Vicious Cycle - Terri Blackstock

To protect her newborn baby … Jordan has to abandon her. A sequel to Intervention, this latest novel of suspense and family loyalty by bestselling author Terri Blackstock offers a harrowing look at drug addiction, human trafficking, and the choices that can change lives forever.

Description: 
When fifteen-year-old Lance Covington finds an abandoned baby in the backseat of a car, he knows she’s the newborn daughter of a meth addict he’s been trying to help. But when police arrest him for kidnapping, Lance is thrust into a criminal world of baby trafficking and drug abuse.

His mother, Barbara, looks for help from Kent Harlan—the man whom she secretly, reluctantly loves and who once helped rescue her daughter from a mess of her own. Kent flies to her aid and begins the impossible work of getting Lance out of trouble, protecting a baby who has no home, and finding help for a teenage mother hiding behind her lies.

In this latest novel of suspense and family loyalty, bestselling author Terri Blackstock offers a harrowing look at drug addiction, human trafficking, and the devastating choices that can change lives forever.

My Review

This story carries on the characters met in Intervention, though this story can easily stand alone. The reader is quickly drawn to the main characters, which is Jordan and her baby. It is tense and fast moving drama. i have a tendency to set aside a book when the tension gets too bad, and i did that numerous times with this book, only to find myself picking it up almost immediately again to continue. (Obviously, as it only took me a few hours to read it). Terri again aptly portrays God's love, even to those we might think unlovable. Also, how often just because the circumstances look awful, it doesn't mean that they are hopeless, nor does it mean that the people in these circumstance don't want to get out of it. Terri has an awesome way with words,  and i could see the scenes vividly. Although it would be impossible for me to say i know what the characters went through, i feel i have a bit of an idea through Terri's story.

Thankyou Terri, for bringing these issues into my world, that i can have a better understanding of people around me.

this book is available from Christianbook.com and your local christian bookstore.

White Pearls by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Contemporary

Shell doesn't have a good reputation . . .

But no matter what everyone in Rose Bud, Arkansas thinks of her, Shell Evans is back in town with a job to do. She'll just have to stick it out and make the best of things. But why does Ryler have to be the landscaper on this project? She was just getting her heart back under control.

Ryler Grant has his own reasons for being in Rose Bud, and they certainly don't include Shell. Spying on his birth family was going to be hard enough. He doesn't have time to worry about a woman who dumped him. . . even if his heart says otherwise.

But God's love can change the hardest heart. In the light of His presence, even the darkest past can be overcome. They may not know it, but the people of Rose Bud are about to change!

MY REVIEW

It was great to be back in the Rose Bud, Romance Falls and Seary area, meeting with friends i met earlier in White Roses and White Doves. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but the reader does get the full benefit of the stories by reading them in the order they were written. How messed up our lives (and stories) can become when we keep secrets. Also- things are not always what they seem, so lets not judge. Again, Shannon does a wonderful job of giving life lessons through an inspirational romance story. Her gift of using words creates vivid pictures. I loved this book, though i would love to read a full length novel by Shannon.

Thanks again, Shannon for the free books for reviewing. I loved them, and look forward to more from your capable pen!

I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are mine alone. I looked on Christianbook.com, Barnes & Noble and Parable Christian Stores for this title and White Doves and did not see them there, but am sure that you can buy this as well as the first two at your local Christian Book store.

White Doves

Romance wasn’t what Laken had in mind.

Laken Kroft left home eight years ago and never looked back. Who knew when she applied for the promotion to postmaster that she’d end up in Romance, Arkansas, and much too close to her parents, the town drunk and the local gossip maven?
Hayden Winters has his hands full raising his paraplegic nephew, Brady, and wrestling his guilt over having caused the child’s injury. When the boy’s father, Laken’s brother, turns up and starts talking custody, Laken’s influence is Hayden’s only hope. But whose side is she really on?

