About the Book

Author: Bethany Kaczmarek

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 1, 2017

Music was her driving passion and the truest expression of her faith, but three months before her wedding, twenty-year-old Kasia Bernolak can’t even pick up her guitar. Feeling like a fraud who will ruin her dad’s pastoral reputation, she can barely meet his eyes. When Kasia finds the strength to break off her engagement, she still doesn’t realize the dangerous truth: Blake Hamilton isn’t ready to say goodbye. And he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her.

Alexander “Zan” Maddox has seen what a domineering man can do to an unsuspecting woman, and Zan is sick of injustice. He gave up a college baseball scholarship so he could protect his sister from her abusive husband. When he rescues Kasia from her ex-fiancé, he instinctively appoints himself her personal bodyguard. Now, all he has to do is keep from falling for her himself.

Kasia and Zan become fast friends, but true healing and justice might cost more than either of them is willing to pay.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Bethany loves a home filled with family and friends. Word gets around that—at the Kaczmarek house—food is abundant, conversations are real, and anything is up for discussion. She and her clan are fans of laughter, indie music, sonic screwdrivers, and superheroes. Home is wherever in the world they’re all together.

Guest Post from Bethany Kaczmarek

Strains of Silence: A Novel for Anyone Who Can Say #MeToo

We’re everywhere. After years of silence, many survivors of sexual assault are raising our voices. You’ve seen the hashtag. You know someone who suffered like this—a friend, a sister, a daughter.

Maybe you know personally what it’s like to be used.

I’m thankful for the conversations the #MeToo campaign has started, proud of the brave women who are speaking out. But I know some are still quiet, nursing wounds.

I could list loads of valid reasons a victim chooses to suffer in silence.

• People won’t believe her.
• If she doesn’t say it out loud, it’s easier to pretend it was a nightmare.
• He’s got authority over her—at work, at church, in the family—and it’ll cost her too much. He’s done enough damage already.
• He’s threatened to destroy her reputation, and she believes him. One, because he’ll do it without flinching. Two, because she’s already convinced that she’s living a lie.
• Because at church, she’s supposed to be fine, smiling, rejoicing in her suffering and pressing on. Besides, people don’t want to sit with her in her pain and listen. They’d rather offer bumper-sticker theology and trite spiritual bandages.
• The few times she’s tried to speak up, her used-to-be friend basically made her feel like it was her fault.

The list could go on, but it’s fair to say that being honest about what happened to us makes us vulnerable all over again. The idea is understandably stressful.

But you know what? Pretending we’re fine is exhausting too. We bear a great strain when we hide our hurts, for whatever reason.

Kasia Bernolak, the heroine of my novel Strains of Silence, gets it. She’s got reasons for keeping it quiet too. But when God brings some new people into her life, she realizes she doesn’t have to be alone.

And speaking up offers a freedom, a lightness, she wants.

It’s a freedom I want for my readers.

I know. Strains of Silence sounds like a heavy book right now. The themes are heavy, no doubt. There’s no glossing over and prettying up sexual assault or domestic violence. But—just like in real life—it’s how well we surround and support the suffering that can set the tone. Kasia’s friends are real, they’re funny, they’re quirky, and they believe in her.

Besides, it’s not all dark and brooding. There’s travel—an entire summer in the mountains of Peru. There’s a lot of music—Kasia’s a singer/song-writer who loves indie artists (I’ve got a playlist on my website). There’s heritage and culture—meet her immigrant family and you’ll get a delicious taste of Poland. There’s humor—enough to keep the story light when you need it to be.

And there’s hope. Kasia’s life is absolutely full of possibility.

So are the lives of everyone who can say #MeToo.

Sometimes, it just helps to see someone else fight the battle on our own horizon. And if you can do it with a fantastic new playlist and some laughs, why not?

My hope is that Strains of Silence will lead to real discussions with reader-friends, book-club gatherings that become turning points, and the true pursuit of freedom. It’s time to throw off the burdens we wear and stand up. Raise your voice, link arms with others, and fight for hope.

Healing is within our reach.

