Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Book Review - "Afloat"

Enter Today - 5/28 - 6/15! erin healy afloat ipad mini Giveaway
Erin Healy is celebrating the release of her latest novel Afloat (Thomas Nelson) with an iPad Mini giveaway.
Afloat-Giveaway300
One winner will receive:
  • An iPad Mini 
  • iTunes gift card
  • Afloat by Erin Healy 
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 15th. Winner will be announced on Erin's blog on June 17th. Save the date and click HERE to see if YOU won the iPad Mini!

Don't miss a moment of the fun; ENTER today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Visit Erin's blog on the 17th!

 Book Info 
 
About Afloat:

Who will you trust when dark waters rise?
Eagle's Talon is an architectural marvel-shining residential units afloat in a protected cove of the gorgeous Rondeau River. The project is nearly complete, partially occupied, and ready to make investors rich when a sinkhole gives way. Then torrential rains and a flood leave a ragged collection of builders, investors, and residents stranded in one floating building, cut off from the rest of the world.
They're bitterly divided over what to do next.
Architect Vance Nolan insists they should sit tight and wait for rescue. Developer Tony Dean wants to strike out into the darkness. And single mom Danielle Clement, desperate to protect her young son, Simeon, struggles to hold their motley band together.
Power failure, a pall of unnatural daytime darkness, explosions in the distance, then a murder ratchet tensions to a boiling point. But Danielle's young son, Simeon, has spotted something strange underwater-beautiful, shifting lights in the dark water below.
In this watery world where everyone's secrets will eventually come to light, salvation may mean more than just getting out alive.
Another stunning exploration of the human spirit and supernatural possibilities from best-selling author Erin Healy.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/liNmq

Meet Erin:

Erin Healy is the best-selling co-author of "Burn" and "Kiss" (with Ted Dekker) and an award-winning editor for numerous best-selling authors. She has received wide acclaim for her novels "Never Let You Go", "The Baker's Wife", "House of Mercy", and "Afloat". She and her family live in Colorado. Erin can be contacted through her website ErinHealy.com or through Facebook at erinhealybooks.
Find out more about Erin at http://www.erinhealy.com.
Book Trailer

Afloat
Afloat

Link for the book trailer: http://ow.ly/liPsn 
My Review:
Erin Healy's latest novel, "Afloat," is sure to be a winner as the story is gripping and filled with suspense that will keep you turning the pages from the start to the very last page.  This is an intense read as it is a story of survival and conflicts, both internal and external. The characters are trying to survive, but are unsure of whom and what to place their trust in.  This is a thought-provoking novel that will have you immersed in the characters' lives and trying to find out good vs. evil and debating the best course of action for means of survival.  Throughout the battle for survival, secrets are coming to light and being exposed.  This is another exciting read from this author and I recommend her books to anyone who enjoys reading suspense.    
 
In order to read other reviews that are a part of this blog tour go here!
 
*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for the complimentary copy of this book and for including me on the blog tour.*
 

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Book Review - "The Promise Box"

Enter Today - 5/22 - 6/12! Tricia Goyer The Promise Box Amish Baking Box Giveaway
Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her lastest novel, The Promise Box (Zondervan), by hosting an Amish Baking Box giveaway and connecting with readers during her June 12th Book Chat Party!
ThePromiseBox300

One "promising" winner will receive:
  • Apron, hot mitts, and kitchen towels
  • Amish baking items (rolling pin, pie plate, etc...)
  • Sherry Gore's Simply Delicious Amish Cooking
  • The Memory Jar and The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer 
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the "The Promise Box" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 12th. Connect with Tricia for an evening of Amish fun - book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tricia will also share an exclusive look at the next book book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Promise Box and join Tricia on the evening of June 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!

   Book Info 
 
About The Promise Box:

With her heart - and her loyalty - on the line, can she let true love in her life?
Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai, Montana to give comfort to her father after her mother's death.
She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother's most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though, is an opportunity for a sensational 'tell-all' book about the Amish. Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride. 
Will the pain of her childhood-and her potential betrayal of her community-keep her from committing her whole heart?

Purchase your copy: http://ow.ly/l6QH1

Meet Tricia: 
Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. 

Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.
 
My Review:
"The Promise Box" is the second book in Tricia Goyer's Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. This is a fun and yet very touching story to read as Lydia returns home for her mother's funeral and she must face her past as she left the Amish lifestyle years earlier when she was told the truth about her life.  Lydia's life seems to become more and more complicated as she is trying to balance work, her boss Bonnie and matters of the heart as she finds herself falling in love with Gideon.  As Lydia works through making sense of all that is going on in her life, she must decide to move on from her past and follow her heart for the future.  This is a great book and the author brings the setting alive; therefore I felt I was there among the mountains and immersed in the characters' lives.  This is an excellent story of looking to God and trusting Him to guide you. 

