What follows After

I absolutely adore Dan Walsh's books, I have yet to read one that isn't absolutely amazing and heart warming. So I was thrilled to see that we had a chance to review another of his!
Honestly, I loved this book! I loved the writing, and the book in general had my attention captured till the very last page. But I hated the topic, and how horrifying it would be for a family to go through a child being kidnapped, an a child to be held in fear by someone he doesn't know.  This was a flat out an amazing read, and since I've come to expect unexpected things from Dan Walsh's books, I wasn't sure how the ending would turn out, and it had me anxious throughout the story!
This is near the top of my favorites of Dan Walsh's books, (its so hard to pick favorites of his, they're all so good) and its one that I'll be recommending very highly!

"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"

Hope runs

This is one of those books I'll be recommending for our church library to purchase, it has such a great message and is so heartwarming that I think it will benefit all who read it.
I love stories like these where a simple meeting can suddenly change the lives of all involved, where other people would see a coincidence, we can see that Clair and Samuel's meeting together was ordained by God.
Its hard not to be moved when you read the book "Hope runs" and hear Samuel's story, and know that its such a common history for so many children. But to see the love and hope enter into this story is inspiring, to know that a few simple actions can have such a profound effect on the life of a child is extraordinary.
I highly recommend this book, I know that anyone who reads it will be inspired, its one of those books that you don't remain the same after reading.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible speaks of "spurring one another on towards love", that is what this book does, it encourages you to take the chance on showing love and acting out on that love.

"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". 

A Sensible Arrangement

I very much enjoy reading books by Tracie Peterson, in my personal library, I probably have more of her books than any other author. They're always so well written and entertaining!
I did enjoy this book immensely,  as always Peterson's characters were well written, and deep. (Which is something of a trend in Peterson's books, she consistently writes her characters with a depth that we don't often see in women's historical romance novels)
In "A sensible arrangement" we meet Marty, who's trying to run away from the pain caused by her first marriage and subsequent widowhood, by answering a mail order bride ad in a paper from the city, Marty hopes to find peace away from the memories of her late husband.
Jake was spurned by his first marriage and has no desire to wed again and take a chance with his heart, but when his employers at the bank pressure him to take a wife, he come to a companionship agreement with Marty. Both are determined to have a marriage in friendship only, but as hearts begin to open, faith and hope arise and begin to open the way to love.
This was a fantastic book, the only complaint I have about it, was that I feel it ended too early! The story seemed to suddenly drop off without closure, so I'll be looking forward (and hoping) to see more developments with these characters!

"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". 

For such a Time

I love reading stories that are based in the 1930/40's, and especially books with characters who are strong and courageous in the face of opposition. So when I noticed that the book "For such a time" was based within that era, I was very excited to read it.
I have to say, it was not disappointing, this is one of the best books I've read lately. It was thought provoking, you have a S.S. Kommandant who you would automatically assume to be the enemy within the novel, but through the book you come to see and know his brokenness. And I love the main character Hadassah, she was a strong woman, I love reading books where the female characters are not simply some simpering lovesick joke, but have a strength of character and integrity.
This modern (ish) day take on the story of Esther was fantastic, I absolutely loved this book.
I highly recommend this book, to Christian and non-Christian alike, it's so through provoking and opens you up seeing so many different points of views.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

Not who I imagined

I love this book, I absolutely love it. Its a great book on the love and grace and mercy of God, and His willingness to accept us right where we are. It was such an encouraging read, and a great reminder of how we don't have to try and measure up or deserve God's grace and forgiveness, that He's freely given them to us. I find that it seems now days that there is so much law preached at us, that lacks grace and the forgiveness for mistakes. It was so refreshing to be able to get into this book and receive such encouragement! I truly enjoyed and got so much out of this book! As a more seasoned Christian, I didn't really feel that I had any kind of problem with understanding how loving God is, but Margot Starbuck really opened my eyes to how much MORE loving God is, how much more gracious, and merciful He is, than I initially understood.
I 100% would recommend this book to any Christian, in any season of life. You will be encouraged, and you will learn so much about the heart of the Father!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

In the Shadow of Jezebel

Mesu Andrews' book "love amid the ashes" is my absolute favorite book that I own, so when I saw that I would be receiving another of her books for review I was totally thrilled. I love that she takes these characters within the Bible (who sometimes aren't as well known) and just brings them to live with her stories. I loved this book, I loved meeting and understanding the characters within the book. Mesu opens our eyes to the possibility of so much more of an understanding with the characters and their back stories. While I realize that her story is based on a Biblical story, but is not entirely held to the true account (since no one knows what the true account is of some of these back stories that aren't developed upon in the Bible) Mesu's story gives us the understanding that these people had lives that shaped them, and people that set their paths for them as well. It really made me look afresh at the story in the Bible!
In this book we're introduced to Sheba, who is brought up as a priestess for baal, but is suddenly packaged off for marriage to a Jewish high priest. I loved watching Sheba's faith develop, and seeing her gain courage as she stands up to her Ima, and begins to follow God. I love the lesson that Sheba's high priest husband teaches, to be "wise without lies".
This book was so good, I highly recommend 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". 

