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.

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.

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!

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.

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!!

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.

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! 

Appreciated!

The Quotable Rogue: The Ideals of Sarah Palin in Her Own Words
By Matt Lewis

I am a Palin fan!
What I enjoy about this book is we have a record of what she has said in the context of when she said it.  I also like the last chapter that quotes what others have commented about her.

I am so disappointed in how she was treated and portrayed in the presidential campaign by the media.  I felt she was discriminated against unfairly. I hope that she will again run for office and get an equal representation from the media.  I feel that our news sources should give us objective reporting, not attack individuals unfairly and dishonestly.

Thank you, Matt Lewis and Thomas Nelson Publishers for your part in representing this lady by printing her own words, not fabricating unfavorable reports.

Enjoyable!

The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden

I enjoyed reading this book!
I was surprised at the suspense and emotion involved in the story.
I was impressed that the author could make you see different perspectives and that good triumphed in the end.
I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a free copy from the publisher, but was under no obligation for a positive review.

Do you believe me?

The Promise of an Angel
By Ruth Reid

This was a very good book and I enjoyed reading it. Although at one point I almost gave up on the story, and put it aside. I was reading more between the lines and thought that an act of fornication had been lightly passed over. Our society has few scruples and laughs at purity. God expects more of us as Christians. We have forgotten that he is ever aware of our thoughts and actions.

This was a complicated plot, showing many of the characters attitudes and reactions.  I particularly enjoyed the loyalty shown by one of the main characters with little evidence shown. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series scheduled to come out in April 2012.

Historical Fiction

Fairer Than The Morning

By Rosslyn Elliott

On the cover the reviewer mentions Dickens' style.

This book tells of the meanness and cruelty of owners for

their workers-- apprentices and slaves.

The story is very compelling and draws you into it.

I was appalled at the cruelty depicted. I am so thankful that

it is illegal in this nation to own another person.

Ms. Elliott is a very talented author. One thing I appreciated was the way she brought out that sin has consequences. I am looking forward to reading the second book in this Saddler's Legacy series.

Leadership!

Washington

A Legacy of Leadership

By Paul Vickery and Stephen Mansfield

A fresh look at one of the most recognized faces in American History.

This author has a way of describing General Washington that draws you into the story. I am so thankful that he has written this book to present the facts of our first Presidents life, instead of trying to belittle him or bring out any flaws, just to elevate our opinion of the self-serving politicians that we so often encounter today.

One thing that the author brings out in this book is that Mr. Washington was a man of prayer. All too often this fact is overlooked.

A nice feature of this book is the artwork. My favorite picture of Mr. Washington is of him kneeling in prayer at Valley Forge.

I thank God for the Father of our Country -- General George Washington!

Neat!

Strike It Rich With Pocket Change
by Ken Potter and Brian Allen

This is a neat book with many illustrations and information about
casting errors and other reasons why some coins are worth much
more than their face value.

I have always been interested in pocket change, now I will be able
to know more about it! Another thing I like about this book, are the
stories about how much people got for their change.

Informative!

MacArthur

America's General

By Mitchell Yockelson and Stephen Mansfield

Published by Thomas Nelson

A book about a larger than life hero and motivator in battle.

This book tells about his family background, his faith, before and after

and during His illustrious and highly decorated military career.

We, Americans, tend to forget our heroes from the past,

and focus only on today. I am so glad that these authors

took the time and spent such effort on the recording of a

life worth studying.

Wake up, America! We need God!

Socks!

Knitting Knee-Highs

Sock Styles from Classic to Contemporary

By Barb Brown

A great book of 20 adjustable patterns with colorful pictures. The patterns are varied to cover many styles.

One thing I like about this book is the instruction on changing the height of the socks and tailoring a perfect fit in the width. I have small ankles compared to the upper calves, so it is hard to find the right fit in socks. This book is just a fit for adjusting the socks to fit me!

Another thing I like, is the variety of colors and patterns of the socks.

The colorful pictures give us ideas on how they will look on us!

I may even try an argyle style.

Bugs!

Nick of Time by Tim Downs.

Wow, what a book! One of the quickest reads for me in a long time.

I learned more about bugs than I even knew I wanted to.

This story had many unexpected twists, plenty of suspense, and even some humor thrown in for good measure.

Even though this book is a part of a series, I was able to catch up and enjoy the story even though I haven't read the previous titles.

I would definitely read another book by Tim Downs!

Helpful!

Story Engineering by Larry Brooks is a very informative book. I don’t know if I will ever successfully write a book, but now I have a better idea of how to layout my ideas and plan the story better.

It impresses me that Mr. Brooks had his book accepted so readily by a publisher.

I am excited about this resource.

Success!

Put Your Dream to the Test: 10 Questions to Help You See It and Seize It

By John C. Maxwell

A book about accomplishing your goals, full of many examples of people who were able to set goals and see success. I love the writing style of John Maxwell. He is instructing while entertaining you. He shares many examples of people who have dreamed and then saw their dreams come true. I hope to read many more books by him.

Encouraging Words

Live Loved - A Devotional by Max Lucado.

Everybody needs to feel love and acceptance. God loves His children. When we accept His salvation, we can know that he has provided an eternal home with Him in Heaven.

This book is small enough to carry for personal devotions.

A book of encouragement and instruction by a man known for delivering a powerful punch with a few words.

Informative

The Book that Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization

By Vishal Mangalwadi

A book by a very learned man who has knowledge of several religions.

He presents the case that Americas problem is that she has moved away from her foundation -- The Holy Bible.

He shows our beginnings and how we prospered when we acknowledged God.

He shows the demise of our culture, and presents the fact that atheism led to suicide as a trend.

The evidence in this book should be prayerfully considered and measured against the scriptures themselves. A book to open your eyes and make you think.