The book sends a powerful message about abuse that many suffer through. Do you remember dating in high school? There was this one guy I wanted to be with so bad. My friends said he was bad news, but of course I didn’t listen. I found out like Kasia that he was possessive and dangerous. I even gave up being in the band for him. He told me that it wasn’t cool to be in the band, so I put my clarinet away and followed my heart. Kasia thought she had found the perfect guy in Blake. When she decides that she has had enough of his anger and abuse she breaks it off. Sometimes it is hard for someone to let go and they feel this need to torture the person emotionally. Kasia is a strong young lady but at times I think she made bad decisions which found her in situations that were harmful. 

It is hard when you suddenly realize you have become isolated from friends and you slowly turn away from your faith. I’m glad she decides to go on a mission trip. That trip opened her eyes and grew her back to her family and faith. As parents it must have been so hard for them to see their daughter scared of her ex fiancé. Blake reminds me of a person who won’t take no for an answer. His jealousy of not having Kasia becomes dangerous and threatens her well being. Will she find someone to protect her? Can she depend on God to protect her?

The book has some scenes in it that may bother some people, but I think the author does a great job of showing how dangerous abuse is if you don’t take action. I’m glad the author wrote about young adults because it happens alot to them and many are afraid to speak up. The book is good but I did have a hard time with the polish words and thought maybe the book was a bit long. I appreciate that we were exposed to Kasia’s heritage which helped me to understand her upbringing. Overall a good book with a tough subject that was handled with grace.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, January 6

proud to be an autism mom, January 6

Inklings and Notions, January 7

Bibliophile Reviews, January 7

Fiction Aficionado, January 8

Genesis 5020, January 8

The Fizzy Pop Collection, January 9

Bigreadersite, January 9 

Red Headed Book Lady, January 10

Mommynificent, January 10

Texas Book-aholic, January 11

allofakindmom, January 11

Blogging With Carol, January 12 (Interview)

The Power of Words, January 12

Pursuing Stacie, January 12

Reading Is My SuperPower, January 13

A Greater Yes, January 13

Christian Author, J.E.Grace Blog, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 14

Mindy Houg Guest Review on Artistic Nobody, January 15

Janices book reviews, January 15 

Faithfully Bookish, January 16

Kat’s Corner Books, January 16

Margaret Kazmierczak, January 17

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 17

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate, January 18

Carpe Diem, January 18

Remebrancy, January 19

A Baker’s Perspective, January 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Bethany is giving away a grand grand prize a signed book, a Polish pottery mug with two of the main character’s favorite kinds of teas, 4 of her favorite albums (Josh Garrels, Waterdeep, The Gray Havens, and Andrew Greer), a box of chocolate butter cookies, and a $50 Amazon gift card.!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c5dc

A SONG OF HOME by
SUSIE FINKBEINER

This will not be an easy story to forget. I like that in a book because the author has done their job of transporting readers back to a place some of us have only heard about. It was not easy growing up in the 1930s. . Families struggled to buy food and clothing while scrimping by on low salaries. I remember going to my granddad’s farm in Oklahoma every summer when I was little. He had over 200 acres and I loved being there. Off in the distance sometimes I saw this weird thing in the sky. The sky would turn almost brown as the dust stirred up. I ran into the house and hid under the covers. I was so scared the dust was going to suffocate me. This story stirred so many fond memories of my granddad and I savored every word written. The author is a master of storytelling and I’m sad to see the series end. For me it won’t end for awhile as I can see Pearl standing there in her house talking to Opal and dancing with a smile on her face. 

Pearl is a delightful character and there were times I wanted to hug her and tell her she was the sweetest gift from God. The feeling of abandonment she felt when her mom left was devastating. A young girl who has no idea why her mom doesn’t want her is heartbreaking. The author does an excellent job of sharing the emotions Pearl goes through as she learns about prejudice. I love Pearl’s innocence and protective nature towards people she cares about.

I felt drawn to Mary the most because she had endured such heartache. I understood why she felt she needed to leave her home and family . Her pain was so unbearable she wanted to run and never look back. It must have been so hard to leave Pearl and her husband. The emotions and trauma she went through made me cry. As the story was coming to an end I sobbed. Yes I was caught up in a story that took a family through loss, prejudice and judgment. Mary reminded me of the woman who everyone wanted to throw stones at. To carry such a burden made me want to scream at the town. How dare they judge anyone when they should look at themselves first. The ending is a tear jerker and I know somewhere there is a Pearl out there finding out how to forgive . There is a Mary out there somewhere learning to let go and feel loved by her family. 

