A Time to Dance

A Time to Dance, a book in the Timeless Love Series, written by Karen Kingsbury is the first book I heave read by the author. Although I have seen numerous titles by her, and heard about what a great author she is, I have not previously had the opportunity to read any of her books.

The book focuses on the life of John and Abbey, who are nearing the stage of divorce in their life after spending over 20 years as a married couple. They are hesitant to tell their 2 grown children children the news, and they decide to wait until after their daughter’s wedding to announce the news to their children. During the time until their daughter’s wedding, John and Abbey begin to see what the other is going through in their relationship. Although there are many mistakes and issues they must overcome, they are continually reminded of the initial way they felt about one another.

Although I have never been married, and have just recently graduated college, I found this book to be interesting as it looked at a couple’s relationship and the struggles relationships can go through, which everyone can relate to.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back

I recently read Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent and I found myself unable to put the book down. I read for a few hours straight, absorbed in the young boy’s story of the time his emergency appendectomy gave him the opportunity to travel to Heaven.

Colton Burpo was an ordinary young boy, who found himself in an extraordinary place as he was on the operating table. Colton vividly explains to his parents all of the wonders he saw in Heaven, starting with the sashes worn by all and the overall environment in Heaven. Although many people may question Colton’s experience, the book clearly shows that the experience he had is real as he was able to explain what is contained in the Bible without ever having heard the Biblical Words at such a young age. Colton met members of his family that he never knew existed which made me believe, without a doubt, that Colton did, in fact, travel to Heaven as his earthly body was being operated on.

This book is not a difficult read, and I would recommend it as the perfect gift for everyone! I cannot wait to share the story of the Burpo family with my family and friends.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Waiting

The Waiting is the second book in the Lancaster County Secrets Series written by Margaret Brownley, which looks at the life of Jorie King during the Vietnam War. The fact that Jorie and all of her friends and family are Amish did not keep her fiancée Ben from being drafted into the Army and traveling to Vietnam as a contentious objector who was still near, if not in, battles. As Jorie waited for Ben to return home, she began teaching school and helping the young children in her community with their task of passing their 8th grade exams. During this time, Jorie learns that Ben will not be returning home, as he was killed in Vietnam. An unlikely relationship begins to grow between Jorie and Ben’s brother, Caleb. Their relationship faces some turmoil, and they must decide if they belong together.

Although I’ve read numerous books about people who are Amish, I can honestly say this was the only one of its kind. I felt as if Jorie and all of the others in her community were “real” people, not just “perfect” people. The book shows that no matter who you are, or how you were raised, there is no one above making mistakes and having difficult relationships with others. For this reason, I think the book especially resonated with me.

I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series and find out more about the others in the community and how God will shape their futures.

“Available October 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

The House on Malcolm Street

In The House on Malcolm Street, Leah Breckenridge has faced more tragedies in her young life than would seem fair. Her brother, mother, husband, and infant son all died within a short span of time, and she is left to care for her young daughter with no income to provide for her family. Without the option of living with her father, because of their strained relationship, she moves away from the life she had known to live with her husband’s aunt Marigold who she never met. During her time at this new home, she meets another person who is also dealing with tragedy in his own way, and they must both learn how to deal with their grief and find comfort in God.

Leah tries to deal with her grief by throwing herself into working at Aunt Marigold’s boardinghouse by harvesting food for the family. She begins to make friends with the local residents of the town, and through those new friendships and the reconciliation of her past relationships, she begins the process of moving on from her grief.

I really enjoyed this book, and found myself empathizing with Leah and the others in the story who are all trying to reconcile their hurt and feelings of grief with the fact that God loves them and cares for them even though there were tragedies in their life. I also enjoyed reading about the faith of Leah’s daughter. At the age of six, she has the greatest belief that God will provide for her. Her faith is the kind that all should strive for.

“Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

A Memory Between Us

The second book in the Wings of Glory Series, A Memory Between Us, written by Sarah Sundin follows Major Jack Novak and army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty as they try to supply income for their families and find out what course their lives are going to take in Europe during World War II. Ruth always attempted to keep herself distanced from her patients, but Major Novak is very convincing in persuading Ruth to spend time with him as he recovers from an injury he received while flying a mission. Throughout their time spent together, the reader begins to find out more about the lives of both Ruth and Jack.

The book focuses on the relationship between Ruth and Jack, and the learning process and growth they must go through in order to find out if they are really meant to be together. Ruth must face her past and the difficult mistakes she made while trying to provide for her family. Jack must face his family to determine if his plan to be a minister is really right for him or if it is just being forced upon him by his family. Throughout these difficult struggles, all of the characters must rely upon God and find out what he wishes them to do with their lives.

I really enjoyed this book, as historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series because I am interested in learning more about the men in the Novak family and their relationships with one another and time they spent fighting in the U.S. Army.

“Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Good Morning, Lord

Good Morning, Lord: I Don’t Know Where You’re Going Today, But I’m Going with You by Sheila Walsh is probably the cutest devotional books I have ever seen. Although what matters is the content within the book, I will admit the cover of a book is what makes me want to purchase it or not, and this book had an adorable cover. I can imagine giving it to a friend just because of how cute it looks.

Aside from the looks of the book, the content was also something that I would want to share with others. The book is broken into daily devotionals which begin with the phrase “Good Morning, Lord! Today I Will…” Each daily devotional focuses on one particular aspect and contain a personal story and an example of the story contained in the Bible. There are questions that relate to the topic and space where thoughts can be recorded. Also, there is a short prayer and Bible Verse which relate to the topic for the day.

Although I read through this book fairly quickly, I am excited to start out each of my days by reading one of the devotions more in depth. They are the perfect length and will help me start my day with phrases such as “Today I Will…turn to you, take my emptiness before you, thank you for your love, and do all things for you.”

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Hope Undaunted

A Hope Undaunted, the Winds of Change novel, by Julie Lessman focuses on Katie O’Connor, the youngest daughter in a large family who thinks she has her life planned during the ending of the 1920s. Katie is confident and headstrong; she thinks she has her whole life figured out. She is going to attend law school, marry her wealthy boyfriend Jack, and pursue a career in politics which will help her fight for women’s rights. Little does Katie know that her life will change forever when her father’s punishment for her inability to obey his rules puts her in contact with a childhood enemy, Luke McGee.

Throughout this romance, I honestly did not know what the next move would be on the part of Katie and her family. This fact alone made the book stand apart from so many of the romance books available today. I also enjoyed the focus on family throughout this book; Katie wasn’t the only O’Connor family member who received attention in the book. Her sisters’ relationships with their husbands and children were focused upon, as well as the changing relationship between her parents as they begin to experience life without young children in the home.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Although it was a little over 500 pages, every turn of the page brought a new dimension to the characters. After completing the book, I learned there is another series which focused on Katie’s three older sisters and the struggles they went through when forming their current relationships. I will definitely be purchasing those books. I am also hoping there will be books written about Katie’s brothers in the Winds of Change novels.

“Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”