A Pinch of Promise by Susan Maddrey

I received a book from book fun.org for an honest review
It wasn't so long ago that Becky's life was in shambles. Some people might remember her as Marie, the teenager that everyone knew as the troubled teen that her parents had to endure years of struggles with her. Her dad is a famous pastor-turned-parenting expert and writes books on the subject. The press was relentless about Becky and her troubles with drugs, being known as a bad girl and spending time in rehab facilities. The problem was, none of the stories were true. Her father wrote about a girl with those issues, but he never said who he was referring to. Can Becky every find a way to forgive her dad and find peace about her past?

One day Marie left her hometown, changed her name and never looked back. She had a very strained relationship with her father and had no intentions of ever forgiving him for the pain she went thru because of his books. Becky becomes a physical therapist and tries to live a quiet life. As she is working one day, someone comes in for treatment on his knee. Ben stares at his physical therapist and sees a glimmer of someone he use to know ten years ago. He can't believe that it is possible that his therapist could be the same girl he fell in love with and never got over.

This is a powerful story about forgiveness and letting go of your past. The author has written a very touching story that shows us how hard it is to let go of your anger and start to let your heart soften from all the bitterness you have held in for so long.. As Ben decides he wants to start again with Becky, she continues to pull away from him. Ben's friends encourage him to not give up on Becky . One of them tell him, "if you want someone in your life, you pursue them. And if they run the other way, then run faster. It reminds me of what we need to be doing everyday. The author gives a great example of how we need to pursue God everyday and if there are obstacles, then run faster to get to Him.

Becky has always collected salt shakers and the author writes a beautiful analogy how what the salt represents. Becky says her salt shakers remind her that we're to be salt and light, and that even the tiniest pinch of salt offered someone the promise of a better life in Christ. The book is so beautifully written and shares with us the hurt that Becky felt her father had placed on her , when he wrote his books but would never say they weren't about her. She also gives us insight into homeless shelters and the needs that can be overwhelming for them. I loved the ending and thought it was powerful and makes you think about who you may hold unforgiveness for. It is a love story with life lessons we can all learn from. All we need is "A Pinch of Promise."

The Postcard by Laura V. Hilton

I received a copy of this book from book fun.org for an honest review

Rachel Miller is a young woman who , like most young women her age have a desire to visit other places. She starts writing to people she finds through  their local paper. She loves to hear about their towns and it gives her a sense of belonging . Her town is very small and she seems anxious to find something more to satisfy her hunger for the world around her. She has been writing to David, who lives in another town. They seem to be getting closer and she is excited when she receives mail from him. He is a kind man who sends her postcards with his letters to show her of the place he lives.

David and Rachel both know that they each have someone else in their life but they continue to write as feelings grow stronger. When David is involved in a life threatening accident, he decides to make a change. To Rachel's surprise , David shows up in her town. What will Rachel do when they meet for the first time? What will happen to her boyfriend, Obadiah?  How will David explain to his girlfriend he left behind that he has come to see Rachel?

The characters  are insecure in some areas and depend on their faith to help them overcome this. David realizes that he is being called to become a preacher. Will this calling take him away from Rachel? I loved the struggles the characters had and how the author  wove the story with faith, hope and acceptance. The story was well written and gave me a time to reflect on my own beliefs. I love reading Laura's books as they are thought provoking and leaves you with a sense of peace .

Courting the Amish Widow by Rachel Yoder-May

I received a copy of this book from Librarything for an honest review

Esther is a sweet loving person who has been a widow for years. She teaches the children in the small town and lives a simple life. One day there is a loud knock on the schoolhouse door that will change the course of Esther's  life forever. She learns that one of her dear friends has  been killed in an accident and now she must break the sad news to the children. She knew it would be hard on them since they had recently lost their father.

She decides to take the children home with her until arrangements can be made for permanent care of the children. Esther has always longed for children , and maybe God has answered her prayers. The story takes a twist when a stranger shows up. Will this stranger make trouble for Esther? The story is very short but filled with a sweet storyline. I loved how the author gives Esther the choice to follow her heart and trust God in her decision.

For a quick and uplifting read  this is sure to please fans of Amish stories.