her son and move into the house her nana left her . She packs up and heads to Chapel Springs. Will Carin ever be able to forgive her husband? What adventure awaits her in Chapel Springs? I'm excited to go back to the town and revisit some of the characters from the other books in this great series. They are funny, mysterious at times and down right stubborn other times. I'm glad to come back to visit Chapel Springs.
The story is very well written and flows smoothly. There is mystery, surprises, heartache and love just waiting for those who visit this beautiful town . I laughed at some of the sayings in the book. It made me think of the good old days, when people sat on their front porch, sweet tea in their hand and a warm smile for everyone who passed by. I don't want to give anything away because readers need to experience this story one page at a time. It is a hard book to put down and there may be a few tears shed, but the story is filled with Gods love and a lesson in forgiveness.
We don't get to choose our family, but the book reminds us that we do get to choose who to love. Sometimes it might be hard to love someone, but through love comes forgiveness and acceptance. It's time to sit back and read a story that will make you smile, cry, and laugh but most of all feel at home. Don't forget to look at the great recipes at the end of the book and look over the discussion questions. I hope to visit Chapel Springs again very soon.
"Home is where you decide it is, you make a decision to put down roots and make friends."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Monday, July 25, 2016
THE BABEL CONSPIRACY by SYLVIA BAMBOLA
This is one outstanding thriller that is written with such depth and explosive action, I couldn't put the book down. The characters are extremely well developed and make the story seem real. The author does an excellent job of keeping the action going with intensity .
We are all aware of the threats we face against terrorism and this book brings that to the surface with an intriguing plot. Trisha is one of the key characters in the book. I love how she was portrayed as an intelligent young woman who has a deep relationship with God. She will be tempted by something that could cause her to sin. Will she take the bait? She finds herself working on a very top secret project that will put her in harms way. Can she trust God to keep her safe?
Audra is also working on the project with Trisha. She is smart but finds herself looking for something that only alcohol can help her with, or so she thinks. She begins a spiral of destruction that causes her to not trust anyone. She has made it known that she doesn't believe in God. Will she turn to Him in her weakest moment?
The story takes us on a journey of espionage , deceit, greed , power struggle , test of faith and an ending that will be unforgettable. The author writes with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing till the end. I loved how the author put scriptures throughout the story in perfect spots that shows us how important relying on God is.
"If my people will....turn from their wicked ways...then will I forgive their sin , and heal their land.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
We are all aware of the threats we face against terrorism and this book brings that to the surface with an intriguing plot. Trisha is one of the key characters in the book. I love how she was portrayed as an intelligent young woman who has a deep relationship with God. She will be tempted by something that could cause her to sin. Will she take the bait? She finds herself working on a very top secret project that will put her in harms way. Can she trust God to keep her safe?
Audra is also working on the project with Trisha. She is smart but finds herself looking for something that only alcohol can help her with, or so she thinks. She begins a spiral of destruction that causes her to not trust anyone. She has made it known that she doesn't believe in God. Will she turn to Him in her weakest moment?
The story takes us on a journey of espionage , deceit, greed , power struggle , test of faith and an ending that will be unforgettable. The author writes with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing till the end. I loved how the author put scriptures throughout the story in perfect spots that shows us how important relying on God is.
"If my people will....turn from their wicked ways...then will I forgive their sin , and heal their land.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
A DREAM OF MIRACLES by RUTH REID
Right from the beginning I could tell this was going to be a bit different type of Amish story. Mattie is a widow raising her two small children as best she can. Her character is almost innocent like. She has deep love for her children and her faith. When her son becomes sick , she takes him to the doctor and that is when her nightmare begins.
She is seen by another doctor instead of the doctor that always looks after her children when they are ill. The doctor is not very friendly and seems almost abrupt at times. I didn't care for her at all. It seems like she had her mind made up within minutes that the boy was being abused. The boy is admitted to the hospital with severe injuries . Almost immediately CPS is called in and Mattie begins to get scared. She knows she hasn't done anything wrong. Her emotions were so deep, I could feel her heart breaking. The story is well written and I found myself not being able to put the book down. Will she lose both her children to the system?
