Please rate this review here: Click This
This book highly intrigued me when I read the description that consisted of Amish heartbreak and romance. When I started reading the content, I was not disappointed and neither will you be. The story's starts three years after Gideon Beiler suddenly ends his engagement to childhood sweetheart Mattie Eash. When God has life bring them back together after the three long suffering years, old wounds are opened again. Will Mattie settle for security in her new beau or try to find out the truth about Gideon? Can either of them find joy this Christmas season?
"The Christmas Singing" is the perfect book for all seasons, not just Christmas. Not only was the story cute and unique, I could tell the author put a lot of thought and creativity into it. The one saying about Mattie Lane was just hilarious and priceless. Another of Cindy Woodsmall's books, "The Sound of Sleigh Bells" is also referred to in this book. The kind of romances I like reading contain innocent Christian love and content and "The Christmas Singing" was no exception. Teens and adults will both like this holiday romance story.
(I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)
Read an excerpt from the book here: Click This
See the book trailer here: Click This
Read chapter one here: Click This
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
The Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall
Please Rate this review here: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/12267
The Harvest of Grace was an awesome sequel to Cindy Woodsmall's A Bridge of Peace. Not only do you get to read about a whole new kind of Amish romance that happens between Slyvia and Aaron but also the four other love stories from the Ada's House series books one and two are continued and expanded, especially Cara and Ephraim's Story. In The Harvest of Grace, Sylvia's life is turned upside down when an unexpected betrayal breaks her heart. To escape the pain, she leaves her home and goes to work on the Blank's failing and debt ridden farm, hopeful in turning it around. When the Blank's son Aaron returns from rehab, problems arise between him, his parents, and Sylvia. Can Aaron and Slyvia find forgiveness and grace from The Father and hope for the future or will both their lives come crashing down in one bad incident?
This was a great and entertaining read. I couldn't wait to read it each day after school work was done. Even though having multiple romances in one book can get confusing, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I also liked that they had a character guide in the back of the book to help remember who everyone was which made it slightly less confusing. The summary of the first two books in the Ada's house series at the beginning of this book was great, as well. That way I didn't have to go reread the other two books and I could get on to the new story line found in book three. I would recommend this to other Romance lovers. Older teens and adults alike will love it for it unique and encouraging story.
(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)
Read Chapter One here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400073986&view=excerpt
The Harvest of Grace was an awesome sequel to Cindy Woodsmall's A Bridge of Peace. Not only do you get to read about a whole new kind of Amish romance that happens between Slyvia and Aaron but also the four other love stories from the Ada's House series books one and two are continued and expanded, especially Cara and Ephraim's Story. In The Harvest of Grace, Sylvia's life is turned upside down when an unexpected betrayal breaks her heart. To escape the pain, she leaves her home and goes to work on the Blank's failing and debt ridden farm, hopeful in turning it around. When the Blank's son Aaron returns from rehab, problems arise between him, his parents, and Sylvia. Can Aaron and Slyvia find forgiveness and grace from The Father and hope for the future or will both their lives come crashing down in one bad incident?
This was a great and entertaining read. I couldn't wait to read it each day after school work was done. Even though having multiple romances in one book can get confusing, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I also liked that they had a character guide in the back of the book to help remember who everyone was which made it slightly less confusing. The summary of the first two books in the Ada's house series at the beginning of this book was great, as well. That way I didn't have to go reread the other two books and I could get on to the new story line found in book three. I would recommend this to other Romance lovers. Older teens and adults alike will love it for it unique and encouraging story.
(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)
Read Chapter One here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400073986&view=excerpt
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Ale Boy's Feast by Jeffrey Overstreet
Please rate this review here: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/11289
Jeffrey Overstreet's book is a very unique story of colors, hope, deception, and mystery that feeds the imagination. It's the fourth book and the white strand in the Auralia Thread. It starts out right after the last book when the King of Abascar in the Expanse went missing after his desperate rescue attempt, to save some of his people from slavery, went horribly wrong. The ale boy, who was helping the king, also disappeared by falling into a crack in the ground. Miles underground this brave heart, the ale boy called Rescue by many, finds an underground river and tries to lead the survivors to safety. The other half of the Abascar people are also traveling but through a dangerous bloodthirsty forest trying to find an ancient mythic city of safety. Much awaits the heroes of this story as the last leg of their journey may be the most difficult yet. When a great deception seems to shake King Cal-Raven, can he find hope in the truth? Can the evil Seers of the Expanse and their Curse be yet defeated?
This enchanting story was most colorfully and skillfully written. I read this book before reading any of the other books made before it thus making this book's story very confusing. I would advise starting with the first three books in this order: Auralia's Colors, Cyndere's Midnight, and Raven's Ladder. My plan is to go back and read these three books and then the last one again because I really liked it. Though not necessarily a Christian allegory it still had a christian influence. The story makes you look at the beauty of nature differently and praise the creator for his wonderful creation. Even though it's Christian, it still has adult themes that should not be read by children. Older teens and adults would love this book if they would like to explore creation a whole new way.
