You Tube Thursday

In honor of the Tampa Bay Blues Festival in April, I've chosen Jonny Lang as this week's featured artist.  I've seen him several times in concert, most recently a number of years ago when he opened for Sting.  I have to admit, I enjoy his style and hope he really brings it to light when he's here. Enjoy an oldie but goodie!


Jonny Lang--Lie to Me

Wordless Wednesday

Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book  blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Title: Unbreakable (Road to Kingdom book 2)

 Author: Nancy Mehl

 Format: trade paperback

Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense, Mennonites

Source: Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign

Published: Bethany House / 2013 / ISBN: 978-0-7642-0928-4 / 326 pages / $14.99

Buy the Book:  Amazon / Publisher / Christianbook / Barnes & Noble 

Find the Author Online:  Website / Facebook / Suspense Sisters Blog

Why I Read this Book:  I first learned of Nancy Mehl's work through the LibraryThing Early Book Reviewer's site when I received a free copy from the publisher of Inescapable- (book one in the Road to Kingdom series.)  I had only read a few Amish/Mennonite books at that point in time, so when I saw the word suspense with Mennonite, I was intrigued to find out how it would play a role in their everyday lives.  I mean, suspense and Mennonites?  It didn't really add up.  Well, I was proved very wrong.  Murder, lies, and broken family relationships were all a part of the first book. After reading Inescapable, I was hooked!

What I Liked:  I really enjoyed the fact that the characters in Unbreakable are realistic.  I think oftentimes, the Amish and Mennonite ways of life are painted as boring and perfect because they do not incorporate the same technologies that the rest of the world abuses uses on a daily basis.  Unbreakable shows that while the Mennonites are considered "plain," the people still suffer and fall prey to the same temptations and sins that the rest of us do.  Thankfully, their sense of community and faith are strong enough that rather than lock their doors to everyone, they all chip in and help each other out.

The suspense of who was causing all of the destruction both inside the town of Kingdom and outside kept me reading; hungry for more information.  I don't want to give spoilers to the story, so let's say that I was just as angry, sad, and confused as the characters while they were living through these attacks on the town and its members.

When sparks of attraction started to fly between several of the characters, I was biting my nails in anticipation of the final decision that had to be made.  Which of the suitors would be chosen and why?  I can honestly say that I didn't envy the decision that had to be made, but I'm glad there was a choice.

I enjoyed that the issue of faith and trust in God was brought up many times throughout the book.  I think as believers, we tend to doubt and not really trust that God is on our side, even if we say we do.  The characters had to actually live out their trust in God, and some even had to put their lives on the line and live out their belief that God would take care of them, even in the face of dire circumstances.  It's a great lesson to be learned by us all.  

What I Didn't Like:  The book ended too soon! I wanted to learn more about the other characters and their relationships, but I guess that will have to wait for the next book in the series.  *wink*

Overall Impression:  I thoroughly enjoyed reading Unbreakable, the second book in the Road to Kingdom series. It has opened my eyes to the reality and struggles that the members of the Mennonite and Amish communities face on a daily basis.  It has also made me realize that though their way of life is drastically different from my own, we still share the same struggles and frustrations, as well as doubts.  The good news is that our faith in God helps us to conquer the challenges that we face, and sometimes helps others to see that there is a proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel"
 if we just practice our faith and show what we believe.

 

Rating: 4 out of 5

Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading! 

Unbreakable Kindle Fire Giveaway and 3/5 Facebook Party!

Celebrate the release of Unbreakable with Nancy Mehl by entering her Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to the March 5th Author Chat Party on Facebook!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Books one & two in Nancy's Road to Kingdom series (Inescapable and Unbreakable)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 4th. Winner will be announced at the "Unbreakable" Author Chat Party on March 5th. Connect with Nancy, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books, and fun Mennonite-themed giveaways.

Grab your copy of Unbreakable and join Nancy on the evening of the March 5th for a chance to connect with Nancy and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!

You Tube Thursday

Things have been really hectic lately.  So much so that I'm at the end of my rope, begging God to give me some rest.  Ironic since my word for this year is REST.

It's funny how God works things out.  As I was driving to work one morning last week, I was praying for the energy to walk from my car to the building, and to just make it through the day without keeling over, and this song came on the radio. 

Tenth Avenue North- Worn





As I stumbled to my car that evening, the song began to play again.  Apparently I wasn't listening the first time.  Luckily, I took the hint and looked up the words online when I finally made it home.  Then, I found the story behind the words and knew I needed to share with you.  I hope you enjoy it. 

Tenth Avenue North-Worn-Video Journal by Mike Donehey
 



And remember, God is there with you.  Sometimes He has to carry you through the storms.  Rest in Him.