I received this book for free from the author, the publicist, and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
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Showing posts with label Christian fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian fiction. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Summer Plans and Other Disasters by Karin Beery
Friday, October 21, 2016
A Sister's Wish and An Amish Family Christmas by Shelley Shepard Gray
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these books free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications 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.”
Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.
Dynamic Uno here: I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the fictional people living in the Amish town of Charm, Ohio. The first two books in the series: A Son's Vow and A Daughter's Dream were just the introduction to the Kinsinger family saga, with these two as the book-endings.
A Sister's Wish is book 3 in the series and focuses on Amelia, the sister who takes care of the home front while the other siblings are off either working, or in Levi's case, away from the family. While she is by far the sweetest of the Kinsinger clan, I could see why she had a soft spot for the rough and tumble Simon. (After all, isn't the stereotype that the good girls want the bad boys because they see a sense of adventure and daring that they wouldn't have otherwise?) Thankfully, for Amelia's sake, Simon no longer lived the rough lifestyle that he grew up with and that carried over into part of his adult life.
I enjoyed this book in the series because it reminds us all that no matter what we have done in our past, God still forgives and has redeemed us. Something I know that I need to be reminded of on a regular basis.
Book 4, An Amish Family Christmas, was a great way to wrap up the series--although if it were up to me, it would have been waaaaayyyy longer because I don't want to say goodbye to the characters. Levi has finally returned home after fleeing to Pinecraft, Florida after their father's death. Rather than live in the large family home, he decides to rent a house in town. There, he begins a friendship with his neighbor Julia and her daughter Penny. Julia has her own issues and secrets, but after Levi befriends her, she begins to realize that she doesn't have to be ashamed of her past and her secrets no longer have to stay that way.
I think out of all four of the books in the series this one was my favorite. All of the siblings found their life-match and despite the difficulties they had to endure, they were able to overcome them with the help of friends, family, and their faith in God.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. The Kinsinger clan and the the other characters were realistically written and had to overcome many of the same struggles that you and I face each day. It's nice to read an author who is not afraid to tackle these challenges in her writing and to portray them in such a way that hope and love are the remaining responses.
If you think the Amish have an idealistic life and that nothing bad ever happens to them, you're wrong. They suffer from the same tragedies and heartaches that the rest of us face, but they rely on their faith, friends, and family to help them get by. This is an excellent series and I can't wait to read more by this author!
Let me know what you think in the comments section and Happy Reading!
BOOK GIVEAWAY TIME...
About the book:
A Sister's Wish (Avon Inspire, September 2016)
In Shelley Shepard Gray's third book in her Charmed Amish Life series, a respectable young woman finds herself falling for an Amish man from the wrong side of the tracks.
Amelia Kinsinger is the perfect Amish woman---at least according to her neighbors. And while Amelia takes pride in her role as homemaker, she's also harboring a secret: She's been in love with bad boy Simon Hochstetler for as long as she can remember. Too bad he's about as far from "perfect" as an Amish man could get . . . but that's exactly why she's so drawn to him.
Life hasn't been kind to Simon. He ran away from an abusive home at fifteen and things went downhill from there. Eventually, Simon landed in prison. But the experience changed him. Now back in Charm as a grown man, he's determined to make a new life for himself and not think too much about his wild past . . . unless it pertains to Amelia.
He's loved Amelia for years. To him, she represents everything good and kind in the world. When he realizes that she returns his affections, he starts calling on her in secret, even though her older brother Lukas---who just happens to be Simon's best friend---has made it perfectly clear that Amelia deserves better. Simon disagrees and believes he's the only one who can truly make her happy.
But when Amelia gets hurt, it sets off a chain of events that forces them to consider their future together---and face their past mistakes. There's a chance for love . . . but only if Simon dares to trust Amelia with the secrets of his past.
In Shelley Shepard Gray's third book in her Charmed Amish Life series, a respectable young woman finds herself falling for an Amish man from the wrong side of the tracks.
Amelia Kinsinger is the perfect Amish woman---at least according to her neighbors. And while Amelia takes pride in her role as homemaker, she's also harboring a secret: She's been in love with bad boy Simon Hochstetler for as long as she can remember. Too bad he's about as far from "perfect" as an Amish man could get . . . but that's exactly why she's so drawn to him.
Life hasn't been kind to Simon. He ran away from an abusive home at fifteen and things went downhill from there. Eventually, Simon landed in prison. But the experience changed him. Now back in Charm as a grown man, he's determined to make a new life for himself and not think too much about his wild past . . . unless it pertains to Amelia.