MY REVIEW

Reading this second book in the series was every bit as good as the first. The characters are well developed, the scenes jump out at you, and there are enough twists and turns in the story line to keep the pages turning. Forgiveness - of oneself, and how not forgiving oneself causes you to see things in others  lives that are really not there. Not a deep searching story, but you come away with a good feeling, and having read a great story.
Thanks to Shannon for giving me the books for reviewing. There was no obligation to give a positive review.

This book can be found at |Christianbook.com, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and your local bookstore.

White Roses by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

The White Rose trilogy is set in the Arkansas towns of Romance and Rose Bud. Romance is known for the re-mailing program and weddings. Romantics send stamped/addressed Valentine’s cards and wedding invitations
in manila envelopes to get them mailed with the hand-stamped Romance, AR postmark. Couples come
to get married in Romance at the post office, local churches or the Romance Waterfalls.

Pastor Grayson Sterling loves his wife. The problem is, Sara was killed by a hit-and-run driver two years ago. Grayson knows he needs to move on, that the continuing depth of his grief is not healthy for him or his young son. Desperate, he convinces his church to hire Mark Welch as associate pastor to relieve him of some of his load. When Adrea Welch arrives at his church with her brother, Grayson cannot deny his attraction to her.
For years, florist Adrea Welch has been artfully arranging white roses for Sara Sterling. Now those flowers are carried to the cemetery by a faithful, grieving husband. How can Adrea be so attracted to a man still devoted to his dead wife? When secrets from Adrea’s past collide with their budding relationship, both she and Grayson must learn to lean on God’s abiding wisdom.

My Review

I picked up this book knowing it was a romance - a heartsong presents book, a girl meets boy, and so on. What i didn't know, as this is my first Shannon Taylor Vannatter book, was that it was more than just a romance story. The roses are beautiful - you can almost smell the arrangements Adrea makes, and see the flowers as she prepares the church for a wedding. The characters are realistic, though the story is by definition short. The plot has enough twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed, and i came away from this with a deeper appreciation that 'things are not always what they may seem'. Life happens, and i will try not to take on the guilt of others actions, either.
Thanks to Shannon Taylor Vannatter herself for giving me the trilogy in exchange for an honest review. I loved it.

This book is available at Christianbooks.com, Amazon.com and your local bookstore.

The Pirate Queen - Patricia Hickman

 

Treasure is found in the most unlikely places.
The envy of all her friends, wife and mother Saphora Warren is the model of southern gentility and accomplishment. She lives in a beautiful Lake Norman home, and has raised three capable adult children. Her husband is a successful plastic surgeon--and a philanderer. It is for that reason that, after hosting a garden party for Southern Living magazine, Saphora packs her bags to escape the trappings of the picturesque-but-vacant life.

Saphora’s departure is interrupted by her husband Bender’s early arrival home, and his words that change her life forever: I’m dying.
 
Against her desires, Saphora agrees to take care of Bender as he fights his illness. They relocate, at his insistance, to their coastal home in Oriental—the same house she had chosen for her private getaway. When her idyllic retreat is overrun by her grown children, grandchildren, townspeople, relatives, and a precocious neighbor child, Saphora’s escape to paradise is anything but the life she had imagined. As she gropes for evidence of God's presence amid the turmoil, can she discover that the richest treasures come in surprising packages?

My Review

Patricia Hickman is not afraid to tackle the messy issues. This one is no exception. The type of life that one is accustomed to when one is able to associate with Southern Living people is beyond me. Patricia let me (the reader) step into that life and live it with the characters. This book is about living up to others expectations, reaching beyond oneself to help someone else and thus perhaps finding treasure where you didn't expect to find it.  It is also about family life, and you follow the characters through their triumphs and sorrows. I also wonder "am i enough" and this is explored through this book. i would recommend this book to my friends. The title may discourage some from picking up this book, but in this case, don't judge the book by the title.

