Her secret by Shelley Shepard Gray

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Her Secret (Avon Inspire, March 2017)

A suspenseful tale of a young Amish woman who is forced to move to a new town to escape a threatening stalker

After a stalker went too far, Hannah Hilty and her family had no choice but to leave the bustling Amish community where she grew up. Now she’s getting a fresh start in Hart County, Kentucky…if only she wasn’t too scared to take it. Hannah has become afraid to trust anyone—even Isaac, the friendly Amish man who lives next door. She wonders if she’ll ever return to the trusting, easy-going woman she once was.

For Isaac Troyer, the beautiful girl he teasingly called “The Recluse” confuses him like no other. When he learns of her past, he knows he’s misjudged her. However, he also understands the importance of being grateful for God’s gifts, and wonders if they will ever have anything in common. But as Hannah and Isaac slowly grow closer, they realize that there’s always more to someone than meets the eye.

Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love, more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Now Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County

My opinion: Yet another outstanding book by Ms. Gray, I really enjoyed this suspenseful page turner that had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I loved the perfect balance of suspense and romance, it made such a delightful read as it truly drew one in.
The characters were very engaging and I loved watching the romance between Issac and Hannah blossom.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Yellow owl workshop make it yours by Christine Scmidt

What a delightful book! Filled with amazing ideas for turning the mundane and average thing into a show stopping center piece for the home. I love how fresh and original the ideas are without costing an arm and a leg. This book is bursting with such amazing ideas it instantly made me want to start creating!
I had never heard of the author before but after getting this book I am hooked! This book will inspire the crafty side of anyone and leave your house extra special.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Unchained by Noel Heikkinen

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Unchained: If Jesus Has Set Us Free, Why Don’t We Feel Free? (David C. Cook, February 2017)

Christians are free in Christ, yet Christianity can feel like a prison.

Unchained helps Christians who don’t feel that grace has changed their lives.

Often when people follow Jesus, they feel more guilty instead of more free. A powerful book for the spiritually restless, Unchained shows readers how to have a robust faith that celebrates their freedom in Christ without compromising their holiness as God’s followers.

Unchained turns to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the source of freedom—not just his work 2,000 years ago but also what he is doing today. As readers dig into the meaning of the freedom that Jesus offers, they will understand, perhaps for the first time, what true freedom in Christ means.




My opinion: I thought this book was very thought provoking and insightful about living free in Christ and how so many of us truly don't know what it means to enjoy that freedom. I loved how down to earth and humble the author came across as, it felt like he was really trying to draw you in and explore the freedom that comes from Christ. Filled with scripture verses and keep insight this book was an excellent read that left the reader thinking about the concept and ideas long after the last page was turned.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Simplest way to change the world by Dustin Willis

This little book is such a gem of a book was packed full of insight and enough to keep one thinking long after the last page is turned. Too often I think we get trapped into thinking that going overseas to serve as missionaries or doing something bold is the only way to serve the Lord and while those are admirable and wonderful things, not all of us get the opportunity to do those things; however there is something we all can do: open our homes to those around us. The author did a wonderful job at sharing keen insight, scriptures and personal testimonies about opening their own homes and others who have done the same.
This book is an excellent reminder that we have such a large mission field in our own towns and neighborhoods and how some of the most extraordinary encounters are made when we open our homes to those around us.
This book challenged and encouraged me and I am eager to work on practicing some biblical hospitality!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller

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The Elusive Miss Ellison (Kregel, February 2017)

Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions.

That’s the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister’s daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won’t take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia’s pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother–who stole the most important person in Livvie’s world.

Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he’s just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there’s already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.

That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn’t the only heart that needs to change.

These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society’s opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.

Fans of Georgette Heyer, Lori Wick, and Julie Klassen will enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister’s daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God’s grace and the true strength of love.