He's loved Amelia for years. To him, she represents everything good and kind in the world. When he realizes that she returns his affections, he starts calling on her in secret, even though her older brother Lukas---who just happens to be Simon's best friend---has made it perfectly clear that Amelia deserves better. Simon disagrees and believes he's the only one who can truly make her happy.
But when Amelia gets hurt, it sets off a chain of events that forces them to consider their future together---and face their past mistakes. There's a chance for love . . . but only if Simon dares to trust Amelia with the secrets of his past.
About the book:
An Amish Family Christmas (Avon Inspire, October 2016)
In Shelley Shepard Gray's fourth book in her Charmed Amish Life series, an unlikely Amish romance reveals that Christmas is a time for family, miracles---and love.
Ever since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi Kinsinger has felt adrift. Newly returned to Charm, Ohio, Levi is trying to fit into his old life, only to discover he seems to have outgrown it.
But when Julia, his young widowed neighbor, asks for his help with a Christmas project, Levi finds a sense of purpose for the first time in months. She and her daughter are new to Charm and could use a friend, a job Levi takes personally. Soon enough, friendship grows into attraction, but Levi can't help having doubts. There's something about Julia that doesn't ring quite true . . .
Like Levi, Julia Kemps has survived her fair share of hardships---but only by hiding the truth of her past. Being an unmarried mother in an Amish community was unthinkable. Feeling hopeless, Julia did the only thing she could do: she moved to a new town and pretended to be a widow. But meeting Levi, she's hopeful for the first time. Little by little, she begins to imagine telling him her darkest secret, and eventually . . . perhaps even sharing her life with him.
Christmas is a time for family, and as the holiday draws closer, Julia and Levi will have to face their pasts together . . . in order to find the healing, support and love they so desperately desire.
In Shelley Shepard Gray's fourth book in her Charmed Amish Life series, an unlikely Amish romance reveals that Christmas is a time for family, miracles---and love.
Ever since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi Kinsinger has felt adrift. Newly returned to Charm, Ohio, Levi is trying to fit into his old life, only to discover he seems to have outgrown it.
But when Julia, his young widowed neighbor, asks for his help with a Christmas project, Levi finds a sense of purpose for the first time in months. She and her daughter are new to Charm and could use a friend, a job Levi takes personally. Soon enough, friendship grows into attraction, but Levi can't help having doubts. There's something about Julia that doesn't ring quite true . . .
Like Levi, Julia Kemps has survived her fair share of hardships---but only by hiding the truth of her past. Being an unmarried mother in an Amish community was unthinkable. Feeling hopeless, Julia did the only thing she could do: she moved to a new town and pretended to be a widow. But meeting Levi, she's hopeful for the first time. Little by little, she begins to imagine telling him her darkest secret, and eventually . . . perhaps even sharing her life with him.
Christmas is a time for family, and as the holiday draws closer, Julia and Levi will have to face their pasts together . . . in order to find the healing, support and love they so desperately desire.
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2dYRwqr
About the author:
Dynamic Uno here: I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the fictional people living in the Amish town of Charm, Ohio. The first two books in the series: A Son's Vow and A Daughter's Dream were just the introduction to the Kinsinger family saga, with these two as the book-endings.
A Sister's Wish is book 3 in the series and focuses on Amelia, the sister who takes care of the home front while the other siblings are off either working, or in Levi's case, away from the family. While she is by far the sweetest of the Kinsinger clan, I could see why she had a soft spot for the rough and tumble Simon. (After all, isn't the stereotype that the good girls want the bad boys because they see a sense of adventure and daring that they wouldn't have otherwise?) Thankfully, for Amelia's sake, Simon no longer lived the rough lifestyle that he grew up with and that carried over into part of his adult life.
I enjoyed this book in the series because it reminds us all that no matter what we have done in our past, God still forgives and has redeemed us. Something I know that I need to be reminded of on a regular basis.
Book 4, An Amish Family Christmas, was a great way to wrap up the series--although if it were up to me, it would have been waaaaayyyy longer because I don't want to say goodbye to the characters. Levi has finally returned home after fleeing to Pinecraft, Florida after their father's death. Rather than live in the large family home, he decides to rent a house in town. There, he begins a friendship with his neighbor Julia and her daughter Penny. Julia has her own issues and secrets, but after Levi befriends her, she begins to realize that she doesn't have to be ashamed of her past and her secrets no longer have to stay that way.
