Broken Ground By: Karen Schreck Review

Broken Ground By: Karen Schreck Review By: 05/03/2016 Genre: Adult Fiction Synopsis:  When a young oil rig widow escapes her grief and the Texas Dust Bowl, she discovers a surprising future—and new passion—awaiting her in California in this lyrically written romance by the author of Sing for Me. Newly married to her childhood sweetheart, twenty-one-year-old Ruth Warren is settling into life in a Depression-era, East Texas oil town. She’s making a home when she learns that her young husband, Charlie, has been killed in an oil rig accident. Ruth is devastated, but then gets a chance for a fresh start: a scholarship from a college in Pasadena, CA. Ruth decides to take a risk and travel west, to pursue her one remaining dream to become a teacher. At college Ruth tries to fit into campus life, but her grief holds her back. When she spends Christmas with some old family friends, she meets the striking and compelling Thomas Everly, whose own losses and struggles have instilled in him a commitment to social justice, and led him to work with Mexican migrant farmworkers in a camp just east of Los Angeles. With Thomas, Ruth sees another side of town, and another side of current events: the numerous forced deportations without due process of Mexicans, along with United States citizens of Mexican descent. After Ruth is forced to leave school, she goes to visit Thomas and sees that he has cobbled together a night school for the farmworkers’ children. Ruth begins to work with the children, and establishes deep friendships with people in the camp. When the camp is raided and the workers and their families are rounded up and shipped back to Mexico, Ruth and Thomas decide to take a stand for the workers’ rights—all while promising to love and cherish one another.  My Review: This story reminds me that everything happens for a reason. It also reminds me how important it is Togo back hoe. Especially to see old friends. There is something to be said for friends of the family. They remember and k ow things about your loved ones that you may have forgotten. Ruth has been faced with many decisions. It was inter sting to see her pick between her dream of teaching and what is in her heart. I liked the ending and I would like to read about how the kids in the night school turn out. I am giving this book a 3/5. I have been given a copy to review,however all opinions are my own.

Brush of Wings By: Karen Kingsbury Book Review

Brush of Wings By: Karen Kingsbury Genre: Adult Fiction SYNOPSIS:  From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes the third novel in an unforgettable series about divine intervention and the trials and triumphs of life for a group of friends. Despite needing a heart transplant and against the advice of her doctor, Mary Catherine moves to Uganda to work at a new orphanage. Whatever time she has left, Mary Catherine wants to spend it helping children—especially since there will be no children of her own. The only problem is Major League Baseball player Marcus Dillinger, the man she never meant to fall in love with. Neither Marcus nor Mary Catherine’s other friends—Tyler Ames and Sami Dawson—know just how serious her heart condition is. Still, Marcus is sure in the depths of his soul that something isn’t right. Ultimately his correspondence with Mary Catherine leads him on a desperate life-or-death mission to rescue her and get her to a US hospital before time runs out. Meanwhile, Sami and Tyler struggle with issues of their own. In a season when Tyler plans to ask Sami to marry him, the very core of their relationship is in jeopardy. The team of angels walking is busier than ever in this epic battle between life and death. Brush of Wings is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the power of faith. My review; "Brush of Wings" by author Karen Kingsbury is part of a wonderful series. Mary Catherine needs a heart transplant, as soon as possible. She has decided to go to Uganda to help children as much as she can because she has very little time left. She cannot have her own children so she tries to help other people's children. Marcus Dillinger is the man she loves. The secret about her heart is one she has even kept from him. Marcus has feelings though and thinks that Mary Catherine is not telling the whole truth. He decides that she has to go back to the hospital, before it is too late. He also wants to get married as  soon as possible. This is the story of faith, love and angels watching out for us. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for a  review and these are my opinions.

