The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis, Book review

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
ISBN-13: 978-0764209789

Synopsis:

Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare.

Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?

My thoughts:

It is said that Beverly Lewis gave birth to the Amish genre in 1997 with 'The Shunning' so it will come to no surprise that  her name is practically a household name! She is enduring and continually delights her readers with yet another wonderful story. 'The Bridesmaid' is no exception! The novel brings such clear imagery you will find yourself acutely a part of the plot!

As an avid reader and an Amish genre aficionado, I found Joanna and Eben's story enticed any yearning for dreaming. Theirs is surely a match made in Heaven! 
There is a decided attraction to learn yet another facet of Amish life and Beverly Lewis is sure to pen a lesson or two about faith and living amongst the Amish community (and Englisher!). 
Inviting plots, attractive characters (and sub characters!) and the chance of reflecting on hopes and aspirations will delight as always. 
Her warm heart stories are always amazing! They also make a perfect gift for anyone, young or old,  on your list this Holiday Season!

Second novel in the Hickory Hollow series, 'The Bridesmaid' tells us of a Pennsylvania alt Maidel who unbeknown to her family and community loves to write make believe stories. Joanna's attraction to Eben Troyer is warmly reciprocated but there is a glitch in their burgeoning courtship: Eben is needed on the family farm in Indiana whilst Joanna has vowed to remain part of her congregation leaving them with no choice but to part ways. 

With a lot of faith and a little help from an almost forgotten letter written by her namesake, Joanna finds that God listens and there are many blessings in her future after all.

5 Stars as I found this story truly a joy!

About the Author:

'I've had my nose in a book, for as long as I remember. When I was about 9 years old, I started writing my own stories. By sixth grade, I'd hand-written a 66-page semi-autobiographical book titled, "She Shall Have Music."

After I was married and our three children were in middle school, I began submitting articles and short fiction to various magazines.

My first book (Holly's First Love) was published in May 1993, the start of a 14-book series for pre-teen girls. Soon after, my first chapter book was published for 7-10-year-old readers ("Big Bad Beans") which later became part of my 24-book series, The Cul-de-Sac Kids. I wrote another long-running series for girls, titled "SummerHill Secrets," which was set very close to Neffsville, PA, where I grew up--near the heart of Amish country.'

For additional information including trailers, excerpts and more, see Beverly's website (here).

I received this book free from BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Putting Christ Back In Christmas...

With all the preparations for celebrating this blessed Season, many of us tend to overlook the true reason for the festivities. 

I am always amazed at all the decorations that spring up in people's homes, the 'shop, shop until you drop' and the stress generated by all the seasonal effervescence...Yes, there are carols and much merrymaking at this time of the year and we enjoy those too. 

But not to sound like (I hope) Ebenezer Scrooge, monetary gifts (made to assuage our conscience perhaps), the endless lists of gifts purchased in lieu of sharing real warmth with our loved ones are hardly necessary...

Why should we place (as the media would have us believe) a maximum gift amount on each recipient? Is it even worth sharing something if there has to be a monetary value on the gift?

Homemade gifts are by far the best way to go but than again, not all of us have the craft touch! Still, it is far more in the spirit of Christmas to share something we have actually made than purchased!

A day trip off island let me discover this year is no different than the others. Somehow in the hustle and bustle, frantic shoppers were looking for that special bargain to bestow on their loved ones, often grasping handfuls and dropping it in their shopping cart. 

The only feeling I retained (after attempting to shop for much needed supplies in preparation for the stormy weather we are promised) was total dismay. It was difficult to enjoy the latest decorations for the shoving and short tempers of many shoppers!

Somehow the real reason for the Season gets often lost...

So I resolved to try once more to put Christ back in Christmas for our family! 

Traditionally the Advent allows us to feel the Spirit of the Season and we like to remember childhood memories with SinterKlaas on the 6th of Decembre complete with speculoos and marzipan fruits.

And since no little kiddies figure in our immediate household, we then turn to setting up the mood in our home with a blend of native traditions, ours and others!

As far as I can remember there has always been an extra setting at our table to allow for any unexpected guest. ANYONE who has nowhere to go on that special night may enter our home and share our repast.

'I was hungry, and you gave Me food. I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you invited Me into your house'. (Matthew 25:35)

A more recent (2 - 3 decades) addition to 'unbreakable' traditions is the inclusion of a special ornament in our (tiny) tree, a Tree Trimming Tradition...It comes with a story...