I think out of all four of the books in the series this one was my favorite. All of the siblings found their life-match and despite the difficulties they had to endure, they were able to overcome them with the help of friends, family, and their faith in God.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. The Kinsinger clan and the the other characters were realistically written and had to overcome many of the same struggles that you and I face each day. It's nice to read an author who is not afraid to tackle these challenges in her writing and to portray them in such a way that hope and love are the remaining responses.
If you think the Amish have an idealistic life and that nothing bad ever happens to them, you're wrong. They suffer from the same tragedies and heartaches that the rest of us face, but they rely on their faith, friends, and family to help them get by. This is an excellent series and I can't wait to read more by this author!
Let me know what you think in the comments section and Happy Reading!
*******************************
BOOK GIVEAWAY TIME...
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| Click on the link below to enter to win the book pack giveaway! https://promosimple.com/ps/a725 |
Friday, June 3, 2016
A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications 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.”
About the book:
A Daughter's Dream (Avon Inspire, May 2016)
A young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past . . . and finding love in one another.
A young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past . . . and finding love in one another.
Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she's given the opportunity she's been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she's dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work---work she's afraid she's not very good at.
That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who's just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly's uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?
Suddenly becoming Lily's sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he'd be a single parent---or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob's fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.
But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness . . . and true love?
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/20vVAye
About the author:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.
Dynamic Uno here: I'm enjoying learning more about the Kinsinger siblings and the small Amish town of Charm, Ohio.
Rebecca so wanted to be a teacher, but when she actually had to cover for her friend she realized that teaching was not really her passion. (I can completely relate, only it took me about 17 years to actually leave the profession.)
When Rebecca and Jacob meet, I could tell that they were a match made in heaven. They were both honest with themselves and each other and decided to take a chance on a relationship, starting with a courtship. (Their brave honesty encourages me to be the same way within my relationships with others.)
I also thought it was cute that Lilly's relationship with Peter somewhat mimicked Rebecca's relationship with Jacob--especially since Lilly and Jacob were having to start their lives over in Charm and both met helpmates in Rebecca and Peter.
Overall, book #2 was a quick and cute read. I wish there had been more about the courtship between Rebecca and Jacob, but honestly, the story line between them didn't really need it. (I just wanted to live vicariously through them.)
If you're looking for a cute romance with a lot of heart, then this is the book for you!
Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!
Rebecca so wanted to be a teacher, but when she actually had to cover for her friend she realized that teaching was not really her passion. (I can completely relate, only it took me about 17 years to actually leave the profession.)
When Rebecca and Jacob meet, I could tell that they were a match made in heaven. They were both honest with themselves and each other and decided to take a chance on a relationship, starting with a courtship. (Their brave honesty encourages me to be the same way within my relationships with others.)
I also thought it was cute that Lilly's relationship with Peter somewhat mimicked Rebecca's relationship with Jacob--especially since Lilly and Jacob were having to start their lives over in Charm and both met helpmates in Rebecca and Peter.
Overall, book #2 was a quick and cute read. I wish there had been more about the courtship between Rebecca and Jacob, but honestly, the story line between them didn't really need it. (I just wanted to live vicariously through them.)
If you're looking for a cute romance with a lot of heart, then this is the book for you!
Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!
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| Enter here: https://promosimple.com/ps/9a9 |
Friday, May 6, 2016
Mars...with Venus Rising by Hope Toler Dougherty
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications 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.”
About the Book:
Mars . . . with Venus Rising (Pelican Book Group, August 2015)
A meddling horse, paper bag floors and a flying saucer on the town square. The little town of Mars has it all---including a brand new resident who might spell heartache for one of its own.
Twenty-something Penn Davenport yearns for an exciting life in the big city and wants to shed the label of orphan that she's worn for years. To achieve that dream, she must pass the CPA exam then move away from the two aunts who reared her after her parents died in a plane crash.
When John Townsend---full of life and the joy of living---moves to town, he rattles Penn's view of herself, her life, and her dreams . . . which isn't such a bad thing until she falls for him and discovers he's a pilot.
A meddling horse, paper bag floors and a flying saucer on the town square. The little town of Mars has it all---including a brand new resident who might spell heartache for one of its own.
Twenty-something Penn Davenport yearns for an exciting life in the big city and wants to shed the label of orphan that she's worn for years. To achieve that dream, she must pass the CPA exam then move away from the two aunts who reared her after her parents died in a plane crash.
When John Townsend---full of life and the joy of living---moves to town, he rattles Penn's view of herself, her life, and her dreams . . . which isn't such a bad thing until she falls for him and discovers he's a pilot.