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications. The review is my own opinion.

About the Book

Title: Food for Thought

Author: Janet Lynn Mitchell

Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-Help

Release Date: December 1, 2017

Food for Thought is filled with personalized verses just for you. It’s been written to help you claim God’s Word as your own. The thoughts included within the verses are from fellow dieters. Food for Thought is not meant to be a substitute for actual Scripture, but an addition, bringing you new insight, perspective, hope and encouragement as you move toward and reach your weight-loss goal. Blank pages have been placed in the back so that you can add additional Scripture and/or words of encouragement. Recite these verses and include them when you pray. Then watch as God’s Word rejuvenates and empowers you. Experience your faith increasing, as faith comes by hearing, reading, speaking, and living the Word of God.

About the Author

Candid, dynamic, friendly…and memorable are some of the words used to describe Janet Mitchell. Her fun, engaging style keeps her audiences wanting more. As a master storyteller, she shares her heart, passions and faith, relating incidents from her life that will touch you and make you laugh. Janet addresses relevant life issues and how it just takes one to make a difference in your world!

Janet has held staff positions with Youth for Christ and Forest Home Christian Conference Center and has served as the director of a Christian preschool. Janet is a CLASS Speaker (Christian Leaders, Authors, and Speakers) and is a popular speaker for women’s events, MOPS, family camps and single-parent groups.

As a senior in high school, Janet lost the use of her legs following surgery. On the night of her tenth surgery, she met Marty, who became her cheerleader and was alongside her as she learned to walk again. Eventually, he became her husband. Janet and Marty have been married for over thirty-five years and have three children. Janet’s knee problems reoccurred when she was thirty-two. She was horrified to learn she had been a victim of medical negligence, fraud and concealment. Her additional surgeries had been attempts to correct the mistakes. Janet has since become a voice for others who have suffered medical fraud. Assembly Bill 2571, borne out of her misfortunes, unanimously passed both the California Assembly and the Senate and was signed into state law on August 31, 2000. Her story, Taking a Stand, has motivated others to “take a stand” and remain firm in their faith through the good, bad, and the outrageous.

Janet has been featured on radio programs across the nation, including popular programs such as Focus on the Family and Billy Graham’s Decision Today. Janet has appeared on television programs such as, Fox, CBS and ABC News, Aspiring Women, The Harvest Show, and Chuck and Jenny. Her stories and articles have appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Multnomah’s Stories for the Extreme Teen, and in magazines such as Woman’s World, Light and Life, and Celebrate Life. Her Testimony, “When Doctors Make Mistakes,” was published in the July/August 2005 issue of Today’s Christian Woman magazine.

Janet’s book, A Special Kind of Love, published by Broadman and Holman and Focus on the Family, has been highlighted by Rick Warren in his “Ministry Toolbox.” Her Hands on Faith: Family Nights and Hands on Faith: Family Fun books by Carson- Dellosa are now available along with Janet’s five new Praying Scripture Flip Books. Janet’s Taking a Stand was released in November of 2006. It is truly a testimony of God’s faithfulness through the good, bad and outrageous. This past year Janet’s latest book, Words Matter became available. One thing Janet has learned is:

It just takes one to change the world we live in.

When I first received this little notebook , I thought what a cute little recipe book. Well it reminded me of one anyway. After opening it, I was pleasantly surprised to find wonderful words of wisdom for topics that hit home. I love the easy flip book that you can  carry with you or place in an easy accessible place in your home , office or car. It is small enough to even carry in your purse.

There are many subjects covered in this small book which is filled with scriptures to encourage you everyday . I like that the book is set up with subjects in alphabetical order. It would be nice to have included the page number of where to find the subjects . I will touch on a couple of subjects so you get a better understanding of the book. One of the subjects is depression. I deal with depression everyday. For something e of us food is comfort for us. We tend to overeat to compensate for our emotional state. I loved this scripture “ The Lord will guide me and provide good things for me to eat when I’m in a desert . He will (restore me)make me healthy (well, fit, and physically, emotionally and spiritually strong.) Isaiah 58:1l1

