The Knot Yours Truly

For anyone planning a wedding this book is absolutely essential! This book is an amazing resource to plan your wedding and make it totally unique for you. With checklists and ideas galore this book is just what you need for inspiration and organization. I loved the craft ideas in the book too! There is something for everyone in the ideas and I love how much variety and insight there is.
The Knot has always been a trusted resource for weddings and it is not wonder why! For anyone getting married this book is essential.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman

{MORE ABOUT IMPERFECT JUSTICE}

Imperfect Justice (Thomas Nelson, December 2017)

The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can’t be talking about her client . . . can they?

To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.

Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.

Thrown together in a race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?

My opinion: Having read the first book in this series I was eager for the next installment and it did not disappoint! While you don't have to read the previous title to enjoy this book you will meet some of the same characters. This book is sad as domestic abuse is such a tragic thing, especially when it leads to a loss of lives but the legal aspect is fascinating, the characters are engaging and it is a good read.  i love how the main characters interact and grow in their relationship despite the tragedy that draws them together. Well written and utterly engaging I highly recommend it. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Seeds of Hope by Barbara Cameron

{MORE ABOUT SEEDS OF HOPE}

Seeds of Hope (Gilead, November 2017)

A heartwarming tale of discovering love right in front of you

Miriam Troyer has had a secret crush on Mark Byler since she was a teenager, but she knows they can never have a relationship: Mark is a big-city attorney and an Englischer. Her Amish community is too far removed from all he knows–and she loves her quiet way of life.

Mark has always loved his visits to his grandfather’s farm, but he’s convinced the Amish life isn’t for him. There’s so much of the world to see and experience, and the excitement of his successful law practice can’t be matched by the slow pace of life found back home in the country.

But when things go wrong and his firm distances itself from him to try to save themselves, Mark finds himself back at his grandfather’s farm. Could life in this simple world be worth living after all? Especially when the teenager he remembers has grown into a woman that could be his future. Suddenly, these two people whose lives seem so far apart may get a chance to really see each other for the first time

My opinion: This was an enjoyable read that was easy and quick. There wasn't a ton going on in this book but it was enjoyable with enough going on to keep the reader engaged without being too overwhelming. The characters were engaging and the romance was sweet and I liked how it developed between two people with very different background. A sweet love story for anyone who likes Amish fiction. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

God of tomorrow by Caleb Kaltenbach

A fascinating, deeply moving book about looking towards the future with renewed hope instead of fear. I love how this book deals with current event issues and how Jesus faced many of the same issues and how he handled them. It is a good reminder that many of the issue we face today are not in fact new problems but are things people struggled with in the past.
A good reminder that God is in control no matter what and that we need to trust him and not fear what tomorrow brings.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Under a cloudless sky by Chris Fabry

Another spellbinding, fascinating read that goes between the 1930's and the present. I love how intricately woven this story is, with plenty of characters to pique and enthrall the readers without being too overwhelming. I love how it had enough of a mystery to tease the reader into sitting on the edge of ones seat until the very end and I love how all of the stories are intricately woven together to make such a wonderful and unique read. I loved reading about the coal community and how it was ran in the 1930's and today, it was a fascinating to read about and made the book all the more interesting.
Well written and with engaging characters and a tightly woven story line this book was an excellent read!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

All things now living by Rondi Bauer Olson

{MORE ABOUT ALL THINGS NOW LIVING}

All Things Now Living (Written World Communications, May 2017)

Her whole life Amy has been taught the people of New Lithisle deserve to die, but when she falls for Daniel, she determines to save him.

Sixteen-year-old Amy doesn’t like anything to die, she won’t even eat the goats or chickens her mama has butchered every fall, but she can’t let herself pity the inhabitants of New Lithisle. In a few short months the dome they built to isolate themselves from the deadly pandemic is predicted to collapse, but her whole life Amy has been taught it’s God’s will they die. They traded their souls for immunity to the swine flu virus, brought God’s curse upon themselves by adding pig genes to their own.

Then, while on a scavenging trip with her father, Amy is accidentally trapped in New Lithisle. At first her only goal is to escape, but when she meets Daniel, a New Lithisle boy, she begins to question how less-than-human the people of New Lithisle are.

Amy’s feelings grow even more conflicted when she learns she didn’t end up in New Lithisle by mistake. Her father is secretly a sympathizer, and was trying to prevent the coming destruction.

Now time is running short and Amy has to decide if she will bring the computer program her father wrote to his contact or save herself. Installing the program could prevent the dome’s collapse, but if Amy doesn’t find her father’s contact in time, she’ll die, along with everyone else.

