The road to becoming

I love the honesty Jenny Simmons has in her book, it was a refreshing read, to see how she's moved beyond the struggles and challenges she's faced and how she turned to God in such an "all out" fashion. The vulnerability Jenny expresses in her book really allows the reader to connect to what she's sharing, and to also look within themselves to see the lessons presented throughout "The road to becoming". This topic of trusting God, of holding onto the faith and knowledge that He knows your story best has been a real focus lately in my life, and this book really spoke to me in how I live, and do I live in the type of faith it takes to know that no matter what comes, He knows and holds my story.
This was a wonderful book, it was full of challenges that can be adapted to our own lives, and in Jenny's story we can see so much of our own struggles, and know that God is the one in charge of our tomorrows.
I highly recommend this book.

Forgiven

While I've heard the story behind the book before, I hadn't realized how truly deep the story went, and how amazing this story of forgiveness, grace and love is.
I can't imagine being the parent of a child who commits such a crime, its not something that is really thought or talked about in society. So none of us seem to really put ourselves in their shoes or consider them at all (unless its to judge). This book made my heart swell, what a sweet example of unconditional love that the Amish families showed to someone who the world would turn away. I love that the families of the tragedy took the road of love instead of hate, and that they not only offered forgiveness for such an unspeakable act, but reached out in love and offered hope the shooter's mother. This book was such a teaching moment for me, to look back on my past hurts and see where I could have given grace, and its an encouragement to me now to reach out to even those who have caused the most pain.
I'll be purchasing a copy of this book for our church library and recommending it to everyone!

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

The Boy Born Dead

I don't always love auto-biographical type books, there tends to almost be a build up or hype of the subject to the point where their "goodness" seems unreal. Fortunately in the book "The boy born dead" this was not the case, David Ring allows us to see the gritty side of his life, the horror and unpleasantness that he experienced, the hopelessness he felt. He opens himself up to the reader in a real and honest way. You aren't given the impression that he's trying to bolster himself up, and that the person we're reading about isn't real. David presents himself in a real deep and open way. I appreciated that the book didn't shy away from the struggles he faced, and I appreciated that David was willing to put his past on such a strong display in order to give the reader a real look at his life.
I also love the turning point in David's life, that the friendship he found seemed (to me) to be so God ordained, and that through that he was able to come to see his self worth, and experience the grace of God.
I absolutely recommend this book, its so well written, so real, and so raw, its the kind of book that you walk away from changed.

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

The Imposter

I adore Amish fiction, I love the simplicity and quiet faith shown in the novels, and I've found Suzanne Woods Fisher to be among the top authors of the genre! As always, Fisher's book is full of twists and turns, faith and strength, failure and redemption; the characters in her novel come to life amidst lively descriptions and depth of personality.
With the Imposter we're following Katrina's story, about her loss of what she thought was her love, to the surprises and consequences of walking in sin. In the midst of her trials Katrina takes on a job to help a nearby widow, and in that discovers both her calling and and deep love for both the land and the people that dwell on it. While she is already facing the consequences for her own choices, Katrina also sees the struggles of those around her who all seem to be fighting to find their place in the world. We see many lessons withing Suzanne Woods Fisher's book, of humility, hope, and redemption. I loved every minute of the story and was very disappointed when I finished the book!!
I highly recommend it, its and amazing read and while fiction, its jam packed with lessons for the reader as well!

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

Murder at the Courthouse

I am a huge fan and avid reader of A.H.Gabhart's books, so I'm always thrilled to see them up for review!
"Murder at the courthouse" was a great read, it had a nice flow to it, fast moving in some parts, but with enough information put into it that you didn't feel lost! As well, Ann Gabhart's books tend to have such a depth to the characters that you begin to feel as though they're old friends!
With Gabhart's latest book we're following Michael Keane as he moves into his role of Deputy Sheriff in the quiet little town of Hidden Springs. His illusion of peace and quiet is soon shattered when a body shows up on the courthouse steps and Michael is forced to follow all sorts of crazy leads to find the culprit.
I deeply enjoyed this book, it was so entertaining and really captured my attention, it was a real struggle to put it down! The flow of the book kept the reader guessing and enraptured till the end, I would highly recommend this book for anyone!!

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