Here is another one I thought was so powerful to read. “I won’t let my appetite (my desires for flavor , sips, nibbles, and bites,) destroy what God has done. Romans 14:20. I’m overwhelmed by the words that are in scripture that I have overlooked. Each scripture in the book helps you through tough times and encourages you as you deal with physical issues. Our body is the temple of the Lord and he wants us to be healthy . I hope you will get a copy of this book and use it as you journey to better health physically and emotionally.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Multifarious, January 5

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 5

Splashes of Joy, January 6

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 6

Mary Hake, January 7

proud to be an autism mom, January 7

Reading is my Super Power, January 8 (Interview)

A Greater Yes, January 8

Bibliophile Reviews, January 9

Texas Book-aholic, January 10

Carpe Diem, January 11

A Baker’s Perspective, January 12

Pursuing Stacie , January 13

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 14

Remembrancy, January 15

Pink Granny’s Journey, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 16

Janices book reviews, January 17

margaret kazmierczak, January 17 (Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, January 18 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Bigreadersite, January 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janet is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c513

About the Book

Title: Unstuck

Author: Chris Dupre

Genre: Self-help, personal growth

Release Date: November 14, 2017

Do you feel like you missed the boat? Are you burnt out? Have your feet been dragging the sidewalk? Do you catch yourself dreaming of what could have been? Of if-only-I-had, or if-only-I-hadn’t? This book is for anyone sitting in the audience who should be on stage, anyone reading blogs who should also be writing them, anyone supporting ministries who should be leading them. It’s for the Christians who know there is a better life, but who are just stuck in the one they’re living.

Saved in the Jesus Movement of the seventies, Chris DuPré connected with countless Christians across the world. Yet too many of those Christians, Chris discovered, have years later lost the fire and stepped back from living out their faith. Why? Because they got stuck—stuck in rejection by others, stuck in fear of the unknown, stuck in loving a comfortable life, stuck in scores of similar ruts. What can set them free from their internal prisons? And what could Christians accomplish if we all just got unstuck?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Originally from Upstate New York, Chris moved to Kansas City to work alongside Mike Bickle in establishing the International House of Prayer. Chris recently served as Associate Pastor at Grace Center Church in Franklin TN, and is now an associate pastor of Life Center in Harrisburg, PA. A pastor, teacher, worship leader, traveling speaker, and spiritual father to many, Chris may be best known for his song “Dance With Me.” He has produced eight albums and published three books, including The Wild Heart of God (Whitaker House, 2016) and The Lost Art of Pure Worship with James Goll. Parents of three daughters and grandparents of four grandchildren, Chris and his wife, Laura, reside in Harrisburg, PA.

Guest Post from Chris Dupre

I grew up in a small town about 30 miles east of Rochester, NY. Winters there could be brutal. One year, I received beautiful new pair of boots which I loved, particularly for the joy with which they enabled me to engage in the marvelous sport of puddle jumping. One day when the ice and snow had begun to melt, I eyed a nice puddle and jumped in the middle sending a freezing splash in all directions. But wait, something was wrong — this was no ordinary puddle! This one was made to capture people, and I was captured! Frantic, I pulled one foot out, but no matter how much I tried, the other foot would not budge. My boot was stuck. I was stuck! I pulled and pulled until finally my foot came free in a soggy sock. My beautiful boot had been left behind, buried beneath the slush. My little mind was faced with a choice. Did I care enough about to do something? It only took a second to act. I loved those boots. I found a stick and began to fish. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally pulled out my boot. That’s the first time I ever went fishing and was glad to catch a boot instead of a fish.

My desire with this book is to address some of those “stuck” moments we all face. I want to provide keys that will hopefully open a door or two that have held you back on the incredible journey of life. I say a door or two, or even three, because it’s almost always more than one thing that gets us stuck. Ah, but God—He is the change factor in all of this and in Him we can break free.

Have you ever been in a church service and the pastor is saying profound words that make you poke the person next to you? You feel what the pastor is saying is something your friend needs to hear so you elbow them as if to say,”Hey this message is for you.” This book is just that type of message, but instead of elbowing your neighbor, you realize the message is for you. The author is upfront with how we get stuck in our life wondering why our dreams never happened. Perhaps it was pride or fear or that unforgiveness you have buried deep inside . I figured I better get comfortable because this book was going to step on my toes and hurt a bit, but in the end I would be free from being “ stuck.”