'This is the Christmas Nail.

It is to be hung on a sturdy branch, a branch near the trunk, a branch that will hold such a spike without being noticed by well-wishers dropping by to admire one's tinseled tree.

The Nail is known only to the home that hangs it. Understood only by the heart that knows its significance.

It is hung with the thought:

'The Christmas tree but foreshadows the Christ-tree which only He could decorate for us, ornamented with nails as this.'

The Breath Of Dawn by Kristen Heitmann, Book review & Giveaway

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
ISBN-13: 978-0764210426

Synopsis:


Morgan Spencer has had just about all he can take of life. Following the tragic death of his wife, Jill, he retreats to his brother's Rocky Mountain ranch to heal and focus on the care of his infant daughter, Olivia. Two years later, Morgan begins to make plans to return to his home in Santa Barbara to pick up the pieces of his life and career.

Quinn Riley has been avoiding her past for four years. Standing up for the truth has forced her into a life of fear and isolation. After a "chance" first meeting and a Thanksgiving snowstorm, Quinn is drawn into the Spencer family's warm and loving world, and she begins to believe she might find freedom in their friendship.

The man Quinn helped put behind bars has recently been released, however, and she fears her past will endanger the entire Spencer family. As the danger heightens, she determines to leave town for the sake of the people who have come to mean so much to her.

Fixing problems is what Morgan Spencer does best, and he is not willing to let Quinn run away, possibly into the clutches of a man bent on revenge. But Morgan's solution sends him and Quinn on an unexpected path, with repercussions neither could have anticipated.

My thoughts:

'The Breath Of Dawn' is my first novel by Kristen Heitzmann and quite an adventure! 
Fast paced with intricate twists guaranteed to keep you guessing! I honestly held my breath (no pun intended) more than once but a very good choice for reading. 
This is a richly woven plot with well described characters and good biblical and spiritual teachings throughout! A page turner for sure!

Morgan Spencer can only be described as a man going nowhere fast. The only thing going for him is his two year old daughter. 
On the other end we meet Quinn Reilly (love that first name), hiding from her family and friends due to a past she would rather forget. 
Then a series of events brings these two lost souls together and life takes a totally different direction...
Their lives entangle as events unfold but along with a growing attraction deadly threats arise. 
Morgan and Quinn soon discover life and God have more to offer than their wildest wishes!

An excitedly well written novel which I found totally gripping and well worth a 5 Stars rating!


Note to Readers: Be sure of course to check out other reviews (HERE)!

About the Author:

Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of twenty novels, including Colorado Book Award finalist The Still of Night and Christy Award winner Secrets. She lives with her husband, Jim, and lots of extended family in the Rocky Mountain foothills of Colorado, where she climbs trails into God's great beauty.
For more on this author visit her website (HERE)

Kristen Heitzmann is celebrating The Breath of Dawn by giving away one of the new Paperwhite Kindles and hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. (11/27)

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Paperwhite
• The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 26th. Winner will be announced at the "The Breath of Dawn" Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/27. Connect with Kristen, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of The Breath of Dawn and join Kristen on the evening of the November 27th for a chance to connect with Kristen and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!

I received this book free from LITFUSE GROUP as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Against The Tide by Elizabeth Camden, Book review

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
ISBN-13: 978-0764210235

Synopsis:

As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she's finally carved out a perfect life for herself--a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or "Bane," a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.

Just as Bane's charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia's part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend.

My thoughts:


With its intriguing prologue set in 1876 Boston 'Against the Tide' captivated this reader and by the time I finished Chapter 1, this time set fifteen years later in 1891 I was hooked! 
Elizabeth Camden's name is now added to my list of favourite writers! 
True to her Masters degrees in History and Library Science, Elizabeth Camden writes historical spellbinding novels which leaves you wanting for more. 

Richly woven against the highest of the Opium trade, the author introduces us to a little known fact: this drug was present in a many compound sold over the chemist (pharmacy) counters across the continental US and abroad. In fact Mrs. Winslow's syrup for young children was one of the biggest culprit but I am getting ahead of myself.

Lydia Pallas is first introduced in the narrative as a young orphan left on the shores of Boston's wharves. She survives 15 years in an orphanage and after two years search found a small advertizing for a translator position in the US Navy offices. Greek, Turkish and Croatian were her first and subsequent languages. To English she added Russian, Italian and Albanian making her a perfect candidate for the job required by the struggling navy after the Civil War and the Army's expansion to the West. 