Bride of a Distant Isle By: Sandra Byrd Review

Bride of a Distant Isle By: Sandra Byrd Genre: Adult Fiction SYNOPSIS: An unforgettable romance set in Victorian England, Bride of A Distant Isle is the engrossing story of Annabel Ashton, who fights to save her family home and her mother's honor while trying to figure out if the man she loves wants her—or just wants to use her to achieve his own ambitions. Miss Annabel Ashton is a teacher at the Rogers School for Young Ladies in Winchester when she takes a brief visit to her family home, Highcliffe Hall at Milford-on-Sea. She believes her stay will be short but soon learns that she will not be returning to the safety of the school. Instead, she remains at Highcliffe, at the mercy of her cousin, Edward Everedge. Annabel protests, but as the illegitimate daughter of a woman who died in an insane asylum, she has little say. Edward is running out of money and puts the house up for sale to avoid financial ruin. He insists that Annabel marry, promising her to a sinister, frightening man. But as the house gets packed for sale, it begins to reveal disquieting secrets. Jewelry, artifacts, and portraits mysteriously appear, suggesting that Annabel may be the true heir of Highcliffe. She has only a few months to prove her legitimacy, perhaps with assistance from the handsome but troubled Maltese Captain Dell’Acqua. But does he have Annabel’s best interests at heart? And then, a final, most ominous barrier to both her inheritance and her existence appears: a situation neither she nor anyone else could have expected. Will Annabel regain her life and property—and trust her heart—before it’s too late? My review; Author Sandra Byrd has written a great book called "Bride of Distant Isle" about a woman whose name is Miss Annabel Ashton and she  teaches at a school for young girls. She decides that she has to  leave her job to go to her family home and her life is never the same again. Once she arrives she finds out that her cousin is not letting her go back to the school ever again. Annabel can do nothing about her treatment by him, or that fact that he is selling her home. He has decided that she is illegitimate, and because her mother was insane he has the right to marry her off to save his financial life and future. He tells her that she is going to marry a man who is terrible. As time goes on there are items found in the house like portraits, jewelry and more, Maybe Highcilffe  is really hers, not his. The Maltese Captain Dell'Acqua acts like her really wants to help her. But can she really believe him? I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for a  review and these are my opinions.

Chasing Heaven By: Crystal McVea and Alex Tresniowski

Chasing Heaven By: Crystal McVea and Alex Tresniowski Genre: Adult Non-Fiction SYNOPSIS: From the author of the New York Times bestseller, Waking Up in Heaven, comes an extraordinary story about Crystal McVea’s personal transformation after visiting heaven and how readers can experience heaven themselves—and live a more meaningful life. On December 10, 2009, Crystal McVea was being treated in a hospital for pancreatitis. Her heart stopped pumping for nine minutes before doctors managed to revive her. In those nine minutes, she went to heaven, stood with God, and was forever changed. Ever since Crystal’s incredible experience, her life has been profoundly different. She has become a brand new person in every conceivable way—heart, mind, soul, and spirit. By dying, Crystal learned how to live. Crystal realized that heaven is real and our true home, but we are still meant to have meaningful lives full of passion and purpose right here on earth. She believes we have to chase heaven while we are still alive and allow God to turn our lukewarm love into a firestorm of faith.Chasing Heaven is the story of how God called to Crystal, what He told her, and how she found a way to get closer to Him again here on earth. Crystal assures us that we don’t have to die and go to heaven in order to ignite our faith. We also don’t have to abandon the lives we have in order to experience God and heaven. Chasing Heaven is about following the path to the Lord, and discovering your spiritual destiny. The journey that followed Crystal’s time in heaven has been difficult, complicated, and surprising—full of twists and turns, setbacks and triumphs, drama and comedy, and everything that makes life so messy and beautiful. My review; Wow!  This book is very thought provoking. Will the reader believe that Crystal McVea has seen God and is changed because of it, or will they not believe? It is something that each of us must decide for ourselves. Most people want to believe that there is a God and that we will all have the same experience. Author Crystal shares her deepest feeling with us. She also shares her faith with us. I give this book a 5/5. I was given this book for a review and these are my opinions.

Promise to Keep by Elizabeth Younts Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

World War II Marine Joe Garrison returns home from war longing to be a father to his deaf daughter, Daisy, only to find that she is attached to Esther Detweiler, the Amish woman who has raised her since his wife’s death in this touching historical romance.

Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin’s deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther’s grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.

When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can thunk about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.

As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Promise to Keep, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author:

I’m Elizabeth, a blessed child of The King. I’m a middle-born daughter, military officer’s wife, homeschooling mama, writer, closet DIYer, and, dare I say it, Downton Abbey addict. May I also mention that I love both my history and my coffee rich.

I am formerly Amish and my heritage is very dear to me and thankful to be so accepted among my still Amish family. I can still speak PA Dutch, too! You can learn more about my Amish family in my first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl.

My three book series with Howard Books (a division of Simon & Schuster) is a dream come true. The series is titled The Promise of Sunrise. In this series you will live through World War 2 from an Amish perspective and experience their unique struggles as conscientious objectors during wartime. What happened if one of their members enlisted? What was it like to serve at the Civilian Public Service Camps for years with almost no compensation? How did Amish women and families cope when a son or father was drafted? I look forward to taking you back into the richness of these years of Amish history through fiction.

My review,
Daisy is a little girl that has seen a lot of horrible and sad events happen in her short life. After her father, Joe Harrison goes to war her mother dies. Daisy is deaf and she has been shunned by others. The only person who has been taking care of her, Esther Detweiler , who is also her cousin has become very close to her. Weather's older grandmother does and she and Daisy are all alone. Joe returns and wants to start to be a real dad to Daisy but, she wants only to be with Esther.They have to start to work together to do what is best for Daisy. What is going to happen when Joe and Esther start to have feelings for each other? Will Daisy be upset or will she be happy? I really liked this story and the characters. I was given this book for a review and these are all my opinions. I am giving this book a 4/5.