My opinion: I wasn't sure what I was going to think about this book as it sounded very different from anything I had read, but I am really glad I gave it a try! It was well written and intriguing I loved how it was pretty mild for a dystopian novel all while keeping the excitement that tends to go with that drama. It made one think and ponder what you would do in Amy's shoes, having been taught a certain way her whole life and realizing the people she though deserved to die are actually a lot like her.  Well written and utterly engaging I highly recommend this book! I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Burden is Light by Jon Tyson

This book is such a fascinating and insightful book, filled with wit and wisdom. It is a great reminder that we shouldn't be looking for validation  and fulfillment from the world but should be instead looking towards God who made us with a longing for Him. This book is great for those who feel like they just don't measure up and aren't enough.
In a world that is often so loud and bombards us with the message that we will never be enough this is a great reminder that Jesus already paid the price and that we are worth so much in God's eyes.
Refreshing, uplifting and encouraging this book is just what I needed to refresh my heart and soul.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Christmas at Grey Sage by Phyllis Clark Nichols

{MORE ABOUT CHRISTMAS AT GREY SAGE}

Christmas at Grey Sage(Gilead Publishing, October 2017)

This Christmas, there’s plenty of room at the inn.

Nestled in the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Santa Fe, the Grey Sage Inn looks like the perfect place for weary travelers to escape the craziness of the Christmas season. There’s plenty to see in historic Santa Fe during the day, and the inn’s owners, Maude and Silas Thornhill, are happy to spend their evenings hosting this year’s guests from across the country.

But an unusual snowstorm throws a wrench in the festive mood. The sprawling inn becomes close quarters as stranded guests discover this Christmas won’t be the relaxed vacation they expected. Tension and fear mount as the storm worsens, and Silas, a retired doctor, is called away in the middle of the night to care for a neighbor. The snow and stress unlocks tongues–and in the unexpected conversation that follows, secrets and pasts are revealed, and hearts are healed.

In the midst of snowdrifts and fireside conversations, of tales of days gone by, the warmth of Christmas brings a renewed hope as these trapped strangers become friends–proof again that the joy, hope, peace, and love of Christmas can be experienced no matter where you are.

My opinion: This book is just the book to get one into the Christmas spirit! It has such Christmas joy and cheer that just permeates through the whole book.  This is like a Hallmark Christmas movie, sweet and heartwarming at the same time! The small town is brought to life in such a way that makes you wish you lived there! Each character is memorable and engaging, drawing one into their story. Well written and engaging I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Gift of Christmas Past by Cindy Woodsmall

{MORE ABOUT THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS PAST}

The Gift of Christmas Past(Woodsmall Press, October 2017)

Arson wasn’t the only fire that ignited between them.

Promises shattered.

Lies spoken.

She was arrested.

He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire.

Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.

Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?

My opinion: This was a heartwarming, well written book that will help get you into the spirit of Christmas. Such a heartwarming story about redemption and love lost and found. I loved the characters and how they really grow on you,they are flawed and yet very likable. I loved how this book had a lot more going on and really kept one engaged until the very end. Well written and fascinating this book was a great read. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Last Girl by Nadia Murad

Wow,this book is incredibly heart breaking and utterly captivating. Nadia has been through so much and has lived to tell the tale. Losing her family to ISIS and being used as a sex slave Nadia has been through a living tale but her story of escaping and the people who helped her along the way are encouraging as well.
This book is harrowing and are a great reminder of what is going on in our world today and why ISIS must be stopped. Poignant and well written this book will stick with you long after the last page is read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Deadly proof by Rachel Dylan

{MORE ABOUT DEADLY PROOF}

Deadly Proof (Bethany House, September 2017)

Riveting new series offers legal suspense with a romantic twist

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower’s allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer.

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he’s intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything—even murder—to keep the case from going to trial.

My opinion: For anyone who is a fan of legal thrillers this book is a must read. I was excited to find another Christian author who dives into the legal world and really brings it to life. I loved how fast pace and quick this book moved, it was very hard to put down! The characters were likable and engaging, you really want them to get to the bottom of the corruption that is going on!  I liked how the romance was not the main focus of the book and that there was plenty going on , however there was enough romance to make it satisfying. Well written and spellbinding this book was an excellent read that I highly recommend! I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Christy by Catherine Marshall

Christy (50th Anniversary Edition)(Evergreen Farm, October 2017)

New edition of Catherine Marshall’s inspirational classic!

