Saturday, October 15, 2011

Great Adventure!

The Doctor's Lady
by Jody Hedlund


When I was a child I read the biography of Narcissa Whitman many times. I really didn't start reading avidly until after high school, so to say I read a book as a child is unusual, to say I read it many times very rare.

I enjoyed the first book, The Preacher's Bride, by Mrs. Hedlund, so I was anxious to read this book! She has a way of getting you in the corner of her heroine.  I feel I know these characters well. She is descriptive without being too wordy and taking away from the story. She did a great job presenting the hazards and the daring adventure for a woman in the early American Pioneer era.  I appreciate the review copy from the Bethany House. I am very interested in reading more books by Jody Hedlund.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Delightful Short Stories!

Healing Hearts
by Beth Wiseman


Such delightful stories that cover tough issues and entertain.  This is the first book I have read by Mrs. Wiseman, but I doubt it will be the last. She is a great storyteller. 

I like to read short complete stories.  These were just long enough to meet the characters, feel you knew them well, and resolve their issues. I hope Mrs. Wiseman continues to write for many years to come, and that I have the opportunity to read more by her.

I am currently enjoying reading Amish fiction and Mrs. Wiseman does a great job writing about the Amish.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Hold still!

A Vision of Lucy
by Margaret Brownley


A enjoyable read set in the west about a lady photographer. A good book that addresses discrimination and acceptance.  The author did a good job describing scenes and events so that you were drawn into the story.
Even though this is the third in a series it stands alone. I will go back and read the earlier books to find out more about some of the characters.
Thank you, Mrs. Brownley for a very well written book!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Finding Peace

Treasuring Emma
By Kathleen Fuller

A good story about finding contentment.   The only peace is found trusting God. There were many characters presented each with differing emotions and viewpoints.

I hadn't read a book by this author before, but it must be in a series, and she leaves some room to write many more stories with these characters.

I would be interested in reading more books by her. The one thing I found strange is that she refers to the outside culture as "Yankee" when the other Amish writers I have read refer to it as "English". 

I plan to watch for the next book in this series so I can follow this story.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Enjoyable!

Plain Wisdom
by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud

I enjoyed reading this book!!
There were so many stories about events in
Their lives both good and sad and how God
helped them and how he will be with us.
I especially enjoyed the humor!
I have learned about the Amish and will
refer to this book in the future, especially the recipes!!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Misunderstandings!

Beyond All Measure
By Dorothy Love

Life is what happens while we are making plans.

Don't put much stock in first impressions.

Sometimes life throws us a curve.

Things aren't always what they seem.

This was an enjoyable tale set in post civil war days when sentiment ran high. 
Miss Ada Wentworth was hired to care for Mrs. Lillian Willis, but the job wasn't fully outlined in her correspondence with the former aide -- she didn't know what she had agreed to do. Ada liked to make hats and she did it well. She had never had to support herself before, but she knew she could make a living being a milliner.

Wyatt Caldwell, Mrs. Lillian's nephew, having served in the Confederate Army, had a strong dislike for Yankees, and had a hard time accepting Miss Wentworth.

Be sure to finish the book to see how friendships grow and ideas change.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Be a Blessing!

A Place Called Blessing
By John Trent and Annette Smith

I really enjoyed reading this book! I read it in less than four hours, it almost read itself!
I hope than I can be a better influence on others lives after reading this!

Our society for generations has been centered on themselves, not caring for anyone but me. Every decision and action is based on what will it mean for me, how will I benefit, what do I want?

When we open our eyes to the needs of others, we can see how others hurt, their talents and potential.

The story itself is very compelling, and the study questions are very thought provoking.

A very good read! I highly recommend this book!