Love at any cost

To be perfectly honest, the description of the book left me feeling like I was not going to enjoy reading this at all. It seemed to be a stereotypical western romance that drives me crazy (and not in a good way!)
Fortunately it turns out that I make far too swift judgments of books! While I did at first find myself rolling my eyes and not liking the story as much, very quickly the characters started growing on me. Lessman did a fantastic job of tying her readers in emotionally to the main character Cassidy. It was easy to emphasize and sympathize with Cassidy, and to understand her struggles and heartache.  I have to say I was also not a huge fan of the male lead character Jamie at first, I didn't much care for him. But as the story went on and we were given more of his back story and his motivation/drive, I found myself liking him more.
In all, its not the typical book I enjoy, but I did find myself like this book quite a bit.

"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 Gate

This book reminded me so much of "the five people you meet in heaven" by Mitch Albom, except it was so much more Biblical, and I liked it so much more! For a fiction, this book has taught me so much more about the heart of God than many of the the devotionals I've read.
There were so many times that as I was reading through the journey Sky went on in this book that I would run over to read sections to my husband. I loved the description and imagery of looking at Good and evil (and your new self/old sinful self) with the feeding of two dogs. I've found even in my everyday walk with God, that it's effected what I've allowed myself to be involved in. (I'm constantly reminding myself, "Don't feed the black dog" when I'm tempted to fall into old habits!!)
At the end of this book, I have to say I so badly wanted this to be a true story and not just a novel! I love this book, it is going to be a well read and well loved member of my personal library. And I highly recommend it for the church libraries out there. Amazing book!!

"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 Dance

I have yet to find a book by Dan Walsh that I haven't loved with everything in me, the moment I see a new one by him I'm leaping to get my copy! And having Gary Smalley as a co-author on this book just sweetened the deal! These are two authors who I really respect and admire. I had no doubt this book would be fantastic. (it totally was!)
I loved the journey of this book, it was easy to see ( from an outside perspective!) how the destruction of Jim and Marilyn's marriage came about. And I loved seeing and learning along with Jim about how to not only restore his marriage, but to be the spouse that his wife needed! As a Fiction book it was very entertaining, heartfelt and just a wonderful read. But more so  this book is jam packed full of lessons that every couple should know. This marriage dance that they (Jim and Marilyn  go through, is one that every couple should know! (I'm strongly hoping that there will soon be a devotional/marriage book on the lesson's that Jim took, I would adore reading that!!)
Just an amazing book that I think anyone who's married or getting married, (or still looking!) should 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". 

What a son needs from his mom

To be honest, as a mom, at times I feel like a duck out of water when I look at the task of raising my son. I don't have the bond that him and his dad have. I don't understand what it's like to be a boy growing up and I don't understand the struggles that are unique to his gender. Most of the time I make the best guess I can and pray like crazy it was a good one! This book opened a world to me, for the first time I feel like I have an insight, a hold on what I can do to help my son become a God fearing, caring, and compassionate man. I also don't any longer feel that sense of dis-attachment that comes from not fully understanding this male child of mine! Out of everything in this book, I think my favorite was that Fuller gave an age by age set of advice, so it was easy to see where I am and what I can do with my child. There was so much I learned from this book, and so much that I'm learning still. I 100% recommend this book to any mom of a boy out there, there is some great insight and some wonderful advice in this book that will help you become the mom that your son needs!

"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".

Sweet Santuary

Kim Vogel Sawyer has been one of my very favorite authors for a while now, I love her books, they're heart warming, thought provoking and have a strong faith throughout them!
In the book "Sweet Sanctuary We meet Lydia, a woman trying her hardest to protect the son she loves. As an adoptive mom, I was able to relate quite strongly to the main character, and her fear of having her child taken. This is one of those stories that are so good and so through provoking, yet so hard to read. (this book reminded me a lot of "Like Dandelion dust" by Karen Kingsbury. There was a lot of strength and fear related to the main characters, yet we could see their choice to trust in God while in the midst of the trial)
I enjoyed this book, it took me through my own set of struggles and uncertainties that I have and the author made the reader feel like they could understand what struggles an adoptive parent faces at times.
I will always recommend Sawyer's books, but I also highly recommend this book in particular, especially to those who have adopted. This book almost has a sense of kinship about it, that enhances the story so much!

"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".

