My Paris Kitchen by David Lebovitz

Having been to Paris recently and being quite familiar with David Lebovitz blog and finding it very helpful in preparing for my culinary adventures in Paris, I was beyond delighted to get this gorgeous new cookbook by him.I must say that I was not disappointed at all! The pictures alone were stunning and had me drooling like you wouldn't believe and many of the recipes are ones that I look forward to trying.
Not only is this a wonderful cookbook with amazing recipes,appealing pictures,but it is also sprinkled with stories and humor that fans of David Lebovitz will especially relish.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Dear Son by Dave Bruskas

We live in a very hostile environment towards men.This past Spring I took a Psychology of Gender class in college and the teacher addressed the issue of how Christian men are at an alarming rate, not going to church and are becoming apathetic in the Christian religion. This book really addressed that issue and so many others. This is a book that any man should read and especially if one has sons or is planning on having children. It is a well written, thought provoking book and would make a great gift to any young man in ones life. I am so glad that books like this are being written to address the vitally important role of men in a society that isn't very good to them.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Marriage you've always wanted by Gary Chapman

Another excellent book by the famous marriage author Gary Chapman. I always appreciate Chapman books and this book was no exception.He always presents key insight to improving ones marriage in a way that is very clear and speaks to the heart. This book was full to the brim of great examples and keen insight.I really appreciate what Mr. Chapman has done in championing for marriages and think this book would make a wonderful addition to any couple.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

My Irish Table by Cathal Armstrong and David Hagedorn

Having just come back from a wonderful vacation in Ireland I was beyond thrilled to receive this book filled to the brim with delicious Irish recipes. This is a gorgeous book with great step-by-step instructions on how to make most of the delicious things I was able to try over in the Emerald Isle,plus lots more!
I really appreciate how this book has some of the more simple fare and yet some more complex and challenging things if one wants to go crazy. I for one am looking forward to trying the many recipes in this book and think this book is not only gorgeous but very practical as well and would make a great addition to anyone's cookbook collection.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Annie's Stories by Cindy Thomson

Having just visited Ireland recently I am all about reading anything Irish related so I was absolutely delighted to read the newest installment in Cindy Thomson "Ellis Island" series. I appreciated how the characters tied into the previous book,but if you haven't read the first book in the series you wouldn't be totally lost.
Annie was a very complex character,often I did not find her very likable, but considering her past I can see why she was distrustful of people. I loved the character of Stephen,he was flawed and hasty, but had a good heart.
I appreciated how the author handled the content which she wrote about, I myself had heard some of house for "wayward"  women,but it was sad to think what they were oftentimes really like.
I really,really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sharing Christ with the dying by Melody Rossi

This was an interesting read for those who are trying to share the gospel with those nearing the end of their life.I thought this book had some excellent points and good examples.I did not totally agree with everything that the author shared but overall it was a good read that could really come in handy if one was trying to share Christ with the dying.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Full steam ahead by Karen Witemeyer

Anyone who is looking for a relaxing read written in an engaging style with likable characters I highly recommend this.Karen Witemeyer is quickly becoming one of the popular Christian historical fiction authors and her books are good reads.The only downside to it is that I thought the author could of had a little more going on, more secondary characters, a mystery or something. It still was a good read though and I wouldn't mind reading more by the author.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Mother's Secret by Amy Clipston

A Mother’s Secret

Book two in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series.

Carolyn Lapp dreams of marrying for love. But will the errors of her past destroy this dream forever?

Carolyn Lapp longs to have a traditional Amish family. But she lives on her brother’s farm with her parents and her 15-year old son, Benjamin. Carolyn has never revealed the identity of Benjamin’s father and lives daily with the guilt and shame of her youthful indiscretion. Her brother simply will not forgive her.

His answer is to arrange a practical marriage for Carolyn to Saul, a widower with a little girl. But Carolyn isn’t convinced that Saul really loves her and believes he is simply looking for someone to help raise his daughter.

When Benjamin causes trouble at a local horse auction, horse breeder Joshua Glick decides that he must be taught a lesson. Carolyn and Joshua are unmistakably drawn to each other, but Joshua mistakenly assumes that Benjamin is Carolyn’s brother. Carolyn fears that if he discovers the truth, her past will destroy their budding romance.

After years of shame and loneliness, Carolyn suddenly has two men vying for her attention. But which of them will give her the family-and the unconditional love-she’s longed for?

My thoughts: I appreciated this book more than most Amish fiction as it really dealt with some excellent questions such as forgiveness, redemption and forgiving ones self. I enjoyed watching the development of the characters, each coming into their own and making you enjoy the whole process. This was a very good,delightful read.