One of the first subjects the author talks about is fear. Oh how I dislike talking about that word. I grew up in fear. I know it well and it has followed me throughout my life. I have always had a fear of not being loved and being rejected by everyone. Growing up in a violent and abusive home can really do a lot of damage to a child. I never knew what it felt like to be loved. My parents made sure I knew I wasn’t loved. I became stuck with the mentality that I was not someone anyone would want. To this day I still do the fight or flight method of coping. After reading this chapter, I took a deep breath. Now I was ready to take my life back. I don’t want to be that little scared girl anymore. I want to be strong and depend on God to give me courage. Yes fear controlled my life because I allowed it to. The author gives wonderful illustrations of how to overcome fear and regain the life you were given.

Another chapter I really liked was about “Age doesn’t matter(unless you are cheese).” This one chapter hit me hard. I had always wanted to be a teacher. I never had the opportunity to go to college, so that dream was shoved aside. I started working at a library that was in conjunction with a college. I loved my job but I still yearned to be a teacher. One day I decided I needed to prove to myself that I was smart and that I could go to college. So at the age of well I was older than all the students, I made it into college. It was overwhelming at first, but I thrived in learning . During this period I was appointed Children’s Pastor at our church. What an humbling experience it was. I then realized that I did fulfill my dream. I was a teacher of many, not just a classroom but of all the children that came to church every week. You are never to old to follow your dream. I learned that by teaching these children, I was beginning to heal from my childhood. God placed me with these children to show them love and letting them know they can overcome whatever is holding them back from their destiny. 

I have loved every moment I have spent reading this book. The author touches on subjects that are life changing and shows us how to get “unstuck.” Are you tired of being stuck and feeling hopeless? I recommended that you grab a copy of this book and let God’s voice lead you to freedom. 

We are all gifted in one way or another . It’s what we do with those gifts that determine everything.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebreate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 28

Mary Hake, December 28

A Reader’s Brain, December 29

Carpe Diem, December 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 30

A Baker’s Perspective, December 31

New Horizon Reviews, January 1

proud to be an autism mom, January 2

Books, Books, and More Books., January 3

Kristin’s Book Reviews, January 4

A Greater Yes, January 5

Texas Book-aholic, January 6

Blossoms and Blessings, January 7

Janices book reviews, January 8

Bigreadersite, January 9

Pursuing Stacie, January 10

Giveaway

In honor of the tour, Whitaker House is giving away

Grand Prize: Unstuck: Hope for Christians in a Dead-End Job, Dead-End Faith, or Some Similar Soul-Shriveling Rut by Chris DuPré; The Wild Love of God: A Journey That Heals Life’s Deepest Wounds by Chris DuPré;” Covenant” Pillar Candle scented with ancient biblical fragrances from Abba Jerusalem, and a Whitaker House Grown-Up Coloring Book

First Place Prize: Unstuck: Hope for Christians in a Dead-End Job, Dead-End Faith, or Some Similar Soul-Shriveling Rut by Chris DuPré; The Wild Love of God: A Journey That Heals Life’s Deepest Wounds by Chris DuPré;” “Man of God” Ceramic Mug, CTAInc.com; and a Whitaker House Grown-Up Coloring Book

Second Place Prize: Unstuck: Hope for Christians in a Dead-End Job, Dead-End Faith, or Some Similar Soul-Shriveling Rut by Chris DuPré; and The Wild Love of God: A Journey That Heals Life’s Deepest Wounds by Chris DuPré”.

Click the link to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c457

AMISH SWEETHEARTS by AMY CLIPSTON

I really enjoyed each story and loved reading about the different couples. The author always writes with details and makes the story come to life. Each story in this collection will bring you a smile and remind you of unconditional love.

Love and Buggy Rides

This is a great story about Janie who witnesses an accident involving a buggy and car. She knows that the driver of the buggy was not at fault but has heard he is being blamed for the accident. Her father has forbade her to get involved as a witness. As Janie gets to know Jonathan they seem to strike up feelings for each other. It was interesting to read how Jonathan was a bit worried about their age difference. I thought he was a great character and was very respectful towards Janie. What happens when Janie goes against her fathers advice? This is a great story of doing the right thing and I loved the excitement towards the ending of the story.