Return To Exile by Lynne Gentry Book Review

RETURN TO EXILE
By: Lynne Gentry
Review By: 01/06/2015
Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

SYNOPSIS: How far would you go to save the ones you love?

Six years ago, impossible circumstances forced Dr. Lisbeth Hastings to leave behind the love of her life, not just in another country, but in another time. Her work as a top-notch epidemiologist and parenting her little girl helps alleviate the pain, but at night when her exhausted head hits the pillow, images of her beloved Cyprian haunt her sleep.

Cyprian Thascius returns from political exile a broken man. He’s lost his faith, the love of his life, and his purpose. He attempts to move on, to face the danger that is looming over Carthage, but when Cyprian’s true love suddenly reappears, his heart becomes as imperiled as the fledgling church he seeks to save.

Have the years that kept Lisbeth and Cyprian apart created too wide a chasm to bridge? In the midst of a new epidemic and rising oppression, will their love be the most costly fatality? Filled with gripping action and raw emotion, this spellbinding adventure of star-crossed lovers captivates with every turn of the page in this electric continuation of The Carthage Chronicles.

My review;
  I love time travel stories!! When I read this though I realized that it was a little different than the ones I have read before. I really enjoyed this novel. This is the second in, " The Carthage Chronicles", series. I cannot wait or the conclusion of this series called, " Valley of Decision". There is also a lot of history in this book. To think about a person exiled and in Rome during the start of Christianity boggles my mind. What a different time. There were so many things that were different and yet Christians are still here. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.

FAMILY OF JESUS By: Karen Kingsbury Review

FAMILY OF JESUS
By: Karen Kingsbury
Review By: 07/01/2014
Genre: Biblical Studies/Spiritual Growth

SYNOPSIS: Through The Family of Jesus, readers will develop an emotional connection to the family members of Jesus, learning about their lives and falling in love with Scripture along the way. Bible studies and devotionals abound, and in churches everywhere people gather to seek a deeper understanding of God’s word and its application to their lives. But too often these studies engage only the analytic approach to Bible learning.

In The Family of Jesus, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist Karen Kingsbury will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately care more deeply about the Bible by helping you grasp the truths in Scripture not just with your mind, but with your heart. The characters in these short stories were among those closest to Jesus—Mary, Joseph, Jesus’ brother James, John the Baptist, Zechariah, and Elizabeth. Each has a compelling tale to tell. Kingsbury intersperses fictional, emotionally gripping details anchored in Scripture with historical and theological insights and questions that will guide soul-searching and reflection.

The Family of Jesus not only provides a deeper understanding of the relatives of our Savior, but also helps readers acquire tools that will draw them closer to Christ, to the Scriptures, and to each other.


My Review:

I have read other books by this author, but none quite like this. This was a perfect time to read about Jesus and his family. Especially so close to his birth. I never knew about his aunt Elizabeth or his brother James. These stories really opened up my eyes to how Jesus was raised and how he had his family around him. I also learned a lot about the Bible. Joseph is never quoted and never has a recorded word. As I started reading there are stories about each relative that the author talks about. She uses quotes and historical facts. Then at the end of the book there is a weekly discussion guide. This is separated by day. It is so easy to read and follow along. The author even gives the reader what part of the Bible to read that correlates to what we read. I really liked this book and I am giving it a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from Howard Books, however all opinions are my own.

Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts Book Review

PROMISE TO CHERISH
By: Elizabeth Younts
Review By: 10/07/2014
Genre: Fiction

SYNOPSIS: It’s 1945, and Christine Freeman is a nurse at Hudson River State Hospital, where she works alongside members of a Civilian Public Service unit. Eli is one of the conscies—conscientious objectors to the war—and he is doing his best to become a man of character instead of the immature heartbreaker he used to be back home in his Amish community.

Christine and Eli are friendly, but when an old acquaintance, Jack, returns home from the war, Christine’s world is violently turned upside down. Eli, heartbroken to see his friend so hurt, offers her an escape within his Amish community. Despite her misgivings, Christine is fully embraced by Eli’s community. She slowly begins to feel valued and loved as she learns the Amish way of life.

Christine finds herself falling for Eli. But soon, the abusive Jack discovers Christine in her Amish hideaway and starts causing trouble for the quiet community. Christine can’t see herself becoming Amish, and she knows that if Eli leaves the church to be with her, he will be shunned. Will she escape Jack and possibly have to give up the one thing she holds most dear, or will she follow her heart and promise to cherish the Amish man who loves her?


My review:

I just finished reading Home to Cherish and I found it a very good story. Christine and Eli are brought together when someone starts to threaten Christine. As she stays with him in his Amish community she realizes that she likes the Amish. The question is if they want to be together how is it possible, will they stay with the Amish or will Eli leave his old life behind? This is a story of love and faith, I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book from Howard Books for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.