Finding God in the dark

Doubt, its one of my horrible little secrets as a pastor's wife, that I would struggle with my faith, especially when faced with death, heartache and major disappointments. Its something we (Christians in general) don't discuss, we hide it, we don't want others to discover that there's a part of us that buried that doubts the goodness and faithfulness of God at times.
Usually when reviewing I go for my favorite type of fiction books first, but upon seeing this book and reading the description I just couldn't put it down.
This book, it changes perspectives, it releases the reader from the guilt of feeling what they've been feeling. But they don't leave it there, they help you see how to pick up the pieces of that broken faith and come back into a trust with The Creator. There's an acknowledgment of the reader having been in (or still spending time in) that dark place, but no judgment over them for being there. We're lead back to the truth and mercy of God, that He is still there, still with us, and His grace is still for us.
These authors I felt were finally giving an unashamed voice and face to the secret struggles of Christians, this is hands down, one of the Best books I have read lately. This isn't just a book for the struggling Christian either, those who are dealing with the strugglers have a valuable resource in this book.
I can't say enough good about "Finding God in the Dark", go pick up 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".

A Hero's Throne

This is the second book of Ross Lawhead's in The Ancient earth trilogy, I had read "The realms There under" and enjoyed it immensely, so I had some very high expectations for this book!
One of the issues I had with the first book, which did happen quite a bit more frequently in Lawhead's second book, was that his characters had these massive dialogues, that were difficult to follow, and rather sporadic. This was much more apparent in his second book than the first. I struggled through much of the book, to keep up with the story, and understand where there characters were going and their interactions with each other. but even within that, there were moments in the book of absolute suspense and wit. When he's got a good flow down, Lawhead very much reminds me of Tolkien, or C.S. Lewis. So although I can't claim to have enjoyed this book as much as the first one in the series, I'm not ready yet to give up on this author. When he's good, he's VERY GOOD. I love the idea of this story, and once I can figure out the ebb and flow of the book, I generally enjoy it very much.
If you decide to read this book, I highly recommend you read the first one in the series. This is not the kind of book that will make sense on its own, you do need the back story!!

The Gospel Centered Woman

The moment I picked up this book and read the first page, I knew this would be a fantastic book! Even within the initial few pages I was learning so much! I struggle so much with a lot of the teachings from different authors on the role of a woman in the Kingdom of God. So many are so quick to dismiss a woman, or try telling them that their only Godly role is to be the stay at home mom type of person/proverbs 31 woman. I love that the first thing we're introduced to in this book is the lesson that we (women) too are image bearers of God. That more than anything has encouraged me so much, finally someone who doesn't want to place my value on how many casseroles I cook, or how clean my house is! That our identity is found in Christ, and our role of Biblical womanhood can be garnered from Christ's words and examples! I also absolutely loved how the author (Wendy Horger Alsup) in her initial chapter showed that the term "help meet" (that so many seem to use to push women down!) is also used in reference to God in other parts of Scripture. That was something that floored me, I have never heard this or been taught this! All the teaching we seem to get seems to be geared to push us down, and here's this term that's been used almost in a condescending way towards women, and instead of it being a minor, unimportant role, it show a role of strength, and character!
I love this book, and love that we are being taught within it to find our role in life and in God's kingdom from Christ! Such a great book!
This was something I cannot wait to share with other women, and have already highly recommended it to our ladies group and many of the ladies within our church and others!

You're made for a God-sized dream

To be completely honest, I wasn't excited about reading this book, I'm not a person who usually goes for the "self-help" "you can do more" type books. They aren't really what I like reading. However Holley Gerth has been highly recommended to me by others, so I knew that although these aren't my favorite type of books, that this would be a pretty good read!
Out of everything that Gerth wrote about in her book, I think the main idea or encouragement I took from it was that we CAN have God sized dreams and that God will be the one who works through us, and works for us in revealing these dreams and making them a reality. For me this book was a giant faith booster, its encouraged me to be open to where God wants to take me and to allow those "big"  God sized dreams to take root, that God will see us through it!
Now that I've read "You're made for a God sized dream" I'll be seeking out her other books, I'm kicking myself for not listening to people sooner and looking her up! This book was so encouraging that I'm also recommending our church library pick up a copy! I can't wait for other's to be inspired by this book!!

"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". 

Scent of Lilacs

I'm used to reading the Shaker books from Ann H. Gabhart, so its always a surprise and delight to find a book of hers that is of other things. Having read Angel Sister (which I have re-read repeatedly, its an amazing book) I know that Gabhart is a fantastic and strong writer who really puts emotion and thought into her stories.
this time wasn't any different, and this book is right up in line with "Angel Sister". I adored this book, there are not enough good things to say about this fantastic and heartwarming story. I love the characters in the book, they're unique and witty, yet they have a aura of realism to them too. Like you could easily meet them outside the pages of the book!
Our main character we read about is Jocie, who is a bit of a tomboy yet also becoming a young woman. As she struggles within her own changes, the world around Jocie drastically changes as well. Raised by her father after Jocie's mother and sister left, Jocie dreams of one day seeing again her older sister. She is however surrounded by love within her small community, with both family members and co-workers of her father. In the midst of a confusing time, Jocie's small world is shattered by a revelation and a horrible accident. We journey with her as she struggles to understand who she is and what all these new revelations make her.
Honestly, this is one of THE BEST books I have read. Period. I love the story, I love the characters, and I love the message. And I am absolutely overjoyed to see that this is a series, I cannot wait to read the future books in this serious.
I highly recommend this book, I cannot say enough good things about it!