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1VE0NoV
About the Author:
Hope Toler Dougherty holds a Master's degree in English and taught at East Carolina University as well as York Technical College. A member of ACFW, RWA and SinC, she writes for Almost an Author. Before writing novels, she published non-fiction articles on topics ranging from gardening with children to writing apprehension. She cheers for the Pittsburgh Steelers, ACC basketball, and Army West Point Football. Hope and her husband, Kevin, live in North Carolina and chat with their two daughters and twin sons through ooVoo.
Dynamic Uno here:
| I'm not even sure giddy begins to describe how I feel about this book. The relationship between Penn and her aunts reminds me of my own relationship with my aunt-although neither of us bake. They are able to talk to each other about anything and are always there for one another when life gets too ugly and overwhelming. I enjoyed meeting the character of John. We learned a little bit about his past, but what struck me the most was how thoughtful and caring he was with everyone he came in contact with during the story. Kind, compassionate, and very thoughtful was how he appeared to me, which made me wonder a bit longingly, where my own "John" might be in the world. (After all, this character was a pilot, why couldn't mine be one too? Maybe he just hasn't landed in Tampa yet...) Longing aside, I truly enjoyed how we were able to watch the characters grow in their faith-especially during times of need. It made me realize that I'm not the only one who has struggles and that if I just relied on God more and trusted Him more, that I would probably be more bold and struggle less. I hope that this book evolves into a series, because I'd like to read more about the lovingly meddlesome aunts, Abbey, David, and even some of the other characters. After all, there were some potential love-connections throughout the story. (Hint...hint...) If you enjoy a great story with a light touch of romance, then this is the story for you! |
Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!
Thursday, January 21, 2016
If I Run by Terri Blackstock
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications 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.”
About the book:
If I Run (Zondervan, February 2016)
Casey knows the truth. But it won't set her free.
Casey Cox's DNA is all over the crime scene. There's no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she's arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn't matter anymore.
But what is the truth? That's the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren't adding up. Casey Cox doesn't fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan's skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn't guilty, why did she run?
Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan's damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1ZEF914
Dynamic Uno here: I first want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to Christen Krumm from LitFuse Publicity for her quick response in making sure I was able to get a copy of the book in order to have it read in time to post my review. (This is not the first time she's jumped in to save the day.) So, THANK YOU CHRISTEN!!
All of that having been said, I truly couldn't put the book down! Page one grabbed me by the collar and wouldn't let go until my eyes gave out from exhaustion. The twists and turns leave you feeling like you've been on a roller coaster without leaving your seat. I was glued to the pages and couldn't read fast enough--the action was THAT intense!
I enjoyed reading the back-stories of the characters and finding out their motivations for their actions. I couldn't even imagine finding myself in that situation, and yet when I actually turn on the television these types of back-stories (sadly) dominate the headlines.
Part of me wonders if I could have even lasted as long as the main character, or if I would have just given up and hoped for the best with the police. I'd like to think I have the street smarts to last and follow in her footsteps, but in reality, I would have just curled up in a little ball and cried until someone found me.
If you're looking for high action and suspense around every corner, you need to pick up this book! Seriously--it's amazing!
Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!
Casey knows the truth. But it won't set her free.
Casey Cox's DNA is all over the crime scene. There's no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she's arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn't matter anymore.
But what is the truth? That's the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren't adding up. Casey Cox doesn't fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan's skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn't guilty, why did she run?
Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan's damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1ZEF914
About the author:
Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series.
Connect with Terri: website, Twitter, Facebook
Connect with Terri: website, Twitter, Facebook
All of that having been said, I truly couldn't put the book down! Page one grabbed me by the collar and wouldn't let go until my eyes gave out from exhaustion. The twists and turns leave you feeling like you've been on a roller coaster without leaving your seat. I was glued to the pages and couldn't read fast enough--the action was THAT intense!
I enjoyed reading the back-stories of the characters and finding out their motivations for their actions. I couldn't even imagine finding myself in that situation, and yet when I actually turn on the television these types of back-stories (sadly) dominate the headlines.
Part of me wonders if I could have even lasted as long as the main character, or if I would have just given up and hoped for the best with the police. I'd like to think I have the street smarts to last and follow in her footsteps, but in reality, I would have just curled up in a little ball and cried until someone found me.
If you're looking for high action and suspense around every corner, you need to pick up this book! Seriously--it's amazing!
Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!
Monday, June 8, 2015
The Proposal at Siesta Key (Amish Brides of Pinecraft #2) by Shelley Shepard Gray
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.”
About the Book:
The Proposal at Siesta Key (Avon Inspire, May 2015)
A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.
Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.
But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.
Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.
But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?
About the author:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.