My opinion: From its gorgeous cover I just knew this book was going to be a delicious treat and it did not disappoint! The lush cover and enchanting description was but a small glimpse into what a delightful read this proved to be! I absolutely loved the main characters and the chemistry that was between them, it was fun watching them go from controversy to love with everything in between.  Filled with a strong and opinionated heroine who one can instantly warm to and a strong, brooding hero this book is a wonderful Regency book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Super Genes by Deepak Chopra

With a fascinating premise this book was utterly engrossing and thought provoking. This book really challenges the long held idea that we are merely stuck with the genes we were given, this book instead explores how our genes respond to what we think, say and do.
Well written this book was certainly not a dry read but was instead very engaging and it really held ones interest until the very end. I felt like I learned a lot without it being totally overwhelming.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lord, have Mercy by Ellen Miller

I think being a Mom has got to be the hardest job ever, just when you think you are figuring things out and getting into some kind of groove, something happens to remind you that you indeed don't have everything under control. Written by a Mother of two grown children the author has written daily devotions that are short and sweet to encourage Mother's who are in throngs of Motherhood.
Overall I found the book to be encouraging, speaking on vital issues that Mother's are facing, but at times I didn't feel like I could relate to the author as much, maybe because she seemed very much like a type A personality (which I am not) and the fact that she is through raising kids so some of the things like wearing nice designer clothes is something I most certainly cannot relate to.
This was not the most memorable book on Motherhood, but it did have some good encouragement.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest opinion.

The one true love of Alice-Ann by Eva Marie Everson

What a delightful read! From the moment I saw this book I have been looking forward to reading it and I am so thrilled it didn't disappoint! The lush cover and beautiful description were nothing compare to the actual story! I devoured this book in one evening, it was that good!

This beautiful coming to age story about a young woman during World War 2 is a sweet whisper of a bygone age. Alice-Ann is a memorable heroine who is feisty and strong. One of the things I really appreciated about this character is how the author didn't go on and on about how beautiful she was on the outside, but instead focused on her inward beauty which is a rare thing to find in Christian fiction and is one of my biggest pet peeves.

I loved the character of Cartlon. such a strong, wonderful hero. I loved watching their story grow and develop. It was a sweet subtle love story with more going on which made it much better.

Well written with excellent characters, this book is everything a historical fiction should be! I think the author did a good job at trying to capture the feel of the times which I really appreciated.

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

Tightropes and Teeter-totters by Lisa Pennington

Moms, do you wonder if you will ever stop falling over every time the unexpected comes along, or you get your feelings hurt, or you mess up? Lisa Pennington’s new book, Tightropes and Teeter-Totters, is tailor-made for you. Lisa Pennington knows how to get up after losing her balance, even with a full house, a not-so-full bank account, and never enough energy. For every woman who wonders if her satisfaction in life will ever match her dreams, Pennington has real-life answers full of hope and humor.

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Tightropes and Teeter-Totters: Finding Balance in the Ups and Downs of Life (David C. Cook, February 2017)

Do you wonder if you will ever find balance?

Lisa Pennington knows how to get up after losing her balance, even with a full house, a not-so-full bank account, and never enough energy. In her latest book, she offers readers:

—Strategies for finding balance in marriage, motherhood, and bad moods
—Playful yet biblically based tips for turning hard days around
—Inspiration for shaping obstacles into opportunities
—Ways to respond to irritations with gratitude
—Enthusiastic encouragement for living out God’s purpose.

For every woman who wonders if her satisfaction in life will ever match her dreams, Pennington has real-life answers full of hope and humor.