A Heart's Rebellion

Because apparently this is the month of my obliviousness, I did not catch on till half way through that this was a sequel to the book "Moonlight Masquerade"! I was so excited to see the familiar characters in the book, and catch up on what they're doing!
I am quickly becoming a big fan of Ruth Axtell and her books! As true to her other books, "A heart's rebellion" was very well written, easy to follow and a great story!
I loved getting to know Jessamine better (after having only been slightly introduced to her in "Moonlight Masquerade") and seeing/understanding the effect of Rees "breaking up" with her. as we travelled through the story, you could see the heart of Jessamine and could understand (even if you didn't agree) with the choices she made. This story had my up late at night, I could hardly stand to put the book down until the last page! It was so well written and had such a great flow!!
It was such a great book, I highly recommend 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". 

Death by the Book

I had originally started reading Deering's books with "Rules of Murder" so as soon as I saw this one, it was instantly recognizable as one of hers! To be honest, I struggled with this book, maybe its simply that I'm not used to reading they mystery style books, but I really struggled to keep up with and follow where the story was going. For me I felt like I was having to put out a lot of effort to remember what had happened within the story so I could understand where it was going!  I didn't however dislike the book, while there were struggles, I did find myself enjoying the story. I also appreciated how Deering made her characters personalities come to life within her book.
In "Death by the Book" we again read of Drew Farthering, and the mysteries he continually gets caught up in! When a death close to home happens, Drew sets himself in to find out the killer and solve the murder. He is surrounded by intrigue, mystery and suspense, with no one being who they appeared to be.
I think those who are into the mystery genre will really enjoy 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"

Love Comes Calling

I'm a big fan of Siri Mitchell's books, I love her writing style and the flow her stories seems to have! That said, at first I did not like this book at all! I thought it was flighty and the character was ditzy, it wasn't until half way through the book that I began to pick upon the "reason" for her flightiness. Once I caught on, the behaviors and style of the book made a lot more sense! I do have to say though, with the flighty character I did find it hard at times to follow along and keep up with the story line.
However, true to her style, Siri Mitchell wrote a well thought out and heartwarming story, that had elements of danger and surprise throughout it. In spite of the difficulties I had, I still very much enjoyed this book, and I think others will catch on earlier to what I had missed!
In "Love Comes Calling" we read about Ellis, who no matter what she tries, always ends up messing up! As she works hard to do a favor for a friend, Ellis finds herself caught up in a plot against someone she cares about. She works hard to sort out clues and understand what they're trying to tell her!
In all, I really do think people will enjoy this book, I think the issues I had with it were simply my fault, for not paying attention hard enough, or not having an open enough mind. Siri's style of writing seems a bit different to me in this book, I think I'm just too used to her other books!
I would recommend this book, I think people will enjoy the story!

"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"

Today is the Day

I really enjoyed and gained a lot from reading Bil Cornelius' book "Today is the Day", his type of book is actually one I tend to stay away from, so I was quite surprised to have enjoyed it as much as I did!! I find a lot of these "Grasping your God given dreams" books to be fairly unrealistic, or mostly hype with very little substance. I was though, pleasantly surprised to find that Cornelius' book was actually full of practical and truly Biblical processes and ideas that bring you steps closer to fulfilling what God has set you aside to do. The way he presented the straightforward steps, (goal setting, focusing, developing talents, prayer) was very practical and very realistic. I found I was easily able to follow what he was saying, and could easily see how it applied to my own life.
In all, I would highly recommend this book, especially if you've got a dream that God has planted in you that has yet to come to fruition. This book gives great steps to completing these dreams!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

No One to Trust

I am quickly becoming a huge fan of Lynette Eason and her mystery/crime novels! Although I did find the main character Summer a bit flighty at times, I also found her fairly endearing and very smart. I like it when authors don't take the well traveled (and insulting) route of making their main female characters weak and oblivious/less than intelligent! Eason has a style of writing that really does keep my attention and keep me glued to the book till the very last page.  While there were a lot of twists within the book, Eason managed to present a clear path still that didn't confuse the reader! The story line was mysterious but clear and easy to follow. Her characters we well developed and interesting as well!
All in all, I'd recommend this book, it was a pretty great read and truly had me glued till the last page!