Mattie will meet a man called Boaz Lambright who has been assigned to investigate Mattie and her children. Can Bo get Mattie to trust him? Why can Bo understand Pennsylvania Dutch so well? Is there a secret in his past that could explain why he feels comfortable around the Amish? I loved his character so much. The author wrote him with such compassion and not giving up. He is determined to find out the truth and believes Mattie is innocent. Will Nathan, Mattie's son survive ? Where did the bruises come from on his little body? Mattie is a devoted mom and her unconditional love for them is well written in the story. I at times wanted to sit by her and gently hold her hand and reassure her that God has this under control.
The story is riveting and her neighbors join together to try to help Mattie get her children back. Bo is drawn to Mattie and even though his job is in jeopardy , he believe she needs his help. I loved the author showing Bo and God talking. That was such an intimate time and I loved how she wrote it with pureness and grace. This is one story that will stay with you long after the last page is written. The story captures trust, unconditional love, forgiveness , and faith in a beautiful inspiring story. I highly recommend this book to fans of Amish books and anyone looking for a book that shows that God is always there in our darkest moment holding our hand. This book has shown me not to ever give up. He is always there and He will guide you in the right direction. He is our justifier and makes miracles happen everyday. Never cease praying for a miracle.
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review.
She is seen by another doctor instead of the doctor that always looks after her children when they are ill. The doctor is not very friendly and seems almost abrupt at times. I didn't care for her at all. It seems like she had her mind made up within minutes that the boy was being abused. The boy is admitted to the hospital with severe injuries . Almost immediately CPS is called in and Mattie begins to get scared. She knows she hasn't done anything wrong. Her emotions were so deep, I could feel her heart breaking. The story is well written and I found myself not being able to put the book down. Will she lose both her children to the system?
Mattie will meet a man called Boaz Lambright who has been assigned to investigate Mattie and her children. Can Bo get Mattie to trust him? Why can Bo understand Pennsylvania Dutch so well? Is there a secret in his past that could explain why he feels comfortable around the Amish? I loved his character so much. The author wrote him with such compassion and not giving up. He is determined to find out the truth and believes Mattie is innocent. Will Nathan, Mattie's son survive ? Where did the bruises come from on his little body? Mattie is a devoted mom and her unconditional love for them is well written in the story. I at times wanted to sit by her and gently hold her hand and reassure her that God has this under control.
The story is riveting and her neighbors join together to try to help Mattie get her children back. Bo is drawn to Mattie and even though his job is in jeopardy , he believe she needs his help. I loved the author showing Bo and God talking. That was such an intimate time and I loved how she wrote it with pureness and grace. This is one story that will stay with you long after the last page is written. The story captures trust, unconditional love, forgiveness , and faith in a beautiful inspiring story. I highly recommend this book to fans of Amish books and anyone looking for a book that shows that God is always there in our darkest moment holding our hand. This book has shown me not to ever give up. He is always there and He will guide you in the right direction. He is our justifier and makes miracles happen everyday. Never cease praying for a miracle.
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review.
To purchase your own copy, click here.
About the Book
Lydia Esh’s younger sister Emma is running wild during Rumschpringe, causing the family major heartaches. Although it means risking her reputation, her job as a schoolteacher, and her courtship with Jakob Zook, Lydia attends parties to watch over Emma and protect her sister’s virtue.
When Emma begins a relationship with Kyle, an Englischer, Lydia teams up with Kyle’s older brother, Caleb, to keep the couple apart. As Lydia and Caleb spend time together keeping an eye on their siblings, Lydia falls for this forbidden love. Will she stay true to her faith even if it means giving up the man she loves?
About the Author
Rachel J. Good, inspirational author, writes life-changing, heartfelt novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She is the author of Amish romances in the Sisters & Friends series. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her novels. A former teacher and librarian, she completed her MA from Vermont College while raising five children. She is presently an MFA student in Writing and Illustration at Hollins University. In addition to having more than 2200 articles and 30 books in print or forthcoming under several pseudonyms, she also juggles freelance editing and illustration careers. To buy the Amish Quilts Coloring Book: http://amzn.to/1T35q5p Visit Rachel at:
Website: www.racheljgood.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelJGood1
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/racheljgood1/
Guest Post from Rachel J. Good
Hi, I’m Rachel J. Good, inspirational author of heartfelt tales of faith, hope, and forgiveness.