(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)
Jeffrey Overstreet's book is a very unique story of colors, hope, deception, and mystery that feeds the imagination. It's the fourth book and the white strand in the Auralia Thread. It starts out right after the last book when the King of Abascar in the Expanse went missing after his desperate rescue attempt, to save some of his people from slavery, went horribly wrong. The ale boy, who was helping the king, also disappeared by falling into a crack in the ground. Miles underground this brave heart, the ale boy called Rescue by many, finds an underground river and tries to lead the survivors to safety. The other half of the Abascar people are also traveling but through a dangerous bloodthirsty forest trying to find an ancient mythic city of safety. Much awaits the heroes of this story as the last leg of their journey may be the most difficult yet. When a great deception seems to shake King Cal-Raven, can he find hope in the truth? Can the evil Seers of the Expanse and their Curse be yet defeated?
This enchanting story was most colorfully and skillfully written. I read this book before reading any of the other books made before it thus making this book's story very confusing. I would advise starting with the first three books in this order: Auralia's Colors, Cyndere's Midnight, and Raven's Ladder. My plan is to go back and read these three books and then the last one again because I really liked it. Though not necessarily a Christian allegory it still had a christian influence. The story makes you look at the beauty of nature differently and praise the creator for his wonderful creation. Even though it's Christian, it still has adult themes that should not be read by children. Older teens and adults would love this book if they would like to explore creation a whole new way.
(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long
When reading books, I look for the unusual stories or ones that stand out. That's why I was intrigued once I had read the description for this book. It is about Lilly Lapp, who has always admired the strong spirited Jacob. The thing is that he has had his sights set on another girl, Sarah King, since childhood. One day though, she marries another man and Jacob is crushed. Without much of a choice or a heart left to give, he agrees to marry Lilly. Can true love blossom between these two down spirited young adults? They can only trust God with their future to find out, but you have to read the book to know what happens.
Besides it being a charming amish book, the romance was very different. The thing is that they, from their point of view, agreed to a marriage without love. That in itself makes for an interesting story. Much of how they became engaged is also interesting. This book is the second in the "A Patch of Heaven" novels and I recommend buying and reading the first one before this book. The first book is called Sarah's Garden and if it's as good as this one, then you will be pleased. I think the first one is about Sarah King's, the girl Jacob likes, romance. So if you are looking to buy some intriguing amish love stories, I recommend these two.
(This was a book, of my choice, that booksneeze.com sent to me for free if I agreed to read it and review it honestly.)
Besides it being a charming amish book, the romance was very different. The thing is that they, from their point of view, agreed to a marriage without love. That in itself makes for an interesting story. Much of how they became engaged is also interesting. This book is the second in the "A Patch of Heaven" novels and I recommend buying and reading the first one before this book. The first book is called Sarah's Garden and if it's as good as this one, then you will be pleased. I think the first one is about Sarah King's, the girl Jacob likes, romance. So if you are looking to buy some intriguing amish love stories, I recommend these two.
(This was a book, of my choice, that booksneeze.com sent to me for free if I agreed to read it and review it honestly.)
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest by Chuck Black
Rate my review here: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/7467
This final book of the Knights of Arrethtrae series was really good. It ends the series by connecting to the coming again of the Prince in the Kingdom Series. Sir Rowan is a very famous tournament knight of Cameria but has forsaken the Prince and his ways. Then one day, all is taken from Sir Rowan when he is left for dead by the people he trusted. Sir Rowan is then given a second chance, from the Prince, when a lady helps him. Once he recovers, he finds all is not good in his beloved land of Cameria. The Dark Knight is destroying Chessington's strongest ally from the inside out. Sir Rowan is then pulled in two directions; to either help get back Cameria or go with a mysterious man who says Sir Rowan's destiny lies elsewhere. Can Sir Rowan decide before it's to late?
This was a dramatic story of deception, truth, love, and the Prince. The story had some interesting twists and themes that are hard to forget. The spiritual allegories were amazing as always but this time it was to a whole new level. I was really sad that it was the last book in this series and I hope that Chuck Black goes on to make many more books for us to enjoy. I definitely recommend this book to other fantasy lovers of all ages.
This final book of the Knights of Arrethtrae series was really good. It ends the series by connecting to the coming again of the Prince in the Kingdom Series. Sir Rowan is a very famous tournament knight of Cameria but has forsaken the Prince and his ways. Then one day, all is taken from Sir Rowan when he is left for dead by the people he trusted. Sir Rowan is then given a second chance, from the Prince, when a lady helps him. Once he recovers, he finds all is not good in his beloved land of Cameria. The Dark Knight is destroying Chessington's strongest ally from the inside out. Sir Rowan is then pulled in two directions; to either help get back Cameria or go with a mysterious man who says Sir Rowan's destiny lies elsewhere. Can Sir Rowan decide before it's to late?