The train taking nineteen-year-old teacher Christy Huddleston from her home in Asheville, North Carolina, might as well be transporting her to another world. The Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels suspended in time, trapped by poverty, superstitions, and century-old traditions.

But as Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home, some see her — and her one-room school — as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove.

Yearning to make a difference, will Christy’s determination and devotion be enough?

My opinion: I loved the Christy book and movies growing up so I was utterly delighted to dive back into the memorable world of Christy as an adult and found it to be as utterly enchanting and heartbreaking as it was many years ago. Filled with heartbreak and wisdom this book tells the mesmerizing tale of a young girl entering a world very different from what she was raised in, trying to make a difference among a people who view her as an outsider. It is not wonder this book is a classic and I love this edition that commemorates the 50th anniversary of its publishing. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Dangerous Illusions by Irene Hannon

Yet another outstanding read from the Queen of Christian suspense. I loved this book and how it really engages the reader and keeps you guessing until the very end, not to mention the main characters are fabulous and you really grow to love them and thoroughly enjoy the romance.
This book is at times very sad and very heart breaking especially when Trish thinks she made a very terrible mistake that haunts her. Colin is such a great guy that is trying to find out the truth even as his heart becomes engaged.
Well written and very enjoyable this book will keep you guessing until the very end.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The secret life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner

Witty and utterly engaging this book was a fun read that sucked you in and kept you engaged until the very end. I loved the character of Sarah who learns to find her own way after a devastating divorce to her high school sweetheart. She quickly becomes a bestselling author of raunchy romance novels but when she becomes a Christian and falls in love with the Pastor she tries to reconcile her faith with her writing.
This book was an utterly charming and interesting read that I thoroughly enjoyed, it took a little bit to get involved in the book but once I was I was totally hooked!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano

This engaging read from a new author is just the right touch of mystery, intrigue and romance to keep one on the edge of ones seat, fully engaged until the very end.
The authors style and writing reminds me of Charles Dickens so this book will very much out one into the world of Dicken's with debtor prisons, a sinister plot and plenty of mystery to keep you reading until the very end.
I loved the romance between the two main characters and how the grew to understand and love each other.
Well written and utterly engaging this book is a fabulous read that I highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Vanishing Point by Lisa Harris

I was so eager for the final book in the exciting Nikki Boyd series and was looking forward to everything coming out at the end. This book was not quite what I expected nor did it quite measure up to the previous books. For one Nikki Boyd was not the main focus of this book and she wasn't a very central figure in the book, at least not as much as I would have liked.
Lisa Harris still did a great job at engaging the readers in the story line and weaving a fabulous story line, but I felt like the ending for this great series just fell a bit flat. Still it was an enjoyable mystery and kept me guessing until the end, I just wish there was a bit more to it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy

{MORE ABOUT THE BEGINNER’S GOSPEL STORY BIBLE}

The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible (New Growth Press, November 2017)

How do you explain the gospel to toddlers and preschoolers?

Often adults are stumped, but Jared Kennedy’s focus on the promises of God makes the gospel come alive to the littlest hearts. Through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories, The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible highlights God’s perfect promises. Every page pops with bright colors, playful illustrations, fun learning opportunities, and, best of all each story points children to Jesus.

Kids know the value of a promise. Through the gospel, our good and all-powerful God keeps his word and fulfills his promises to us better than we could have ever thought or imagined!

In The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, author Jared Kennedy traces God’s perfect promises through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories, retold in simple and compelling ways with toddlers and preschoolers in mind. Each gospel-centered story highlights God’s tale of redemption through Jesus and the unexpected and surprising ways that God’s grace and mercy are revealed throughout the Bible. Children will hear the good news of God’s love for them clearly expressed in ways that will speak to their young hearts. Brightly colored illustrations highlight the stories and add fun teaching elements of counting, opposites, patterns, and object recognition to keep even the youngest child’s attention. Every story also ends with a question that parents and caregivers can use to further reinforce the message.

Through reading this book one chapter at a time to your children—or letting them read it to you!—even the youngest kids will come to know that God’s promises are especially for them, and that God always keeps his promises.

My opinion: I absolutely love this darling story Bible and so does my 2 year old. I feel like it is the perfect introduction to the Bible for little ones, really breaking down some of the most important lessons in the Bible in a way that is enjoyable and educational for little ones. The playful illustrations are enough to engage even the youngest reader and I love how the stories are presented and explained. Well written and beautifully illustrated this book is an excellent collection to anyone's personal library. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.