I’m excited to launch the first book in my Sisters & Friends Amish series, Change of Heart. Although I’ve been writing for many years and have about 30 books out now, this is my first inspirational novel. I’m busy editing book 2, Buried Secrets, and writing book 3, Gift from Above. And I’m planning the next three books in the series.
I’ve been asked how I came to write Amish novels. For that, I have to credit my agent Mary Sue Seymour, who suggested it to me. I loved the idea because I’d lived near Lancaster, PA, and had always been interested in the Amish. Although Mary Sue went to heaven a few months ago, just before the book launched, I feel her presence in my life as I write. She believed in me as a writer and encouraged me to work on this novel, which she quickly sold.
Lydia’s story in Change of Heart has several connections with my real life. The first is that I’m the oldest in my family and have two sisters, and so does Lydia. We both feel responsible our younger sisters. Lydia’s younger sister, Emma, gets in trouble during Rumschpringe. (And no, her wild sister doesn’t resemble either of my two younger sisters.)
The second connection with my life is the spiritual lesson Lydia learns in the book. I wanted Lydia’s journey to be not only a struggle between faith and love, but also a personal inner journey from self-righteousness to seeing with God’s loving eyes.
Oftentimes, goodness and spirituality can be a source of pride, and it can also be used to justify being judgmental. Lydia’s sister Emma points this out to her, but in my case, it was my young daughter who piped up, when I was complaining about someone at church, and said, “She sounds just like you, Mommy.” Ouch!
That day I came face to face with the truth that often what I criticize most in another person is often a flaw or a sin I’m overlooking in myself. As Matthew 7:3 (NIV) says: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” I wanted Lydia’s story to reflect that truth.
The Amish try to avoid the sin of hochmut (pride), but Lydia, without realizing it, is secretly proud of her own spirituality. It often saddens me that, as Christians, we spend more time criticizing others outside the faith or with different lifestyles or beliefs, but very little time examining our own unloving and judgmental behavior. I’d like to see us become more like Jesus, who ate with the “publicans and sinners,” and showed love to everyone, instead of condemning them.
Lydia is also forced to choose between staying in her faith or leaving it for love. I, too, faced a similar challenge many years ago, so I wrote those scenes from my heart. I hope Lydia’s story touches hearts, and that readers come away reassured that although we can’t always see the larger picture, God can, and He’s working out a wonderful plan for us. Our present circumstances might seem dark, but He knows the final results. We need to trust Him even during the challenging times, because “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28).
I can't say enough nice things about this lovely book. It has great character development and each one will touch your heart. Lydia is keeping her eye on her younger sister Emma. Emma is kinda stubborn and has a yearning to experience things that could perhaps get her into trouble. I can relate to Emma quite well. I was a rebel growing up around a very strict upbringing. Guess like Emma, I wanted to see what the world had to offer. Will Emma find what she is looking for away from the safety of her family?
Lydia is busy being the good child and doesn't want to go against anything that would cause her shame. She seems to want to be the one who always does the right thing. What will happen when she needs to defend herself against people in authority? Will she find it prideful to speak her mind, or will she submit to her elders?
There are wonderful lessons to be learned in this well written and emotional read. We find the dad who has been holding unforgiveness and bitterness in his heart. Will he finally allow God to soften his heart, or will he push his family away.? I loved how the mom had much wisdom to share and did with a soft heart and humor. I think using humor when giving advice makes it easier to receive.
There are other characters in the book that will cross paths with Lydia and Emma. What impact will they have on their lives? I loved the writing style and how each character learned different things as they listened to God. The story will make you really think about your own attitude. Do you have someone you need to forgive? Is pride standing in the way of a blessing from God? Do you know what unconditional love feels like? Don't miss this beautifully written story that will give you a "Change of Heart" if you are open to receive it.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit for an honest review.
Blog Stops
July 14: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
July 15: Bigreadersite
July 16: Blossoms and Blessings
July 17: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
July 18: Bukwurmzzz
July 19: Christian Bookaholic
July 20: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
July 21: Singing Librarian Books
July 22: Quiet Quilter
July 23: Texas Book-aholic
July 24: A Greater Yes
July 24: Carpe Diem
July 25: Red Headed Book Lady
July 25: Cassandra M’s Place
July 26: His Grace is Sufficient
July 27: cherylbbookblog
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away lots of fun prizes, including copies of her books and even a box of Whoopie Pies from Bird-in-Hand Bakery. Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/9ed1
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