Christmas at Rose Hill Farm by Suzanne Fisher

Bess Riehl is preparing Rose Hill Farm for her Christmas wedding, but her groom isn’t who she thought it would be. Billy Lapp is far away from his Amish roots working as a rose rustler for Penn State and wants nothing to do with Stoney Ridge, his family, or Bess. And that suits Bess just fine. Why should she think twice about a man who left without a word, without any explanation? It’s time she moved on with her life, and that meant saying yes to Amos Lapp, Billy’s cousin and best friend. But as Bess and Amos’s wedding day draws near, her emotions tangle into a tight knot. She loves Amos. Yet she can’t forget Billy.

When a “lost” rose is discovered at Rose Hill Farm, Billy is sent to track down its origins. Get in, identify the rose, and get out. That’s his plan. The only catch is that he’s having a hard time narrowing down the identity of the lost rose, and he can’t get those tropical blue eyes of Bess Riehl out of his mind.

As the history of the lost rose is pieced together, it reminds Bess and Billy–and Amos, too–that Christmas truly is the season of miracles.

My opinion: This story is just what one needs to gear up for the holiday season.I know reading it made me all the more excited for Christmas to get here!! This was a quick read, not too much going on but it was a quick read that helps put one in the Christmas spirit.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

One pot

What a wonderful recipe book! Overall I do not find most of Martha Stewart's cookbooks to be my cup of tea, don't get me wrong,I think she has excellent recipes and fabulous photography, but they tend to be too involved for my liking and more often than not they include ingredients I do not have on hand. This book was much more to my liking and had some really good and simple recipes that I really want to try.Another great thing about this book is that they are one pot meals so you won't have as much clean up, which is a huge plus with me.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Treasury of Bible stories

Magnificent Tales: Treasury of Bible Stories || Magnificent Tale Collection (David C. Cook, September 2014)

Children ages 4-8 will be delighted by these rhyming Bible stories pairing spiritual truths with playful illustrations.

Featuring lyrical stories full of lighthearted moments, this colorful collection of Magnificent Tales is perfect for reading out loud. As families read these stories night after night, they will make memories together while learning about the Bible.

My opinion: What an utterly delightful book! This is sure to appeal to young children with its clever rhyming and brightly illustrated pages. This is a unique approach to making the scriptures come alive for little ones and I think this is such a neat way to do it! This book would make an excellent addition to any child's personal library and would be fabulous for Sunday school teachers to have on hand as well.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Before Amen by Max Lucado

We all pray . . . some.

We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart. We pray.

But wouldn’t we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency?

Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. And what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain words. Unmet expectations. Unanswered requests.

We aren’t the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested.

And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Couldn’t we use the same?

In Before Amen best-selling author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin.

My opinion: Like all of Max Lucado's other books this book was wonderful, well written and thought provoking. I know too often in my own life I do not pray as often as I should and I really enjoyed this book that made me once again realize the power in prayer and also how really important prayer really is.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Hidden in the stars by Robin Caroll

New from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series | Hidden in the Stars 

A quilt holds the secret to a killer still at large—and who his next victim will be.

Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21‑year‑old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother’s offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn’t help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer.

Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia’s mother’s “special” quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia’s unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer—still at large—silence her forever?

My opinion: I really enjoyed the mystery and intrigue of this book. The main characters were interesting and well rounded. I really liked how the main characters relationship blossomed in a sweet and not over the top way. The mystery kept me guessing and drew me in. At first I wasn't sure how the quilt aspect would be woven in, but it became apparent pretty quickly.  I highly recommend this book.

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

Roar by Scottie Nell Hughes

I had never heard of Scottie Nell Hughes but I from the premise of the book I was eager to read the book and it did not disappoint! I found Ms. Hughes writing to be thoroughly engaging and real, she was totally down to earth and tackled some tough issues, but in such a way that tactful and fascinating.  I loved how Ms. Hughes did not go along with what mainstream society says but was willing to challenge the social norm which I found to be very refreshing.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tried and true by Mary Connealy

Tried and True, Book One in the Wilde at Heart series.

Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!

Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister–and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It’s a risk–they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as “boys”–but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.

Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?

My opinion: This book was a sweet, quick read. It did not have as much going on in it as I usually like in a book, that being said it was well written and engaging enough. I would certainly give a book by this author another go as I think there is a lot of potential. 