"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". 

Moonlight masquerade

This is the first book by Ruth Axtell that I've had a chance to read, I'm always happy to add new authors to my library, so I was pretty excited to get my hands on this book!
Her style (Ruth Axtell's) reminds me of Siri Mitchell, or Julie Klassin's, in that she takes strong stances with her female lead characters. There are no simpering and weak women found in her book, the characters she develops on are strong, intelligent, and courageous. All in all, I very much enjoyed this read, and believe that I will be adding more of Axtell's books in the future!
Lady Celine lives resides in and engages in society in England, yet her heart and loyalties still lie with France. In a time where they are at war, this is a rather dangerous and precarious position to be in. And it is made more so when Lady Celine is also a spy for French Jacobites as well.
Rees Phillip's is sent in to spy on lady Celine (who has stirred the curiosity of England's branch of Homeland Security) and goes in to play the roll of her temporary butler. As he struggles to keep his true identity hidden and find evidence that will prove Lady Celine's loyalties, he finds himself drawn to her. Celine proves herself as an integrity filled, compassionate woman, who is simply fighting for what she believes in. Rees finds himself conflicted when he must decide between his country or his heart.

"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". 

Unrivaled

Siri Mitchell is a unique writer, she takes stories set in historical times, and explores not only the troubles of the times, but she allows her female characters to not just go with the status quo. The Characters in Mitchell's books (at least the ones I've read, and I've read most of hers!) tend to be strong women who are not afraid to stand against society when they feel its the right thing to do. I absolutely fell in love with Siri Mitchell's writing style in the book "She walks in beauty" it was such a wonderful, heartwarming and encouraging story. So I new when I agree'd to review Unrivaled that I was in for a treat! This book did not disappoint, typical to her style, Mitchell's character Lucy is a strong willed, faith filled woman, who looks to go past societies expectations and step into her father's footsteps. After traveling Europe with her relatives Lucy is excited to put into practice what she learned during her tour of Europe. With a slew of new ideas for different Candies she can make, Lucy works hard to try and save her father's floundering company.
When her company's rival suddenly introduces his adult son to society, Lucy finds herself conflicted with developing feelings for him, yet still drawn to being loyal to her family and their company.
This is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it!

"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".

Swept Away

I had read the "Kincaid Brides" series by Mary Connealy not too long ago, and absolutely fell in love with her writing style. Although the books are a romance (And I'm not one to read a lot of romance books, too corny for my tastes!) they're not a typical type. Connealy is a witty and intelligent writer, who writes her female characters with strength and courage. That is what seals the deal for me in regards to her books, I enjoy the romance type books that Mary Connealy writes because they are not typical.
In Swept away, we begin to read about Luke Stone, (who happens to be brother in law to Seth in "Over the edge". I love it when Authors take a new series and still incorporate characters from previous series into them. Its like finding a friend!)
As he's traveling (and fighting to avoid being killed along the way) he stumbles upon Cassie, a young woman separated from her adoptive family after a sudden flash flood. Since he can't leave her alone to the elements, Luke takes Cassie along with him on his quest to regain his rightful property. Luke finds that Cassie is more than what meets the eye, she's courageous, a hard worker and more than a bit stubborn. As both continually find themselves in danger, they find themselves drawn to one another.
This book was excellent! Entertaining, and fast paced, it kept me interested until the very last page!

"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 Icecutter's Daughter

I am a big fan of Tracie Peterson, I've found myself really enjoying the type of books she writes. I especially enjoy the number of series she has done in an Alaskan setting. I love seeing strong faith filled people fighting the elements and thriving in these difficult to live places!
This book certainly did not disappoint in that regard, within "the Icecutter's Daughter" there is adventure, romance, faith, joy, and major struggles. It has everything within it to make it a fantastic book. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!
Our main character is Merill, (who is the icecutter's daughter, hence the title!) she live as the only female in the midst of a household full of strong and protective men. With having such intimidating brothers, Merill fears that she will never find someone who is willing to step out and take a chance with her. However when a new man (Ruik) moves to town to partner in his uncle's furniture business, Merill finds herself drawn to him. In spite of their feelings for each other, many forces are at work within the story, that keep pulling them apart, including many accusations, misunderstandings and dangers!
Fantastic Book, right up there with Peterson's "Alaskan Quests" series. Strong faith filled characters that keep you very interested until the very last page!
Absolutely fantastic, and I highly recommend!!

"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".