My opinion: I loved this book that really speaks to the Mommy's soul from one who has experienced a lot (having 9 kids would do that to you!). This book helps one navigate the ups and downs of being a Mom and ways to center your days so you can face whatever comes your way. This book really strengthened and encouraged me,helping reminding me that I am not alone in this delightfully exhausting journey called Motherhood.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

United state of Jihad by Peter Bergen

This book was utterly fascinating as it explored how young people who grew up in the USA are joining fanatical Islam and the journey that takes them there. Written in an engaging and exciting manner this book really sucks you in and gets you involved in the story. It certainly gives incite into some of the reasons kids from America would possibly be interested in radical Islam.
This book was an excellent read and was very though provoking, heartbreaking and insightful. It was a must read!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Home to paradise by Barbara Cameron

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Home to Paradise (Abingdon, February 2017)

Highly anticipated final book in The Coming Home Series from best-selling Amish author Barbara Cameron.

Rose Anna Zook has watched her two older sisters marry two Stoltzfus men and has always thought she and John, the third Stoltzfus brother, would marry, make a home together, and have children. But John has other ideas. He’s enjoying his Rumschpringe in the Englisch world a little too much and isn’t interested in returning to the Amish community—especially to marry.

Rose Anna is determined to bring her man back into the Amish fold. John is equally determined to live his life free and unencumbered. Who will win this battle of wills? Will love prevail?

My opinion: This book was such a wonderful ending to a very cute and enjoyable series. Rose Zook is such an enjoyable character, she has a set idea for how her life is going to go and is in great distress when John doesn't seem to be going with the program. I enjoyed watching John grow and develop as a character because at first I really didn't like him that much but he got better. This book was a sweet easy little read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Why God calls us to dangerous places by Kate McCord

What an amazing book.This book was so thought provoking and well written, it resonated with me long after the final page was read. This book talks about the pain and brokenness that can come from following God into dangerous and unknown circumstances, written someone who has truly lived it. The author has had many close encounters with death and has seen many heartbreaking things in her walk with the Lord that has taken her to Afghanistan. She has lost people she has loved through brutal circumstance, people who have given all to follow the Lord. This book doesn't sugar coat things, but it shows the closeness and beauty that has come through these hard circumstance. This book really made me think of my nice,safe life and how those who have embraced the Lord's calling to dangerous places have left this kind of life behind, while it certainly hasn't been easy there is a closeness to the Lord that I personally have not experienced.
Well written and utterly thought provoking this book is a must read!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

When God made you by Matthew Paul Turner

What a delightful kids book! I was so happy to receive this book to review in exchange for my honest opinion as good Christian kids books are not as common to get and I am always on the look out for a good one. This one was a wonderful brightly colored book with a cute message that was engaging and well written. This book held my 22 month old daughters attention despite it really  being for a little older kids.
This book is a great book reminding kids how special they are how much God truly loves them.

Door to Freedom by Jana Kelley

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Door to Freedom (New Hope, February 2017)

It’s rough and it’s smooth. It’s dark and it’s light. It’s a masterpiece. It’s us. Here in Sudan. We are scared of it and drawn to it. There is an open door, and there is much opposition.

In the dusty, Islamic country of Sudan, Mia, who is raising her family in a Muslim country, has learned to boldly share her faith. Rania, the daughter of a wealthy Sudanese Arab, seeks to find the reason for her sister’s sudden disappearance. Mia holds some of the answers, but both women quickly discover they must each walk through their own doors to freedom, the freedom that only comes when you trust God’s sovereignty more than manmade security.

Part of New Hope Publishers’ line of contemporary missional fiction, Door to Freedom, the sequel to Side by Side, opens the reader’s eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Door to Freedom also reveals 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 for the salvation of the persecutors.

My opinion: This book was such a wonderful read, I utterly devoured the two books in the series in a matter of days which is saying something! This book takes Mia and her family through another test of their faith as things in Sudan become harder and harder and threats are all around them, do they have the faith to stand up in the time of great danger even when there appears to be someone reporting them? We also get to know Rania who is upset and distraught over her sisters disappearance when she became a Christian, is Rania going to find that peace her sister found and is she willing to sacrifice everything to embrace it? Thought provoking and well written this book really brings to light what it must be like for those who are willing to give it all for the gospel.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.