Find Shelley online: website, Twitter, Facebook
Find Shelley online: website, Twitter, Facebook
Dynamic Uno here: If you've kept up with my blog and social media posts within the last year or so, you will know that I have a soft spot for the Pinecraft area of Sarasota. When I learned that book #2 in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series was coming out, I knew I had to read more about this lovely area and people, even if the characters were fictionalized.
Michael Knoxx is touring the country with his family to discuss how God used a horrible situation in his life (losing a leg from a fall in a ravine) for the good. After having a sister who was brutally murdered, Penny Troyer has since lived a very sheltered life, until she decides she can't stand it any more. Both are living out the Amish proverb "Growing old is easy--the hard part is growing up," by deciding to change their lives in an amazing way with God's help. The actual proposal Michael had for Penny was to embrace each hour/day and to cherish each moment as they move forward in their lives.
I think we can all apply this proposal to our lives. I know that I tend to wish for the work day to end or the weekend to come, so I can go home and relax rather than enjoy the little moments of peace throughout the day. I need to learn to enjoy each of the little moments as they come rather than wishing my life away.
I enjoyed the strong friendship that developed between Michael and Penny from their basic day-to-day interactions. Their raw emotions being shared and honestly painful stories brought both of the characters closer as trust began to form in their bond. I also liked how each character began to notice the little details about one another as they forged their friendship and it began to blossom into a mutual attraction. This gives me hope that I may find someone with whom I can be completely honest with and share my innermost concerns and feelings.
While The Proposal of Siesta Key dealt with some heavy topics, all were treated with dignity and respect and were not over-dramatized. Michael's mission and Penny's new found freedom were the main parts of the story, as was their friendship. All in all it was a light-hearted read that made me want to visit Pinecraft again, just so that I might have the chance to run into a few of the "characters."
If you enjoy Amish romance, or even if you want to explore life in a new order village, this series is for you!
Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Side by Side by Jana Kelley
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.”
About the book:
Side by Side (New Hope Publishers, April 2015)
In the dusty, Islamic country of Sudan, Mia's life collides with that of another young woman.
A young Christian American mother, Mia finds more than one dark secret on the streets of Khartoum. She finds Halimah, a young, upper-class Arab student with a bright future in her family's business whose risky and secretive decision has put her life in danger. What happens when the path of young mother intersects with that of a spunky Sudanese student? God transforms them both . . . forever.
Part of New Hope® Publishers' contemporary missional fiction line, Side by Side opens the reader's eyes to the life of Muslims in Sudan as well as some of the struggles that Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith as well as pray for the salvation of those who persecute.
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1DPUKiO
About the author:
Jana Kelley is a Texan who hardly ever lives in Texas. Raised in Southeast Asia, Jana developed a love for cross-cultural living early in life. Her love for writing came soon after. Jana returned to Texas to attend college. She and her husband married a month after she graduated and by their second anniversary, they were living in a remote African town. Together with her husband and three boys, Jana enjoys travel and overseas living. After thirteen years in Africa and the Middle East, Jana and her family moved to Southeast Asia where they currently live.
Dynamic Uno here: I must admit that I have a fairly romanticised view of Missions. As a Christian, I dream about going off to a foreign, possibly exotic, land to bring the good news of Christ dying on the cross so that we can be forgiven of our sins. In my fantasy, I see the unsaved people of this faraway land, clamoring to learn more and falling to their knees to accept Christ as their personal savior so that they too can spend eternity learning more about and worshipping Him. Never in my mind do I have the issues of language barriers, cultural customs, and hostility towards the Christian faith. Sadly, this is exactly what Mia faces when she and her family move to Sudan to work on the "mission field."
Ms. Kelley does a phenomenal job of bringing first-hand experiences of the harsh realities a missionary faces in an Islamic-based society to her characters. The fact that this book is based on real-life events makes it even more so. The characters of Mia and Halimah bring the reader face to face with the reality of what life is like harboring an "infidel," and the overwhelming cost of becoming a Christian and leaving the Islamic faith in modern society.
While there were many things I learned about the Muslim culture in Sudan, the main thing that stood out to me is the bravery and character of Halimah as she became a Christian. Facing her family's wrath, relying on the kindness of strangers, hiding in fear of death, and still managing to reach and disciple others in Christianity, are all things she was able to accomplish. It really made me take a step back and realize how "cushy" my American life is and how tepid I am about sharing my faith.
If you've ever wondered what real-life is like as a missionary in an Islamic society, or even how one copes with the severe consequences of becoming a Christian in a Muslim culture, then you definitely want to pick up a copy of this book!
Let me know what you think! Happy Reading!
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