A Home for Lindsay

This story really tugged on my heart strings. Matthew is a hard worker and is excited about building a home for his fiancé Lindsay. That dream gets shattered when he finds out that his sister is losing her farm and land. All Matthew has wanted is to provide a home for Lindsay . How can he do that now that the land he is building on will no longer belong to the family? Lindsay is very aware that something is bothering Matthew. Why won’t he tell her what is wrong? I loved how the author shows how pride can get in the way of making good decisions. What happens when Lindsay finds out the truth? Can Matthew find a way to stay or will he walk away from the love of his life? This is a great story of communication and trust and faith.

Where The Heart Is

I can’t tell you how many times my dad would say “If you live in my house, you will obey my rules.” Tobias heard similar words from his dad when he starts to act out. His poor decisions causes friction and he leaves home. When he returns months later, how will the community react to him? He knows that he must face what he has done, but will the Bishop welcome him back? How will his family react when they see him? It must be very difficult to stand before a congregation and admit your sins. I could hear Tobias’s heart thumping out of his chest as he stood before the church. His relationship with his dad is something I really enjoyed reading about. It’s a great story about forgiveness and starting over.

Love Birds

Oh my I loved this story so much. It has been hard on Ellie and her mother since her dad and brother both passed away . The community is helping with chores at the farm, but money is still tight. When an opportunity arises to work at a shop, Ellie thinks it will help them out financially. I loved Ellie’s enthusiasm to help out with finances and her desire to contribute to the household funds. Lloyd is doing all he can to help his friend’s family . I really enjoyed reading about the bird carvings that Lloyd makes. I could picture the delicate dove he carved and how special it was. When he gives it to Ellie as a special gift to remember her brother, she gets emotional . I won’t give the story away, but it is a great lesson in forgiveness and helping others.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

SURGEON’S CHOICE by RICHARD L. MABRY , M. D.

It’s another great book from the master of medical intrigue. The story is fast paced and can easily be read in a few hours. I love how the author cleverly brings mystery with medical facts that keep you on the edge of your seat. There is always that doctor that seems to be just a bit arrogant and lets power get to his head. What is this doctor hiding? What I loved about the story was the mystery on top of mystery that teased and turned the story while keeping readers trying to figure out who did what. 

Ben is a gifted surgeon and is about to marry one of the nurses but funny things start happening. Bodies are falling , danger lurks for both of them and in the midst of this is medical procedures that are detailed with expertise. No one is above being interrogated and Ben finds himself as one of the central suspects . Overall the book is good, has wonderful characters and as always delivers intrigue that kept me glued to the story. I hated to see it end but am looking forward to the authors next book. He is one author that never disappoints his readers because he is detailed, keeps the intrigue believable and catches readers off guard as the ending is one you don’t see coming. 

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

MY HEART BELONGS IN NIAGARA FALLS, NEWYORK by
AMANDA BARRATT

With a spectacular backdrop of Niagara Falls, the most death defying act was soon to astound the audience. Oh my I was hooked as I read what Drew was about to do. Who in their right mind would walk across Niagara Falls on a flimsy pole? I can hear Drew’s heart as the first step was taken. The author draws readers in with the heartpounding adventure of a man who is willing to risk his life . Drew isn’t out to be famous, but to help his sister who he adores. They are desperate for money and he is willing to walk on water for her. I loved Drew so much because he was a humble person who put others before himself. 

Adele is a wonderful young lady who had it all; well until her family fell on hard times. The family name was once upon a time worth riches and they had outlandish places to live. That all changed when the family becomes almost penniless. I liked the journey Adele took to America. Her hopes were high as she sought after a husband who could save her family from ruins. What really caught my attention in the story was the faith that Drew had as he became a victim of a terrible accident. He never complained, but became more dependent on what God said. As his feelings become more clear towards Adele, she fights to keep hers under wraps. 

The story is a reminder that God loves each of us and sees the beauty in us. Adele needed to trust that God would be with her and help her in her time of need. The scriptures used in the story were so beautiful to read. I love being reminded that if we wait upon the Lord, He will give us strength. Patience is a hard thing for many of us. We try to hurry things along when God is telling us to wait and trust Him. The author also touches on feeling like you are a failure in God’s eyes. One character will learn just how important they are to Him and be free from the guilt and shame they have carried for so long. This is one story that I savored every word and felt every emotion as the characters faced pain, disappointment and redemption. 

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk , and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31.

I received a copy of this book from the author . The review is my own opinion.