Hacker by Ted Dekker

I have only recently gotten into Ted Dekker's books and "Hacker" did not disappoint! I think that it is the best book so far in the series and I was held in suspense until the very end! Dekker has a way of surprising you and having so many twist and turns in his books that it never goes quite where you think it will,but that is partly what makes his books so hard to put down!
His characters are always engaging and Nyah was no exception.I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

The good news about marriage by Shaunti Feldhahn

I was thoroughly excited about reading this book by well known author Shaunti Feldhahn and it did not disappoint! Almost all of the marriage and divorce myths are ones that I have heard and many which I believed and I loved how she used hard evidence and the very statistics we quote to break down what is really going on.I really believe this is a book that anyone who is marriage or plans on getting married needs to read, realizing that marriage is not struggling as much as we think and how we can improve those statistics even more.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Hatmaker's Heart by Carla Stewart

The Hatmaker’s Heart

For Nell Marchwold, bliss is seeing the transformation when someone gets a glimpse in the mirror while wearing one of her creations and feels beautiful. Nell has always strived to create hats that bring out a woman’s best qualities. She knows she’s fortunate to have landed a job as an apprentice designer at the prominent Oscar Fields Millinery in New York City. Yet when Nell’s fresh designs begin to catch on, her boss holds her back from the limelight, claiming the stammer she’s had since childhood reflects poorly on her and his salon.

But it seems Nell’s gift won’t be hidden by Oscar’s efforts. Soon an up-and-coming fashion designer is seeking her out as a partner of his 1922 collection. The publicity leads to an opportunity for Nell to make hats in London for a royal wedding. There, she sees her childhood friend, Quentin, and an unexpected spark kindles between them. But thanks to her success, Oscar is determined to keep her. As her heart tugs in two directions, Nell must decide what she is willing to sacrifice for her dream, and what her dream truly is.

My opinion: I found this to be an interesting and well written book.At times I wasn't as drawn into the book as I would like to have been,but overall it was good.I enjoyed the author's writings about the times and talking about the main characters stutter.The author did a good job at researching and writing about the times.This was an enjoyable,good read.

Forever Amish by Kate Lloyd

The latest book in the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy, Forever Amish introduces us to a young woman about to uncover a shocking secret and find an invitation to a new way of living. This is a story of forgiveness, legacies, and the ties that bind through generations.

It’s the Last Thing She Expects to Find

Sally Bingham needs some time away to sort through the changes in her life and to rethink her upcoming marriage. Despite her ailing father’s hesitations, she takes off for a bed and breakfast in Lancaster County for a weekend away. But her best-laid plans leave her in a near collision with a bishop’s buggy and in the home of a mysterious Amish woman named Lizzie. Lizzie introduces her to a different perspective on life, a charming farmhand named Armin— and opens a Pandora’s box that will forever change Sally’s life.

My opinion: I enjoyed this Amish fiction as the author sought to blend in a cast of outstanding characters with a little mystery in a satisfying story of forgiveness.

All my belongings by Cynthia Ruchti

All My Belongings

A new life and a new identity can’t protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.

After spending years running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future in the same way he stole her childhood. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new life and new job caring for ailing mother of handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes.

But just as she’s wondering if she and Isaac are headed for a relationship, Becca’s patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all sense of home and all hope for love.

Even if she could clear her name, a phone call wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her estranged father needs her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past?

My opinion: This was an interesting and good read.It was a bit hard to get into and was a bit slow going at times,but overall it was a very good read. The story was a great reminder about forgiveness and the power of God in our life. 

I'm Nobody by Alex Marestaing

I’m Nobody: The Lost Pages

We’re all broken on this side of heaven, but we can make beautiful things from the pieces. Agoraphobic Caleb Reed is about to step outside for the first time in seven years, meet indie filmmaker Iris Elliott…and definitely not fall in love. It’s all because of the notes, the weird and wonderful notes he keeps finding on his front porch, notes signed by someone claiming to be long dead poet Emily Dickinson. Caleb’s parents think he’s losing his mind, as always, but he knows they’re wrong. Something’s going on outside – something strange, something terrifying …something beautiful.

Read the EPIC Award nominated novel that critics are saying is “fresh”, “powerful” and “unlike anything” they’ve read. In a world full of anxiety, I’m Nobody: The Lost Pagesis a triumphant tale of faith over fear and one that kids and grown-ups of all ages will love. (A London Book Festival Honorable Mention Winner)

My opinion: This was a very unique and quirky book,for some people it might be right up their alley, but for me personally I did not really get into it and had a hard time finishing it as it just seemed to be all over the place and I did not find the characters very engaging.

Meant to be Mine by Becky Wade

Meant to Be Mine

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school–irresistible. When their paths cross again after college–still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia’s ready to be Ty’s wife, but Ty’s not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia’s buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty’s achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn’t forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

My opinion: I was a bit skeptical of this book at first as the premise of it I wasn't sure about, but I was pleasantly surprised that I really enjoyed this sweet and enjoyable read! I thought the author had a most enjoyable writing style that really sucked you in and kept ones interest until the very end and the characters were flawed and more realistic than a lot of books out there. I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading  more books by the author.