the Bridge of Peace - Cindy Woodsmall

Description

Lena Kauffman is a young Old Order Amish schoolteacher who has dealt all her life with attention raised by a noticeable birthmark on her cheek. Having learned to move past the stares and whispers, Lena channels her zest for living into her love of teaching. But tensions mount as she is challenged to work with a rebellious young man and deal with several crises at the schoolhouse that threaten her other students. Her lack of submission and the use of ideas that don't line up with the Old Ways strengthen the school board's case as they begin to believe that Lena is behind all the trouble. One member of the school board, Grey Graber, feels trapped by his own stifling circumstances. His wife Elsie has shut him out of her life, and he doesn't know how long he can continue to live as if nothing is wrong. As the two finally come to a place of working toward a better marriage, tragedy befalls their family. Lena and Grey have been life-long friends but their relationship begins to crumble amidst unsettling deceptions, propelling each of them to finally face their own secrets. Can they both find a way past their losses and discover the strength to build a new bridge?

My Review

I have enjoyed a few of Cindy Woodsmall's books, and though this is book # 2 in Ada's House series, it could easily be a stand-alone book. From the first page Cindy capture's the reader's imagination as she paints a vivid picture of the Amish lifestyle and the country they live in. She portrays their way of life in a very realistic and gentle way. I appreciated the fact that Cindy did not shy away from some of the hard situations that we all find ourselves in, as well as the handicaps we have, whether visible as Lena's birthmark, or hidden attitudes, such as of the school board members. Grow along with the characters as they find their way through the circumstances they face. Learn how the Amish live, and learn to lean on their Teacher, God, with them together. This book will capture your heart. I found it hard to put down. I recommend this book to the young adult reader and to the avid reader as well as the occasional reader. Enjoy.

Indivisible - Kristen Heitzmann

Product Description

An inseparable bond.
An insatiable force.

Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall knows the dark side of life and has committed himself to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, knowing the strange event could escalate and destroy the tranquility of his small mountain town. With a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history, Jonah fights for answers—and his fragile sobriety.

But he can’t penetrate every wound or secret—especially one fueled by a love and guilt teetering on madness.

From best-selling author Kristen Heitzmann comes a spellbinding tale of severed connections and the consequences of life lived alone.

My Review

From the very first page, Kristen had me hooked. i read every book of hers i can find, and never find them to disappoint. She wields her pen like a paint brush, and her scenes are vivid. You feel you are right there with her. The verses under each chapter number only enhance the story.
This is a story of relationships, with family, parents, friends as well as neighbors and co-workers. Kristen's story is a powerful one of forgiveness, of friendships made, maintained and some relationships lost. And as i read it, my heart hurt, laughed and sympathized with the characters. Only one thing, and that might be a personal thing, the way i read it, it seemed like one minor character was lost along the way, and i wasn't sure where the character stayed. Someone else may understand it differently.
 I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  All i was required to do was to give an honest review.

This book can be bought at Christianbook.com, Livingbooks.ca, and your local christian book store, or whereever Christian books are sold.

Possession by Rene Gutteridge

Police detective Vance Graegan quits the force in an attempt to save his marriage. During his family's cross-country relocation, the movers hold his belongings for ransom. He's determined not to let this stunt ruin his family's new beginning, but soon everything begins to unravel in the hands of Vance's past. Will a little boy's innocent faith bring the hope they desperately need?

My Review

Once again, Rene has written a page turner. I was expecting it, having read other of her books, but was actually surprised when i turned the last page that i had read all day... The story is told from both Vance's view point and his wife Lindy's. Very well written, sit-on-the-edge of your seat (which i literally did) action and suspense from the very first page to the last. What more can i say, without being redundant? It's another awesome thriller by Rene.

Thanks to Rene Gutteridge for this book. She did not ask me for a review, nor did i need to write a positive one! I look forward to reading Listen.

This book can be bought at your local bookstore, Living Books (Canada only),  and Christianbook.com

Reviews by Jane

i follow Reviews by Jane blog, and she asked me to let my followers know about this interview and giveaway. i hope this is the right way to do it, and that you will go to her blog and also become a follower

Author Interview and Giveaway - Penny Zeller

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 09:20 PM PST

Hello readers! I am happy to welcome author Penny Zeller to Reviews By Jane this week!