"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 Pleasure of His company

I love reading the books written by Dutch Sheets, I appreciate his fearlessness and straightforwardness in talking about God, and His will for our lives. Dutch Sheets just seems to have a way with words that rings well for me, I'm easily able to understand what he's talking about (which is a pretty great accomplishment, lol, I find that many authors of this kind of genre tend to try and fluff their message with a thesaurus full of words in each sentence!). However Mr Sheets is very straightforward in what he's saying, he gives clear Biblical backing in every idea presented in his book.  I love that He's called it a journey to and intimate friendship with God, because that is exactly what this book did. It took me on a journey to know on a deeper level the love of God, and how to get beyond "life" and instead find love and faith in the arms of a loving Father!
I would more than recommend this book, and already have plans to buy a copy for my church's library as well! I think everyone, no matter where they are in their walk with God, would benefit from reading 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". 

All Things Hidden

I absolutely loved this book, my favorite kind of genre is of almost a frontier type book. Where people struggle and overcome rough conditions. I especially like to read books that have a realistic and strong woman as a main character.
This book covered all those! Through the book we can see Gwyn (Daughter of the Alaskan doctor in their small village) show a quiet strength and strong faith even when faced with pain, fear, and struggles. One thing I loved in this book was that the main character Gwyn did have the "bad" things in life happen to her, not everything at the end of the book resolved itself in a happy way. However her faith was unwavering, even in the middle of the trials. I appreciate that the authors kept the book a little more authentic and realistic by allowing the story to not have a complete "story book" type ending. I think that the ending was the perfect ending for this book, and I very much hope to see more books (maybe a series?!?) come out of this Alaskan story!
I highly recommend this book, truly one of the best ones I've read in a long time!

"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 Dancing master

Within the first chapter, I was almost certain I wasn't going to enjoy this book, although I normally love reading books by Julie Klassen, I wasn't overly fond of most of the characters or their attitudes.
Fortunately, this opinion of mine did not last! As the book went on and as the characters developed, I began understanding the initial behavior/attitudes of the characters.
I truly did end up enjoying this book and had was quite disappoint to have finished it!
In this book we learn the story of Julia who's mother is extremely influential (in both opinion and monetary ways) within their township. Julia struggles to find herself amid her father's disdain and her mother's secrets.
When dancing master Alec Valcourt moves into the town, he's surprised to learn that there is a "ban" on dancing, and struggles to find his way (and work) in this small town. Both Alec and Julie find themselves drawn to one another, yet have family members who wish to keep them apart. With many secrets hidden within both families, Julia and Alec slowly learn more about themselves and about their faith.
Over all, I really enjoyed this book, and I would 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". 

God's double agent

I've been really interested in the underground church in China for some time now, I love hearing about the amazing way that God is working in people there! So I was pretty excited to read about Bob Fu's first hand experience of working and pastoring one of these underground churches!
The world needs to hear more about people like Bob Fu, there's so much  negative publicity towards Christianity these days, the world needs to hear bout the heroics and faith of people who are really working hard for His kingdom!
What Pastor Fu went through, floored me, I hadn't heard his story before and it was riviting, it always astounds me the strength God gives His people when they're in situations that seem impossible and horrible!  I've already ordered a copy of this book for our church library (Because I'm not willing to donate my copy, its too good of a book!), I think Pastor Fu's message is one that the world needs to hear. I can't wait to share this book with my friends here and I highly recommend you pick up this book. It'll open your eyes to the work that God is doing in these underground churches and will open your eyes to the extreme persecution and terror that His servants face!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

Singularity

 I read Steven James' book "Placebo" and really enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to getting into another of his novels! The crime drama type books that James writes are the ones I really enjoy. I'm not a big romance fan, but I love a good book that'll keep me on the edge of my seat! Although the genres are fairly different, James' writing style and ease of flow remind me a lot of Randy Singer (Who is one of my favorite authors). He really knows his stuff, and you can tell  a lot of work and research go into his books!
In singularity we get to meet up with Jevin Banks again (who we got to know in James' previous book "Placebo") who's friend is brutally murdered. Banks sets himself to discover the murderer and find justice for his friend!
I really enjoyed this book, it really captured my attention throughout the novel, the story was fast moving and full of twists and turns! Highly recommend!!