The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher

The Heart’s Pursuit

A jilted bride desperate to save her family from ruin.
A bounty hunter seeking vengeance for a ravaged past.
An arduous trek toward justice–or redemption.

Silver Matlock and Jared Newman know traveling together is a bad idea. Bad for Silver’s already tarnished reputation in her small Colorado town. Bad for bounty hunter Jared’s secret, single-minded mission for revenge. But Silver is determined to track down the rogue who left her at the altar and stole the last remnant of her father’s fortune. And Jared’s in a hurry to hunt down the murderer who destroyed his family–even if Silver is too distractingly beautiful for comfort.

The pair takes off over mountain and desert, past bleak homesteads and raw mining towns, hot on the trail of the two villains who took what wasn’t theirs to take. Soon supplies dwindle, secrets emerge, and suspicion leave Silver and Jared at odds when they need each other most. To confront an enemy deadlier than desert rattlesnakes and rocky cliffs, Silver and Jared must learn to forgive and trust and face the question they haven’t dared voice: What happens next?

My opinion: I really enjoyed this book as it had a good blend of romance,mystery and sass. I thought Ms. Hatcher did a good job at engaging one the story and I was very satisfied with the ending. although  I was sad when the book ended! I liked how the book dealt with forgiveness and love in a very tasteful way.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Out of the ruins by Karen Barnett

Out of the Ruins | The Golden Gate Chronicles, Book 1

Abby’s shattered faith in both God and man is challenged when the terrible earthquake hits 1906 San Francisco.

While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn’t expect, however, is for God’s answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.

As they work together toward a cure, Abby’s feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?

My opinion: This book was interesting and engaging.Having never read any books previously by Ms. Barnett I was excited to read this one and I am glad I did! I am a big fan of historical fiction, but it is rare to find one that I truly enjoyed but I loved this book and enjoyed finding out more about the San Franscisco earthquake.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

The Quiet Professionals series | Raptor 6

His team. His mission. A mission that comes at the highest cost!

Captain Dean Watters keeps his mission and his team in the forefront of his laser-like focus. So when Dean’s mission and team are threatened, his Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Failing to stop hackers from stealing national security secrets from the military’s secure computers and networks isn’t an option.

Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. And a target. When Zahrah is captured because of her expertise in quantum cryptology, compromising the U.S. military, Dean is forced to crack the lockbox around his heart—a move that might come at the highest cost.

My opinion: Usually I am not a big fan of military novels,but having never tried any of Ms. Kendig's novels before I was intrigued and I am glad that I gave it a try! Unlike most military Christian novels I was actually able to feel engaged with the characters and got sucked into the plot.I highly recommend this book as it was a fast paced, interesting read.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Mom's night out by Tricia Goyer

Moms’ Night Out is a novelization of the hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.

All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours—what could go wrong?

Chronicling one night out gone awry, three harried moms, their husbands, a sister-in-law with a misplaced baby, a tattoo parlor owner, a motorcycle gang, and a bewildered cabbie all learn to embrace the beautiful mess called parenting. This book spotlights the unfulfilled expectations and serial self-doubts many moms feel . . . then reassures us that the key is raising kids in a loving home. Mom’s Night Out is an endearing, true-to-life comedy.s 

My opinion: I am very eager to watch the new movie "Mom's night out", but have been unable to see it yet,so I was utterly delighted to get the book. The novelization of the movie was an absolute delight,it really spoke to the heart and was totally entertaining. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good, laugh out loud read.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A season of change by Lynette Sowell

Book One in the NEW Seasons of Pinecraft series | A Season of Change

An Amish widower finds love in unexpected places.

Amish widower Jacob Miller believes it was a mistake to visit the Amish village of Pinecraft for winter vacation, especially after his daughter is struck by a car. Stranded in Sarasota until his daughter recovers, Jacob grows increasingly wary of events that unfold in his unfamiliar surroundings—including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett.

Natalie never thought her circus career as an aerial silks artist would end with a blown-out knee at the age of 25. She also never knew her late mother had a secret—that she was once Amish.

When Natalie meets the Millers at the Sarasota hospital, she is attracted to their warm hospitality and simple ways—and soon wonders if they can help her find her mother’s family. As Jacob and Natalie fall in love, their worlds collide. Will their differences tear them apart? Or will their love be strong enough to blend their clashing cultures?

My opinon: This was the first book I had read by author Lynette Sowell and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed her unique and enjoyable style of writing. Written in an engaging,moving narration with enjoyable characters this was a good read that had me at the first page.