First off, would you mind telling us a bit about yourself and something about you

that might surprise your readers?

Hi Kait! It’s great to be here.

I am a Christ follower, wife of 18 years to my wonderful husband, Lon, mother of two, and a Christian author and speaker. I am the author of several books and I have also written for numerous national and regional magazines. My work has also been included in several anthologies. I owe all my inspiration to the Lord – He truly is amazing!

Hmmmm…something about me that might surprise my readers? Something rather humorous is that I had two imaginary friends as a young child. They were two gray-haired grandpas (the ones from Sesame Street). I imagined they lived at the end of my street.

What inspired you to write McKenzie and Kaydie: The first two books in your Montana Skies Series?

My family and I were in a car accident a couple years ago where I suffered neck and leg injuries. During that time period of seven months, I was also hit with back-to-back bacterial infections. Because of the injuries and illness, I was pretty much homebound and my active athletic lifestyle suddenly became limited. I look back now and praise God that He gave me McKenzie, as well as two other manuscripts (another historical and a contemporary) I wrote in that seven month period of pain and illness. God took what was a difficult time for me and turned it around to something positive that can be used for His Kingdom – taking the time to write the books that I had always wanted to write.

He has since healed me and I pray daily that the path I have chosen in life will glorify Him. I think that’s why Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “’For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” is so close to my heart.

Wow! I am so glad the LORD saw fit to heal you! He is truly good. :-)
What prompted you to write in Montana Territory?

 Our family has traveled extensively through Montana on road trips. We have visited two well-preserved ghost towns, which provided me with so much inspiration! I love the scenery and the history of Montana and couldn’t wait to base my characters in that setting.

I've been through Montana several times and have found it to be one of the most beautiful states in the country; I'll bet it makes a great setting!
Has your faith influenced your writings?

My faith influences my writing 100%. In November of 2000, I gave my writing to the Lord. I quit my fulltime job with a social services agency to stay home with my infant daughter. That was the start of my writing career, beginning with magazine articles in national and regional publications. My first book, a children’s book titled Hollyhocks, was published in 2003. I am humbled that God has called me into a ministry of writing. I speak from experience when I say that when He closes one door, He opens a (much better) one and I firmly believe that if God calls you, He will guide you.

I pray God will use each of my books to impact the lives of others for His Kingdom. For instance, in McKenzie, I have shown how God can and does change hearts and just like in real life, McKenzie’s heart was changed gradually as she came to rely on and put her trust in the Lord. I love the verse in Isaiah 64:8 that says “Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter…”

Because faith plays such an important role in my writing, I love the opportunity it has given me to share Christ with others. Being able to talk about my career has opened the door to sharing the Gospel in countless ways.

That is a great verse!
Did you base any of your characters on people you really know?

The characters in my fiction books are a potpourri of many different people. I love to people-watch, so this gives me a great resource for characters. For example, I will take the hairdo of the woman in the mall, the nose of the woman in the airport, the eyes of the woman in church three rows up, and maybe some personality traits of two or three people I know as acquaintances. I combine all of these attributes into one person to develop my characters.

Haha you're example "The nose of a woman in the airport" made me chuckle - but all in all, that's a brilliant idea!
Which book that you've written was your favorite to write?
Hmmm. Hard question! I loved writing McKenzie because the Lord gave me that inspiration while I was
recovering from our car accident. I have also enjoyed writing Kaydie because it is such a
testimony of how God can take something bad and use it for something good.

When you started writing, where did you begin? With an outline? Or did you just
jump into it and let the story form as you wrote?

Interestingly, I don’t write outlines for my novels. I dream up the entire book in my head as if I were watching a movie then write it down scene by scene. My husband and kids always tease me and ask if I’ve “watched” any movies lately *grins.*

Sounds a bit like how I operate. ;-)
You've written and published several books. Which one required the most research? Which took the longest time to write?

