The pretender by Ta'mara Hanscom

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The Pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise (Reata Publishing, September 2017)

Set in South Dakota in 1975, where eighteen-year-olds could order 3.2 beer in a bar, and loaded guns were kept under the counter.

Frankie Valli sang “My Eyes Adored You,” and American soldiers returning from Vietnam struggled with their new reality.

It’s within this tumultuous season of American history that Tillie Caselli meets Noah Hansen, and they are never the same again. Their lives were mysteriously intertwined—and had been for many years—yet they had no idea.
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From the moment they met, Tillie and Noah wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, but a deliberate omission will keep them apart—and that same omission will be responsible for the escape of a murderer, and a bride’s deception.

My opinion: What a riveting read that really keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole book! I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other and really grow on you throughout the book. This really brings the 1970's to life which was an interesting time with so much change and struggles. This was a new author but I am looking forward to trying out her other books!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Many Sparrows by Lori Benton

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Many Sparrows(WaterBrook, August 2017)

Either she and her children would emerge from that wilderness together, or none of them would. . . .

In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob on a remote mountain trail.

When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare awakens the next morning to find herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can to recover her son . . . especially when her second child is moments away from being born.

Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob’s life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do—be still, wait and let God fight this battle for them?

My opinion: Yet another outstanding historical novel filled with so much detail and depth, recreating a time in American history that is little read about and little understood. I loved how this book gave a perspective from both the settlers and Native Americans point of view so you could see where both were coming from.
This book was heart wrenching and fascinating, being that I am currently pregnant I cannot even imagine giving birth in the wilderness with no one but a stranger to help! The characters were flawed but engaging and I loved watch their individual characters develop as well as watch them grow together.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Counseling under the cross by Bob Kellemen

Counseling Under the Cross: How Martin Luther Applied the Gospel to Daily Life (New Growth Press, September 2017)

Martin Luther not only reformed theology, but his understanding of the gospel revolutionized soul care.

In Counseling Under the Cross, biblical counselor and noted author Bob Kellemen explains how Martin Luther’s gospel-centered and cross-focused pastoral care transformed his own approach to soul care.

As Kellemen mines Luther’s own writings and other first hand accounts, readers will gain a new understanding of how Luther richly, relevantly, robustly, and relationally applied the gospel to suffering, sin, sanctification, and our search for peace with God. Counseling Under the Crosswill guide pastors, counselors, lay leaders, and friends toward a rich understanding of the gospel that will directly impact their personal ministry to others.

Through lively vignettes, real-life stories, and direct quotes from Luther, readers will be equipped to apply the gospel to themselves and others so together they find their hope and help in Christ alone.

My opinion: For anyone who thinks that Martin Luther was just a man who caused Reformation in his own day and age and is not relevant to this day and age, this book will set you straight! Author Bob Kellemen brings Martin Luther's back to life and breathes life into them showing just how relevant and important they are today especially when counseling. I love how the insights and information are great not only for Pastors and counselors but for the average person who deals with giving advice to friends and loved one. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A box of awesome things matching game

What a delightful game! I was eager to get this whimsical game of matching because I love playing matching with my daughter and am always looking for things to stimulate her little 2 year old brain. This game did not disappoint, not only is at excellent memory game but it is also a great little game to help her identify things in her world, I was surprised at how many things she knew and am excited at how many more awesome things I can teach her.
Filled with bright illustrations this game is a excellent addition to anyone's game closet.
I received a copy of this game in exchange for my honest opinion.

Gathering the threads by Cindy Woodsmall

Gathering the Threads(WaterBrook, August 2017)

Finally back in the Old Order Amish world she loves, will Ariana’s new perspectives draw her family closer together—or completely rip them apart?

After months away in the Englisch world, Ariana Brenneman is overjoyed to be in the Old Order Amish home where she was raised. Yet her excitement is mixed with an unexpected apprehension as she reconciles all she’s learned from her biological parents with the uncompromising teachings of her Plain community. Although her childhood friend, ex-Amish Quill Schlabach, hopes to help her navigate her new role amongst her people, Ariana’s Daed doesn’t understand why his sweet daughter is suddenly questioning his authority. What will happen if she sows seeds of unrest and rebellion in the entire family?

Meanwhile, Skylar Nash has finally found her place among the large Brenneman family, but Ariana’s arrival threatens to unravel Skylar’s new identity—and her sobriety. Both Ariana and Skylar must discover the true cords that bind a family and community together and grasp tight the One who holds their authentic identities close to His heart.

Gathering the Threads is the third and final novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series.

My opinion: This book was an utterly engrossing and interesting read that not only was a quick read but it really had a lot of depth and thought provoking  stuff going on. I loved watching the characters develop and grow and really felt  like this was a very satisfying conclusion to a great series. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

All she left behind by Jane Kirkpatrick

Another engaging read by one of the most prolific Christian historical authors that loves to steep her books in real stories. This book certainly does not disappoint and leaves readers utterly engaged until the very end.
This book was fascinating as you follow Jennie Pickett through her life which is filled with many tragedies and triumphs as she learns to navigate through a very male dominated world, raising a difficult son on her own.
I loved how this book brought Jennie to life and made you really care what was going on with her. Written with great historical detail this was an outstanding read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The day the angels fell by Shawn Smucker

This book was an intriguing and fascinating read. I love how this book tackles some really hard questions in life and yet does so in such an interesting way that leaves you pondering a lot when the story draws to a close.
Dealing with issues such a death this book is presented in the present when the narrator is an older man and goes into his past when he was a 12 year old boy grappling with the tragic death of his Mother.
With vivid detail and rich story telling this debut novel is a great read and I am going to be looking for the next book by this amazing author.