Lydia loves her new life and staunchly keeps to herself. She first encounter Alexander Bainbridge in the office as he sweeps by, leaving her in no doubt he wants something from her. 
It soon appears her linguistic talents is more required by the man dubbed 'The Adonis' than her female attributes. Despite her misgivings she finds herself drawn to him as if part of her own soul. Together they become a team to find the source of the opium shipments to Boston.

The subsequent events described by Elizabeth Camden leaves you in no doubt this is an intricate plot written by a master of storytelling! Part history, part drama with just enough bittersweet romance to please any romantic soul, this is none the less a recount of the gritty and addictive story of the opium reach amidst the 1800's in daily lives. You might find yourself quite shocked to read the implications of this dreadful addiction and how long it took to remove its hold on the market!  

Difficult to put down and even harder to share (albeit I found myself discussing -almost-every revealing new twist in this compelling novel with hubby! It is now his turn to read it!)

5 Stars as there are no higher!

About the Author:

 
Elizabeth Camden is intriguing as her novels! Here is a little bit of her biography (see more HERE).
Be sure to check out the option of reading an excerpt, how to buy this book and the BOOK EXTRAS!

'I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.

I decided to become a librarian because I can think of no other career in which you get such a wide exposure to all aspects of recorded knowledge. I have been an academic librarian for fifteen years, where on any given day I get to research the sonnets of Shakespeare, learn what makes pelican feathers pink, or compile demographic statistics for starting a new company...'

 I received this book free from BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Christmas Roses by Amanda Cabot, Book review

Publisher: Revell 
ISBN-13: 978-0800720049

Synopsis:
 

Celia Anderson doesn't need anything for Christmas except a few more boarders, which are hard to come by in this small mining town. She certainly doesn't have a husband on her Christmas wish list. But when a wandering carpenter finds lodging at her boarding house, she admits that she might remarry if she found the right man--the kind of man who would bring her roses for Christmas. It would take a miracle to get roses during a harsh Wyoming winter. But Christmas, after all, is the time for miracles . . .

My thoughts:

What better way to put yourself in the Holiday mood than reading 'Christmas Roses' by Amanda Cabot?
Never insipid and always inspiring, this storyteller brings us a tale of love, hope and even a miracle set in Wyoming Territory in1882. Trust Amanda to know how to bring a little romance and a lot of faith in her readers lives!

Celia Anderson welcomes a new boarder in her home and life suddenly takes a new turn. She might just change her mind about not remarrying but only if the man brings her something she treasures and at Christmas no less! 

With that thought in mind, I was hooked as I held this lovely hardback in my hands with its enchanting Currier & Ives illustration! You will find yourself chuckling at Mark's wincing when he is surrounded by all of Celia's treasured flowers and hold your breath as he surprises her with his carpenter's skills for a much needed gift for her home.

The book in itself is a little treasure and you will soon be enchanted by Celia, her baby girl, the story behind Mark's wanderings in search of a missing relative and his hope to become worthy of the young widow's love!

Be prepared for some surprises as faith demands total surrender! 

Combined with her minute attention to historical details as well as her romantic nature, Amanda Cabot brings us a warm tale of love and redemption just in time for this blessed Season!

5 Stars and a lovely gift for the romantic on your Christmas gift list! This one is a keeper! 

About the Author:

With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. 
Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled "All About Thermometers," were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. 
Since then she's sold more than twenty five novels under a variety of pseudonyms. When she's not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and - of course - reading. 

For more on this author visit her website (here)

I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Thanksgiving...

(Norman Rockwell)

As families and friends gather today to celebrate and share bounty, let's remember all those who have so little and those so faraway...

Lord,

For the promise of harvest

contained within a seed

we thank you

For the oak tree

within an acorn

the bread

within a grain

the apple

within a pip

the mystery of nature

gift wrapped

for us to sow

we thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone... 

(Warning: Be careful not to eat too much turkey!)

For the promise of harvest
contained within a seed
we thank you.
For the oak tree
within an acorn
The bread
within a grain
The apple
within a pip
The mystery of nature
gift wrapped
for us to sow
we thank you

Read more at: http://www.faithandworship.com/Praying_through_the_Celtic_Year.htm#ixzz2Cth62Pa1
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Just A Touch Of Philosophy For Today...

Dear God,

Even when we do not heed the Sun,

There is still the Moon

And the Stars

And the lamp on a winter's evening ~

There is so much beautiful Light in the world.

(Wilhelm Raabe)