The book that took the longest to write was my second book, Wyoming Treasures. I interviewed 38 people – many of whom had experienced The Great Depression and World War II firsthand. I met some amazing people, many of whom are no longer with us. The book that required the most research was my most recent nonfiction book, 77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference: Ideas and Activities for Serving Others. For this book, I researched statistics and spent a lot of time in God’s Word correlating the Scripture verses with each project and the “Up for Discussion” questions at the end of each chapter.

Who would you have play McKenzie and Zach if "McKenzie" were made into a
movie?

I think that based on appearances, I would pick Hayden Panettiere for McKenzie and Geoff Stults for Zach.



Who is your favorite author?

I have several and couldn’t even begin to narrow it
down to just one!

 Haha I am the same way!
Do you have another book in the making? Can you give us some insight on what it's about? 

I just finished the third book in the series, Hailee, which is scheduled for
release later this year. Here's a little teaser about what's to come:

Times in Pine Haven have changed over the past few years. The town has doubled in size and Montana has become a state. Bethany Ethel is now the older sister to spunky seven-year-old twin brothers who find great delight in providing trouble for the new teacher, Miss Hailee Annigan. The Sawyers have added to their own family with daughter, Chloe; and Lucille Granger continues her antics as the town busybody.

Faith. Love. Hope. Forgiveness. This recent installment of the Montana Skies Historical
Romance Series explores all four in the continuing saga of a peek into the lives of those who call Pine Haven their home.

I'm also working on a historical romance series that takes place in the Post-Civil War Era.
I've finished book one in the series and have started writing book two.

Sounds intriguing!
How can our readers reach you?

I love to hear from my readers and can be found on the web at www.pennyzeller.com
(website)
www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com (my blog – a Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom,
and Author) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Penny-A-Zeller/96391560959?ref=ts
(Facebook) http://twitter.com/pennyzeller (Twitter)

Thank you, Kait, for inviting me to your blog. It’s been an honor to be here!

---

Not only has Mrs. Zeller been gracious enough to allow me to interview her, but she is also willing to giveaway her upcoming release - Kaydie - to one lucky commenter! One winner will receive a copy of Kaydie when it releases in April. USA ONLY!

Still House Pond by Jan Watson

Lilly Gray Corbett loves living on Troublesome Creek, but she would much rather play with her best friend than watch her little brother and the twins. Her mama, Copper, is often gone helping to birth babies, and Lilly has to stay home. When Aunt Alice sends a note inviting her to visit in the city, Lilly is excited to go, and Copper reluctantly agrees to let her. Later, when they hear the news that the train crashed, Copper and her husband, John, rush to find out if their daughter is injured ... or even alive.

My Review

What a refreshing, honest look at family life! I enjoyed this book from the first page, found the scenes delightful. Though the story is told from multiple characters, it is told in such a fashion that one does not loose sight of whose position it is being told from. Also, though i knew where the characters were, the suspense and mystery was still there, and i kept turning those pages until the last one!  I sympathized with Copper as she grappled with decisions, with Mandy as she wanted to be who she was not. i also felt for Lilly as she was struggling with growing up.

This  book is well written, and though part of a series, can easily be read as a stand alone.

This book may be bought at your local bookstore

The Vigilante's Bride - Yvonne Harris

Robbing a stagecoach on Christmas Eve and kidnapping a woman passenger is the last thing Luke Sullivan expects to do. He just wanted to reclaim the money stolen from him, but ends up with a feisty copperhaired orphan thrown over his shoulder who was on her way to marry Sullivan's bitter enemy. Emily McCarthy is an orphan out of options. Forced to marry because she was too old for her orphanage, she doesn't take kindly to her "rescue." Still she trusts God can turn any situation to good especially when it seems Sullivan may just be the man of her dreams. But Sullivan's crossed a dangerous man unused to losing and Emily may just be the prize he's unwilling to sacrifice

My Review

A true 'western' tale. Beautifully told historical romance of the wild west when often the only justice shown was by the men who ruled with guns. It is fast paced, with danger from indians, runaway cattle, and fellow ranchers. The scenes are vivid. The story will keep you turning the pages quickly. i enjoyed it, will recommend it to others, and look for other books by Yvonne Harris to read.

