Tuesday, November 30, 2010

More Glimpses of Heaven

Honestly, I have to say that I really struggled through this book, not because it was poorly written (it was quite the opposite actually!) but because of the heart wrenching moments shared in the book. Having recently had a friend loose her child (who we had been close to) to cancer, I really had a hard time reading about the passing of children. But at the same time, their last moments were so inspiring that I really did find a level of comfort in them too. This certainly isn't a cheerful make you feel good book, however it is an impactful and awe-inspiring read that really lifts your faith and helps you to see Christ in each situation. There were so many time in reading this book that I'd have tears pouring down my face while at the same time praising my Savior for being so good.
It is a book worth getting, I really think that it would be quite beneficial for people to read these stories.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.



Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".



The Waiting

I can't even begin to tell you how absolutely thrilled I was to see the second book in the Lancaster series up for review!! I have 100% fallen in love with reading about the Amish (and it was actually Suzanne Woods Fisher's first book "The choice" that got me hook on Amish fiction!!) and their simple faith, even in the midst of struggles.
The main character Jorie King, was so likeable and so easy to identify with that it really brought the novel into focus for me. Even when I wasn't reading the book I'd find myself throughout the day recalling the events in the book and impatiently waiting to dive right back into it!
It was no surprise to me that "The Waiting" was an amazing novel, I've come to expect them from Suzanne Woods Fisher, she has a certain writing style that really draws the reader in and makes them feel like a part of the story!


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.



Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Emily's Chance

I'm not a huge lover of romance novels so I went into this book a little weary about what I would be finding. And though it does seem to hold strongly to a fairly typical romance there is a depth of faith that the characters have that exceeds what I've read in previous romances. After a fire sweeps through town Emily is brought on to (re-) set up the museum. While there she catches the eye of Chance Callahan and faces a struggle of living up to the expectations set out for her or choosing love. Although it is very much a romance novel there was enough meat to the story that I still found it quite enjoyable. I appreciated that the characters had a lot of depth (Which i generally don't find in most romances), and loved the message that this book shared!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.



Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

While we're far apart

I have read Lynn Austin's books in the past and have absolutely fallen in love with them, so I was incredibly excited to see that one of her books was up for review!! And she doesn't disappoint with this novel either, it was one of those books that I just couldn't put down till I read the last page. Each time the characters faced a struggle or looked like they were in danger I found myself tensing up and trying to read as fast as I could in order to find out what happens next! I love books that really pull you in and get you involved like that! The story focuses for the most part around a character named Penny, who volunteers to take care of the children of the man she loves. Throughout the novel we walk with her as she faces trials and let downs, discouragements and joys. At the beginning of the book the characters almost seem too simple, and it isn't until you finish reading that you realize the absolute depth of their personalities that Austin has put into her book!
If you're into Christian ficition, you absolutely HAVE to read this book!!


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.



Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

The Preacher's Bride

I have to say, at the beginning of the book I was a little unsure if I would actually like it. It took some getting used to in order to follow and flow nicely with how the characters were speaking. But Really, it was well worth it to plow on through. What a wonderful book! As I've mentioned many times on this blog, I absolutely love historical novels and especially if they are based on real happenings! It wasn't until I got to the end of the book and read the little expert there that I realized (found out) that the man Jody Hedlund wrote about was the author of "Pilgrims Progress"!! (Seriously, I totally gasped out loud when I read that, lol).
The book is based on John Costin and the pain he is living through after loosing his wife and facing persecution from the Royalists. He receives help with his children from Elizabeth Whitbread, and through a number of turns, dangers and mishaps a budding romance appears.
Seriously this book needs to be read, especially if you've read "Pilgrim's Progress" before. It'll give you such a great insight into the life of John Costin and the struggles he faced as he wrote that book!
Absolutely wonderful, I just can't say enough about this book!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.



Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Monday, November 15, 2010

The Grace of God

I loved this book,  I don't think I can adequately portray how much I appreciated what the author taught me on the grace of God. I've rarely read a book that has effected me this much, its one of those books you're blessed to have come across, that not only changes your perspective on who God is but causes you to fall in love with Him all over again. There isn't enough good I can say about this, it brought me to tears.  At the end of the book I loved the quote "In God's story, you are the focus of a celebration. Not what you've done. You." What a simple yet vast truth, and how good it is to be reminded of this! This is one of the first books where I not only will recommend it to everyone I have a chance to, but I'm insisting those around me read it. How life changing for everyone who takes a moment to read it! How wonderful it would be to have our churches not only hear this message but run full tilt with it! Like I said, this book changed me. Its changed (For the better) everything I considered that I knew about God, and it changed how I react to different situation.
Seriously, if you haven't read this book you NEED to.


"Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available October 2010 at your favourite bookseller. "

Monday, November 01, 2010

Making waves

what an adorable book! I really loved this book, it was quite cute! I loved the main character (Marguerite Westing ) and her headstrong, spunky attitude. I loved that she didn't allow society and the times to dictate to her what was appropriate for her and her gender! I love reading about strong women and this character very much fit that mold.
The book mainly focuses around Marguerite and her upcoming potential marriage to someone who she doesn't love. Throughout the book she denies even the idea of marrying Roger until family circumstances start getting in the way. When family loyalty starts getting in the way of true love Marguerite finds herself in a tug of war of emotions, of love vs. loyalty.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.


Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Don't look back

I love when we get to review sequels to books that we've already read, its like meeting up with old friends! Just like the first book in the "woman of Justice" series "Don't look back" was absolutely fantastic. It was full of suspense and mystery! It was one of those books that you get so into that its difficult to even put the book down!
The book mostly focuses around the character Jamie Cash who survived a very brutal kidnapping and is just starting to really get back into the world again and live her life. In the midst of it all her kidnapper (and potential killer) returns to finish the job. The book was full of twists and turns and really very entertaining. This is one of those books that I think I'll be reading over and over again.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.


Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Hope undaunted

I really liked this book for different reasons than usual, most books try to follow the road of everything lining up and working out great for their characters. However Julie Lessman's book "Hope Undaunted" was a much more realistic book. I loved that she showed the character's struggles and doubts. I also love that she didn't just try and make everything work out great for everyone involved. I found it really made the book much more realistic. I love that sometimes the characters' (especially Katie O'Connor) plans were shaken up or didn't pan out. I love that she was able to show that even when things don't go the way that we plan, that God's hand is still there.
I would 100% recommend this book, it was heart wrenching and thought provoking. I think anyone reading this will not only be challenged in their way of thinking but also in their faith. A very good read!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.


Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Head in the clouds

Honestly, I kind of expected this book to be more of a corny, silly romance (of which I'm not a big fan). I can happily say though that I was greatly mistaken! Seriously, I LOVED this book, not only was it very entertaining, it was also very suspenseful. It took me only one day to read the book, not because it was a short book but because it was such a good read that I spent half the night reading it. It was just too good to put down!
The book is about Adelaide Proctor a young woman who tries to force God's hand in providing her a mate. After a very thorough humiliation Adelaide takes on a job as a governess on a ranch/farm. After many mishaps and scary moments Adelaide is surprised to find love blossoming. This book was full of suspense, I really loved it. I would recommend this to anyone, even if they're not into christian literature!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.


Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Embers of Love

I am a huge Tracie Peterson fan and very much enjoy her books, so when I saw that one of her books was part of the review blog event I was super excited! And I have to say, it was right up in line with the level of entertainment and interest of all her other books. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Embers of love" I really like historical novels so of course I loved this book!
The book focuses mostly around Deborah Vandermark, a young woman who after finishing a higher education returns to her home town to help out at her family's business. In the midst of trying to please everyone around her Deborah (slowly) learns that she needs to follow her own heart, and God's will for her life.
I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction, I loved this book!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.


Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".