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Raising Kingdom kids by Tony Evans

I have always enjoyed listening to Tony Evans ministry on the radio so I was utterly delighted to review a copy of his latest book, and I must say it certainly did not disappoint!
I have always felt that Tony Evans really tries to dig into the scriptures and use that as his guiding principal and really calls people to a higher calling. I felt that this book was exactly what I would expect from Mr. Evans. It was a wonderful book filled with practical application.
This book is an exceptional book and would make a wonderful gift or addition to ones library.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Joyful by Shelley Shepard Gray

Joyful || Return to Sugarcreek series

A young Amish couple gets a second chance at love in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s final book in her Return to Sugarcreek series.

Randall Beiler is doing his best to put his family and the farm’s needs first, even forsaking love. But though he tries, Randall knows he needs help caring for his younger siblings and keeping the house together.

When his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job taking care of the house and cooking for the family, Randall is furious—and guilty about the way he once broke Elizabeth’s heart. But when he learns that Elizabeth and her grandmother are struggling to make ends meet, he knows the offer, no matter how painful, is the right thing for everyone.

Elizabeth wants to refuse—to stay far away from the man who hurt her—but she needs the money. Though she vows to protect her heart, spending time in the Beiler household makes Elizabeth realize that, while she’s older and wiser, her love for Randall still burns strong.

Randal, too, seems to want something more. But does he want Elizabeth because he truly loves her—or because he needs a housekeeper? If Randall sincerely wants something more, he must find a way to show Elizabeth—or risk losing his chance at love forever.

My opinion: I have read some of Ms. Gray's previous works and have enjoyed them so I was excited to receive this book and I was not disappointed. Once again Ms. Gray did a great job at writing an engaging book with enjoyable characters and enough going on to keep one intrigued. I look forward to reading more books in the series in the future. Such a good, easy read!

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Sweet

I was beyond excited to get a copy of this book as I have always loved the Food Network and this book certainly did not disappoint. This book is filled to the brim with delicious looking recipes that are perfect for anyone who has a sweet tooth. I was delighted by how many of the recipes were made from items you would very well have on hand. Some of the items were very unique though and I cannot wait to give them all a try!
I highly recommend this book for anyone as the recipes are easy to understand, the photography is exquisite and everything looks delicious.

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

All's fair in love and cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

{MORE ABOUT ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND CUPCAKES}

All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes || (Zondervan, September 2014)

Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more.

Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie’s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat’s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself—her—is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat’s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.

My opinion: I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I am a huge fan of books where best friends fall in love (probably because my husband and I started off as friends before falling in love) so I was very excited to receive this book and it certainly did not disappoint! This was the first book by Betsy St. Amant that I have read and I totally fell in love with her style of writing! I found it very engaging and the characters were realistic and very likable, quirks and all! 

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

Love Story by Nichole Nordeman

I was intrigued with the idea of this book, having been a huge fan of Nichole Nordeman's music I was interested in reading a book by her. Overall the book was pretty good, but for some reason her style of writing did not do too much for me. I am sure others would find it more to their liking but overall I really did not get into the book as much as I expected to.  It was more like personal musings of Nichole's over various scriptures and Biblical characters than anything.


I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Home to Chicory Lane by Deborah Raney

Home to Chicory Lane || Book 1, A Chicory Inn Novel

Landyn longs for home, but her mother may have other plans.

Audrey Whitman’s dreams are coming true. Now that their five kids are grown, she and her husband, Grant, are turning their beloved family home into a cozy bed and breakfast just a mile outside of Langhorne, Missouri.

Opening weekend makes Audrey anxious, with family and friends coming from all over to help celebrate the occasion. But when Audrey’s daughter, Landyn, arrives, the U-Haul she’s pulling makes it clear she’s not just here for a few days. Audrey immediately has questions. What happened in New York that sent Landyn running home? Where was Landyn’s husband, Chase? And what else was her daughter not telling her? One thing was for sure, the Chicory Inn was off to a rocky start. Can Audrey still realize her dream and at the same time provide the comfort of home her daughter so desperately needs?

My opinion: This was a sweet read that I really enjoyed. It is great book about faith and family that sticks with you long after finishing it. There was quite a bit going on and I found the book very engaging.

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

Bend your brain

Bend your brain is an excellent book. I know that I was excited about giving my brain a work out and this book certainly did it!! I found this book to be very interesting and good for your brain all at the same time.
I think this book would be great to take with one on the go as you can do it here or there and it is super interesting.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thief of Glory by Sigmund Brouwer

What a wonderful book! Written by master storyteller Sigmund Brouwer this book is a fascinating story woven around a lesser known bit of history. This book tells the coming of age story of young Jeremiah who went through unspeakable hardship as a young man. This book is heart wrenching and shows the cruelty of man  and will stick with you long after you have put it down.
This book is an excellent read for men and women alike and it really draws one in. I highly recommend it.

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