This book is available from Christianbook.com, Amazon.com, and your local bookstore.

Publisher's Description

Sadie Always Believed in God’s Promises. But Can She Really Trust His Heart?
Young Amish widow, Sadie Fisher, leads a simple life in the quiet countryside of Lancaster County--selling Amish goods to a steady stream of tourists. Though it is a good life, lately she’s wondered if it is God’s will for her to remain without a husband and a family.

Winters can be brutally cold and lonely in Pennsylvania, so Sadie rejoices when a renter signs up for a three month stay in her guest cottage. But when wealthy, impulsive Englischer Kade Saunders arrives, she isn’t sure she wants him around that long. Sadie feels the stress of the bishop’s watchful eye, expecting her to act in accordance with the Ordnung, the understood behavior by which the Amish live. To complicate things, Kade is soon surprised with sole custody of a child he barely knows--his five-year-old autistic son, Tyler.

Sadie and young Tyler form an immediate connection. As she grows to love and understand this exceptional child, her feelings for Kade grow into something that both terrifies and exhilarates her. And while Kade seems to feel the attraction to her as well, their worlds couldn’t be farther apart.

Sadie must stay true to her Amish roots, but denying the love she feels is impossible. Could it be that God has the improbable in store for Sadie? And will she have the faith to step into a love bigger than she’s ever dreamed possible?

My Review

What a refreshing book...i  was impressed with the way Beth deals with the situations that come up between the Englisher Kade and Sadie, who is trying to follow the Ordnung. i feel this book was very well written, with enough suspense and romance in it to keep the reader interested, protraying the Old Amish in a favorable light to the reader regardless of the readers background. i know i will want to follow the people Beth has introduced to me. I also was pleased that she tackled the touchy subject of Autism, and though it was a different approach than Karen Kingsbury's story on Autism (Unlocked) i feel it was realistic, though admittedly i have no experience with this. i will be fecommending this book to others.

This book is available through Christianbook Distributors, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Parable Christian Stores, and your local Christian bookstore.

Product Description

When World War II robs Rosalie of her fiance, she throws herself into her work at the Boeing aircraft plant in Victory Heights. A local newspaper dubs her "Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter," and her story becomes an inspiration to women across America. Rosalie can handle that---but what about her feelings for the handsome reporter? 320 pages, softcover

My Review

I am finding that i do like historical fiction - atleast when it combines facts with romance. i loved the way the authors highlighted the work of the times (Boeing aircraft plant building Boeing airplanes for the war and reporter). This is a fun way to find out the history of different areas in the U.S.A. i thought it well written, and i will be looking for other books by this authors Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss, as well as more books in this series. i would recommend this book to others.

This book is available at Christianbook.com, Barnes & Noble, Parable Stores, Amazon.com as well as your local bookstore.

Product Description

Alexander Madison is part lawyer, part pastor, and part con artist. When a Muslim imam is accused of instigating honor killings, Alex must decide whether to take the case that every other lawyer in town is running away from. He doesn't realize until it's too late that defending the imam may cost him the one thing in life he cares about most. Fatal Convictions is the story of a lawyer willing to risk it all and the women who must choose between faith and love.

My Review

This book was difficult for me to read, because it is written is written in the present day, and so true. At times i felt that some of the scenes were a little disjointed, but as a whole, it is well researched and well written. Since Alexander is part lawyer, the story has a lot of court scenes with it accompanying language, which to a layman may be a little redundant, and hard to follow, but other than that moves right along. Very intriguing, a thriller. Once again, Randy Singer is willing to write a controversial story.
It is a book that i think more people should read, as it is an eye opener,as much into our own convictions as to the Muslim religion.

i would recommend this book to others.
This book can be found at Christianbook.com, Parable Christian Book Stores, Amazon.com, and your local Christian Book store.