A simple Christmas Wish

 This story, I was on pins throughout most of it! As an adoptive mom, I 100% understood and knew the fear that Rachel felt as she faced loosing her orphaned niece to her in-law's Amish relatives. My heart broke at times as Rachel sacrificed and prepared herself and Holly (her niece) for when they had to separate.
I've read a number of Melody Carlson's Christmas books, and always enjoy the heart warming and moving stories she tends to put out at this time of year. This book was no different, I read the entire book in one sitting (hours of sitting, lol) I just couldn't put it down until I knew if the character's would be ok! Carlson has a way of making her characters come alive and bringing the reader into a relationship with these characters!
A very spellbinding book that will keep your attention through out! I very much recommend 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". 

Christmas at Harmony Hill

I adore Ann Gabhart's books, I've read a number of her Shaker themed books and have loved them all, so I was more than pleased to see this title in my pile of books! Gabhart has a writing style that really seems to draw me in, I feel like I was a personal witness to all the going-on's of the character's lives. Plus I love that she ventured into the Shaker fiction, its not a branch that is as popular as others (Such as Amish fiction), but she's really opened up a curiosity in my (and others I'm sure) to learn more about these people and their beliefs!
With her latest book we're introduced to Heather, who is without a place to turn, and at the recommendation of her mother looks to the Shakers for help. With her husband on the front lines of the war, and being pregnant, Heather is desperate to find somewhere to help her and this new life growing in her.
Like all Ann Gabhart's books, this one was a beautiful story, it was well written and easy to get lost in.
I highly recommend 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". 

A million Little ways

  I love the whole idea of this book! As someone who loves to work creatively in the talents I've been blessed with, I adore that Emily Freeman is encouraging others to step out in the uniqueness and creativeness that they've been made to do! I also love that she was creative in her encouraging of others to be creative, that you don't need to paint a picture or write a novel to use your God given creativity, but that in everything you do you can put your talents into that! We are the Creator's creation, and are made in His image and made to create!
The moment I read the title of this book I couldn't wait to get my hands on it, I knew that I was really going to enjoy this book! There are so many of my friends and members of my church who would greatly benefit from the insights Freeman gives! This is going straight onto my "share with everyone" book shelf!
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 Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

The Gift, Ten Thousand Villages

I was surprised the other day to open my mail and find a package for me from Graf Martin, I hadn't been expecting anymore review books to be coming in. I figured upon starting to open it that I must have signed up for a review that I forgot about. Imagine my surprise to find this was a package, a gift, just for me! Inside was a lovely hand written card, which was accompanied by a beautiful (and so soft) fair trade paisley stole, and a fair trade hazelnut chocolate bar.

Since I mostly review books, it hasn't really come up that I am a big believer in the fair trade market, and support it as much as I can. Where I grew up there was a Ten Thousand Villages store, my whole family loved to browse through the store, and admire the talent of the artists whose wares were displayed. As an artist myself (painting, sketching) I have a deep appreciation and love for beautiful things, so I need to express my deep love of this stole. The picture doesn't do it justice, the colors are vibrant yet soft, the pattern is subtle, yet stands out enough to bring the stole colors together. More than that though, is the quality, I've purchased handmade items through other stores/companies that bring them in from other countries, and it always seems like a hit or miss on whether the item will last or continue to look nice. I have never had that with a Ten Thousand Villages purchase!

I need to confess though, I didn't share my chocolate bar with anyone, I ate the whole thing myself!

I appreciate Ten Thousand Villages for more though than just providing a way for us to purchase unique and foreign items, I appreciate that they cultivate a culture of respect, honor, and togetherness. Upon reading about the artists that worked on the stoles, I was very touched by the stories of artists of coming to the aid of neighboring artists effected by floods. I believe when we empower people, we don't only help provide a way for them to make a living, we also provide a way for them to show love and compassion for others.

 "CRC has succeeded in developing a sense of connectedness that has allowed artisan groups to work together in partnership during times of need. In 2002, when a serious flood overwhelmed workshops in West Bengal, leatherworkers gathered food, matches, soap and clothing. They then hired a boat and delivered the emergency supplies to their partners in the flood zone."


I'd like to encourage all my readers to look into http://www.tenthousandvillages.ca This Christmas season, and give a gift that means so much more than a simple item of clothing, or a beautiful carving. Give a gift that sends a message of support and compassion!

Also I'd like to express my deep appreciation and thankfulness to Graf Martin and Ten Thousand Villages for this beautiful and thoughtful gift, each time I see it I'm reminded of the joy I felt upon opening my mail and seeing this surprise!