THE LEGEND OF SHEBA By: Tosca Lee Review

THE LEGEND OF SHEBA

By: Tosca Lee
Review By: 09/09/2014
Genre: Historical Fiction

SYNOPSIS: There is the story you know: A foreign queen, journeying north with a caravan of riches to pay tribute to a king favored by the One God. The tale of a queen conquered by a king and god both before returning to her own land laden with gifts.

That is the tale you were meant to believe.

Which means most of it is a lie.

The truth is far more than even the storytellers could conjure. The riches more priceless. The secrets more corrosive. The love and betrayal more passionate and devastating.

Across the Red Sea, the pillars of the great oval temple once bore my name: Bilqis, Daughter of the Moon. Here, to the west, the porticoes knew another: Makeda, Woman of Fire. To the Israelites, I was queen of the spice lands, which they called Sheba.

In the tenth century BC, the new Queen of Sheba has inherited her father’s throne and all its riches at great personal cost. Her realm stretches west across the Red Sea into land wealthy in gold, frankincense, and spices. But now new alliances to the North threaten the trade routes that are the lifeblood of her nation. Solomon, the brash new king of Israel famous for his wealth and wisdom, will not be denied the tribute of the world—or of Sheba’s queen. With tensions ready to erupt within her own borders and the future of her nation at stake, the one woman who can match wits with Solomon undertakes the journey of a lifetime in a daring bid to test and win the king. But neither ruler has anticipated the clash of agendas, gods, and passion that threatens to ignite—and ruin—them both. An explosive retelling of the legendary king and queen and the nations that shaped history.

My Review:
This is a book that any fan of Solomon or the tenth century BC. The history is accurate, and what was not mentioned in the Bible, although fiction, is also based on facts. What I really enjoy about these types of books (religious fiction) is that they add to the Bible. I have read the Bible, but I did not know all the facts that the author does. She has done so much research and it shows in her description of the people, clothes. and common practices. This book includes how women of that time were treated (including rape, etc). It was interesting to read about Sheba and how she rose to the throne. This is a great religious fiction novel. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review from Howard Books, however all opinions are my own.

Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury Book Review

ANGELS WALKING

By: Karen Kingsbury
Genre: Fiction

SYNOPSIS: When former national baseball star Tyler Ames suffers a career-ending injury, all he can think about is putting his life back together the way it was before. He has lost everyone he loves on his way to the big leagues. Then just when things seem to be turning around, Tyler hits rock bottom. Across the country, Tyler’s one true love Sami Dawson has moved on.

A series of small miracles leads Tyler to a maintenance job at a retirement home and a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an old woman with Alzheimer’s who strangely might have the answers he so desperately seeks.

A team of Angels Walking take on the mission to restore hope for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia. Can such small and seemingly insignificant actions of the unseen bring healing and redemption? And can the words of a stranger rekindle lost love? Every journey begins with a step.

It is time for the mission to begin…

My review:

I love anything written by Karen Kingsbury  and this is one of my favorites. This is the first book in her Angels Walking Series. This is the kind of story that is so heartwarming that you cannot put it down until you finish it.  I loved the 2 main characters Sami and Tyler and how they have to find their way. There are people around us for a reason, and we need to be open minded. This book is about Angels walking among us, I cannot wait for the next in this series to be published. I give this book a 5/5. I was given this free book for the purpose of a an honest review from Howard books and all opinions are my own.

THE SIGN PAINTER By: Davis Bunn Review

THE SIGN PAINTER

By: Davis Bunn
Genre: Christian Fiction

SYNOPSIS: Amy Dowell had always considered herself a very good mother. But when she loses her husband to illness and her home to debt, she finds herself and her young daughter, Kimberly, living on the streets as she struggles to find a job that will get them back on their feet again.

When Amy meets Lucy Watts, the pastor in charge of the church program that fed Amy and Kimberly their latest meal, Lucy sets them up in temporary housing and gives her a lead on a job painting signs for a local auto dealership—but Amy is hesitant to let go and trust. Is this finally a legitimate break? Can Amy subject herself to the possibility of disappointment and hurt by hoping again?

Inspired by the true story, The Sign Painter is a tale of desperation, taking chances, and ultimately redemption. This heartwarming novel blends mystery, romance, and characters you’ll root for, will leave you wondering–Is home really where the heart is?

My Review:

This was a story about loss and love. To lose your husband, house and to be homeless is not a good combination. Especially when you have a daughter. This was based on a true story and I wish that I could find it. I would love to read more about these people and how strong they are. This book proves that a house is not a home unless there is love there. A home can be wherever you want it to be. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from Howard Books, however all opinions are my own.