February 7, 2011

It's been a while since i have blogged...will try to get on track again. Last week was cold here in El Mirage Arizona, as it was through most of North America, i think. Most mornings when i checked the weather via Google, the temperature here in El Mirage was cooler than in Peoria, Alberta which is about 60 miles northeast of Grande Prairie! Brrr. It has even snowed here in the valley this winter! But i got a lot of the projects done that i needed to. On the warmer days i washed down the walls of the parkmodel, and washed the windows. Trimmed the orange/lemon tree (yes it is one tree with a lemon tree grafted onto the orange tree (i think), picked the oranges and squeezed them for fresh orange juice and made some orange rind for future baking use.On the cooler days i did some baking - cinnamon rolls and cheese rolls, and banana bread. i helped Mom finish the binding on her quilt, so it's packed and ready to travel now. i read some books, did a bit of blogging about books as well. A couple of the cool days i took off and spent part of the day with my girlfriend, introducing her to a couple of new experiences in the Valley, and having coffee. I still help out at the PEM computer club once in a while. And of course, Mom and i are doing our part to make sure the restaurants here are not threatened with closure due to not enough customers. Other than that, i guess i have just been doing the every day things to keep going. Mom did find a new yarn shop that she likes, so will be doing our best to keep that going, too. Take care, and please be in touch.

Book of Days - James L. Rubart

 

Product Description

What if you were losing your most treasured memories? Of your wife who passed away, of your dad who died far too young? What if you heard of a book whaere all of those memories are recorded and you could get them back? And what if this book also told your future? Would you believe it? Would you go on a desperate search for it, holding onto a strand of hope it would bring healing and answer all your questions?

Young Cameron Vaux's mind is slipping. Memories of his wife, killed two years earlier in a car accident, are vanishing just as his late father predicted they would. Memories he knows are critical to remember. But his only hope for answers, and a cure, seems to lie in search for a book--and a God--he doesn't believe in..

My Review

This is the first book i have read by James Rubart, but he has just become a new 'must' have author. Brilliantly written. Subject was just believable enough to keep me reading. Not violent, but a hint of it...Believable characters.

Although i didn't devour "Book of Days" in one sitting like Collen Coble (author of Cry in the Night and The Lightkeeper's Bride), i did read it in one day...Truly a suspense story, a page turner! This book is very well written, one i will be recommending.

i give this book a 10 out of 10. i received Book of Days as a free gift from James L. Rubart through a contest.

This book is available through Christianbook Distributors, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and Parable Book Stores and your local christian book seller.

Sarah's Choice by Wanda Brunstetter

Although Wanda is perhaps known best for her Amish stories, her series on Lehigh Canal of Pennsylvania is as captivating as all her books are. I read this book shortly after it came out on the shelves, and have read numerous books since then, but one mention of Sarah's Choice and i am transported back to the story. It is not what i would call a suspensful story, but it is a page turner! And perhaps don't have cookies baking in the oven while you are reading this. How often have i not thought i wanted something, only to have it disappoint me when i do get it? Or the path that looks so bright, is filled with shadows? Sarah learns that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. I definitely recommend Sarah's Choice to all my friends, and anyone who reads this. I would give it a 10 out of 10! i would also recommend it to young readers!

On Dec. 1^st, "Sarah's Choice," book 3 in theBrides of Lehigh Canal series was released.  

Sarah Turner tends the lock on the Lehigh Canal in Walnutport, Pennsylvania. She'd like nothing better than to get away from the canal, having enough of it as a child when she led the mules that pulled her father's boat. But being a widow with three small children, she seems to have no other option. Sarah isn't looking for love again, but should she ever find it, she knows it could never be with a canal man.

Elias Brooks has left his newspaper job in Easton to captain the canal boat bequeathed to him by his grandfather. When he stops at the lock, Elias meets Sarah, a pretty woman with determination and courage, and her three children, who seem eager for his attention. Could a woman like her ever look past the ugly red birthmark on the side of his face and see the heart within?

Sarah's side job is taking in laundry and baking bread for boatmen. . .and one good-looking blacksmith named Patrick O'Grady.

Who will unlock the key to Sarah's heart-the boatman or the blacksmith?