When Love Calls

I've read a few of Lorna Seilstad's books now (Making waves, A great catch, etc...) and one thing I've learned is that despite how the books look, these stories are anything but a typical romance/love story. I truly have enjoyed how Seilstad writes her lead female characters as strong women, not as silly smitten girls. With stories set in an age when women were thought very little of, its always refreshing to see a strong female!
First of all, I have to say I'm thrilled that this is a series, and that we'll get to read more about Hannah's sisters as well. The characters were so well written and likable that I was disappointed to have finished the book as quickly as I did, and cannot wait for the rest of the series to come out!
With Hannah having to gain employment to support her family, we follow her through her journey to not only "learn the ropes" in regards to her job, but we see too her struggle to follow her heart, while knowing how important her roll as provider for the family is.
I was really impressed with and very much enjoyed  this book, It will be a very well read addition to my bookshelf!

"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". 

Undeniably Yours

Upon first glance, I was certain I wasn't going to like this book. To me it looked like it was going to be a goofy romance, with lots of flowery words, but little substance. Fortunately however "Undeniably Yours" was anything but that! halfway through this book, I had realized that I've read (and loved) another book by Becky Wade, (My stubborn heart). So this book taught me once again, that judging a book by its cover could have cost me missing out on this fantastic book. Without a doubt this has been one of the more moving books I've read in a while. True to style (in as much as I can say, considering this is only the second book of her's I've read!) Wade takes us beyond a basic romance, and looks into the hearts and lives of those she writes about. Instead of just a simple love story, we're brought into this world of emotions, disappointments, joy, love, etc... The story is such a big story in a small book!
I highly recommend 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".

Sweet Mercy

I'm not a big fan of romances, I tend to stay away from them at all costs. So I was a bit weary about this book, I've read and loved a couple of Tatlock's books ("A promise to keep" was a big favorite of mine) so I figured this one would be along those lines, (and it was).
The story is a love story, but there is so much to learn outside of that focus of the book.  With all the characters we meet, Marus, Link, Jones, etc... we learn valuable lessons about not passing judgement by first glance. And there is a strong lesson in the book to let go of bitterness and grudges, as well.
This book was a joy to read, I struggled to stay away from it until the very last page.
Eve Marryat is an easy character for the reader to identify with, and as she learns about those around her, we (the readers) learn some valuable lessons too. This book was great for teaching grace and mercy, (as well as honesty) but without coming across as preachy. I highly recommend 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".

Revealing Jesus

This book has quickly become my go to book for when I start devotions, first of all I very much enjoy the author, and find that she writes books just as well as she writes songs! There is almost a lyrical quality to her writing that I'm finding myself drawn to. Zschech has used her songs for years to paint pictures of God's goodness and holiness, and that has transformed over to these books as well. The devotions are simple, and easy to understand, yet also offer the reader a challenge. The devotions are long enough to let the teaching points hit home, but short enough that they don't take large amounts of time to get through. My biggest struggle with this book is that I'd like to read through it all in one sitting because I enjoy the devotions so much. (I've with-held however, I want this book to last me a while longer, lol)

"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".

Jennifer

To be perfectly honest, I am a bigger fan of Dee Henderson's action novels, than I am of her love stories. Not to say that this book wasn't well written (it was), but I find that I can get into her action books so much easier. I did however enjoy this book, it was a little to short for my liking (but then again, aren't all good books?) but the story of Jennifer O'Malley was sweet and heartwarming. I enjoyed reading her story, journeying with her as she falls in love and subsequently must inform her family (of whom she is the youngest) of this developing romance. There are some twists and turns in this book (that I won't spoil for those who haven't read!) that remind me (and draw me in) of her more action packed books.
All in all, its a sweet story, and an enjoyable one. So I'll give it a good recommendation!


"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".

Adoring Addie

I very much enjoyed this book, (I'm quickly becoming a rather big fan of Leslie Gould!) Amish stories/fiction are one of my favorite genre's to read, so I was looking forward quite a bit to getting my hands on this! It did not disappoint, par for the course, Gould's book was witty, heartwarming (without being corny!) and full of wit and suspense!
One thing about authors that I appreciate a lot, is when they write a character into their book, who right away is disliked by their readers (in this instance, Addie's brother) and by the end of the novel they've found a way to make that character's story tie in to your heart too.
I enjoyed this book, (Although I would have loved to have read more about Johnathan and his background!) the characters were realistic, and their behavior and the results/conclusion of the story was realistic as well.
In the story, we read about Addie Cramer who's family is in a "Feud" with the Mosiers. Addie didn't concern herself with it too much until she happened to meet (and fall in love with) Johnathan Mosiers. The story is filled with deceit and opposition, but true to form, goodness shines through and love covers the multitude of sins!
I highly recommend 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".

Celebrations!

I was pretty excited to receive this book for review, I've heard raving reviews of the "Mennonite Girls Can Cook"  cook books and was so excited to try some out for myself! I have to say, that one of the big things I love about this book, is the passing on of some traditional foods. (especially the desserts!)

In this day and age, it seems like people are no longer interested in passing down the family recipes or traditions. And I think that we're missing out and losing out on that kind of stuff! I really enjoyed reading through the recipes and trying some out as well! (Buttermilk potatoes were a HUGE hit). The book is full of pictures (Which is awesome for a cooking disaster like me, its always nice to have a picture to show others what it should have looked like!) The book is beautifully laid out and I truly enjoyed The Bread for the Journey sections, They were simple, yet held some great profound truths!

I highly recommend this book!!