This was a dramatic story of deception, truth, love, and the Prince. The story had some interesting twists and themes that are hard to forget. The spiritual allegories were amazing as always but this time it was to a whole new level. I was really sad that it was the last book in this series and I hope that Chuck Black goes on to make many more books for us to enjoy. I definitely recommend this book to other fantasy lovers of all ages.
The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall
Rate this review here: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/7462
This was a very interesting Amish story about how love isn't always enough to overcome some obstacles. Lena is an Amish schoolteacher who has a very visible birthmark on her cheek. She doubts that she'll ever find a special someone to look beyond the mark and see who she really is. The school board is also giving her a hard time about some of the incidents happening while she has been the school teacher. They are sure she is behind the mishaps because of her lack of submission to them. Grey Graber is trapped in a disheartening situation where there is strife and silence within his marriage. When his wife, Elsie, and him finally take steps to a second chance, the unthinkable happens. When it seems like the world is against Lena and Grey, can they get past the heartache of the past and build a bridge of peace toward a better future?
The book was very unique, well written, and the second in the Ada's House Series. I would read the first book of this series, The Hope of Refuge, before you read this one. Even though the story was very encouraging and the characters were memorable, it progressed very slowly and I had a hard time getting into it. Besides Lena, Grey, and Elsie's stories, there are two to three other romances between couples integrated in the book. This makes the book a little hard to remember who everyone is but there is a character list at the back of the book. There is also one very creepy character and some sad parts so only older teens and adults should read it. If you like complex and amish stories then this is the book for you.
(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)
This was a very interesting Amish story about how love isn't always enough to overcome some obstacles. Lena is an Amish schoolteacher who has a very visible birthmark on her cheek. She doubts that she'll ever find a special someone to look beyond the mark and see who she really is. The school board is also giving her a hard time about some of the incidents happening while she has been the school teacher. They are sure she is behind the mishaps because of her lack of submission to them. Grey Graber is trapped in a disheartening situation where there is strife and silence within his marriage. When his wife, Elsie, and him finally take steps to a second chance, the unthinkable happens. When it seems like the world is against Lena and Grey, can they get past the heartache of the past and build a bridge of peace toward a better future?
The book was very unique, well written, and the second in the Ada's House Series. I would read the first book of this series, The Hope of Refuge, before you read this one. Even though the story was very encouraging and the characters were memorable, it progressed very slowly and I had a hard time getting into it. Besides Lena, Grey, and Elsie's stories, there are two to three other romances between couples integrated in the book. This makes the book a little hard to remember who everyone is but there is a character list at the back of the book. There is also one very creepy character and some sad parts so only older teens and adults should read it. If you like complex and amish stories then this is the book for you.
(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue by Chuck Black
Please rate my review here: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/4840
This fourth book of the the Knights of Arrethtrae was outstanding and definitely worth reading. It is about an experienced and dedicated Knight of the Prince, Lady Carliss. After having just helped a friend with an adventure, she embarks on one of her own. It starts when her friend's family is kidnapped and taken to the city of Moorue. On her way there, Lady Carliss meets Sir Dalton again but before long, he is bitten by a poisonous lizard. As it happens, the cure is in Moorue in Lord Malco deadly swamp. Her feelings for Sir Dalton also arise again during her journey even though he is already taken by Lady Brynn. Can she master her feelings and defeat the spreading evil in Moorue before it's too late? Will she choose to save Dalton's life or the lives of some of the Moorue citizens? That's because all of their lives are running out of time but only one or the other may be reached in time.
This was my favorite book in the knights of Arrethtrae series not only because it's the only one mainly about a girl, but because the theme made me analyze my life the most. The struggle, in the story, to not think about "love" was also encouraging. As always, the Christian allegories found in the story were amazing and thought provoking. I recommend this to other teens and kids, especially girls :), who want to be encouraged in the faith of Jesus Christ. The King reigns...and His Son.
Buy book here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421272
Download Chapter one here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421272&view=news-videos
This fourth book of the the Knights of Arrethtrae was outstanding and definitely worth reading. It is about an experienced and dedicated Knight of the Prince, Lady Carliss. After having just helped a friend with an adventure, she embarks on one of her own. It starts when her friend's family is kidnapped and taken to the city of Moorue. On her way there, Lady Carliss meets Sir Dalton again but before long, he is bitten by a poisonous lizard. As it happens, the cure is in Moorue in Lord Malco deadly swamp. Her feelings for Sir Dalton also arise again during her journey even though he is already taken by Lady Brynn. Can she master her feelings and defeat the spreading evil in Moorue before it's too late? Will she choose to save Dalton's life or the lives of some of the Moorue citizens? That's because all of their lives are running out of time but only one or the other may be reached in time.
This was my favorite book in the knights of Arrethtrae series not only because it's the only one mainly about a girl, but because the theme made me analyze my life the most. The struggle, in the story, to not think about "love" was also encouraging. As always, the Christian allegories found in the story were amazing and thought provoking. I recommend this to other teens and kids, especially girls :), who want to be encouraged in the faith of Jesus Christ. The King reigns...and His Son.
Buy book here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421272
Download Chapter one here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421272&view=news-videos
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