*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review and a spot on the blog tour.*
 
To read other reviews that are a part of this tour go here:
Landing page: 
 
 
*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review and a spot on the blog tour.*
 


Saturday, May 25, 2013

Book Review - "Biking Across America"

"Biking Across America - My coast-to-coast adventure and the people I met along the way" is the record of Paul Stutzman's journey biking from Neah Bay, Washington to Key West, Florida. Paul's other book, "Hiking Through," shares his journey of hiking and healing following losing his wife to cancer. 
Along Paul's journey, Paul travels through various weather conditions, terrain, and meets people, some of different cultures.  Paul shares stories of the people he meets along the way and has contact with and also shares his reflections of his trip, including his emotional and physical challenges along the way. 
This book is a great read!  Not only will you feel as if you are biking along with Paul as he shares so much from his journey, but you will also reflect upon your own life and grow along wtih Paul as well.  This is an interesting book that allowed me to "see" many areas in the country that I have never been to and experienced. 

* “Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Book Review - "Undeniably Yours"

Enter Today - 5/11 - 5/29! undeniably yours becky wade kindle fire Giveaway
Becky Wade is celebrating her latest swoon-worthy novel, Undeniably Yours (Bethany House), with a Kindle Fire giveaway and hosting an Author Chat party on Facebook {5/29}!

UndeniablyYours

One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Undeniably Yours and My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Undeniably Yours" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 29th. Connect with Becky for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Becky will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Undeniably Yours and join Becky on the evening of May 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

 
Book Info
About Undeniably Yours:

When Meg Cole's father dies unexpectedly, she's forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of his empire. The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father's Thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

Bo knows he ought to resent the woman who's determined to take from him the only job he ever wanted. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them and earn her love.

Just when Meg realizes she can no longer deny the depth of her feelings for Bo, their fragile bond is broken by a force from Meg's past. Can their relationship-and their belief that God can work through every circumstance-survive?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/kGPEI

Watch the Trailer:

Undeniably Yours Book Trailer
Undeniably Yours Book Trailer

Meet Becky:

Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas.

Visit her website at www.beckywade.com.
 
 
 
My Review:
I loved loved loved this book!!!  Becky Wade is one of my new favorite authors!  "Undeniably Yours" is the first book in her Porter Family series and this is a book that hooked me right on the very first page and kept me in the characters' lives and story long after I finished reading.  Meg was always well cared for, but she never really felt loved by her father.  After her father's death, Meg has to return home to run the family business.  Meg feels at a loss as she has never wanted this for her life.  As Meg deals with trying to figure out how to be the person she is expected to be, she struggles with her anxiety and trying to find peace in her life.  Meg is all set to close down her father's racehorse farm, but her soft heart leads her to make a deal with the manager of the farm, Bo Porter. In the midst of this, Meg is confronted with having to deal with her past when a young woman and her son show up at her door.  Meg knows that she must help them, and struggles to make peace with her past.  As Meg spends more time with Bo, she realizes that being in his presence makes her feel calm, but also she finds herself falling for him.  However, Meg and Bo are from two different worlds and Meg is Bo's employer.  When family members become involved, things get more complicated and dangerous when Meg's past comes too close for comfort.
This book is so well-written and excellent overall as it is filled with characters you cannot help but love and wish were real so you could all be friends!  Meg is a heroine who struggles with things that many of us struggle with on a daily basis, and Bo is a handsome cowboy whom loves Dr. Pepper and enjoys country music, what isn't love?!  Meg is faced with tough decisions and she follows her heart and seeks God's guidance.  Meg's decision as to what to do with some of her money and with the big house is an idea that I love and make me love Meg even more.  I am really looking forward to the next book in this series, I cannot wait to spend more time with these characters and learn more about the Porter siblings.  Also, I am hoping to read more of Amber and Brimm. 
 
To read other reviews on this tour go here!
 
*Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group for including on this book tour and for the complimentary copy of this book!*
 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Book Review - "Barefoot Summer"


I have been waiting for a new book from Denise Hunter and I was thrilled to get a copy of her latest novel!  "Barefoot Summer" is book 1 in Denise's new Chapel Springs Romance series.  Madison has struggled for years with the death of her twin brother and this summer she is determined to honor his memory, but Madison is in for some surprises and changes in her own life as well.  This book is a wonderful story filled with secrets, romance and facing your past and moving forward to the future; all the elements for a really good story that draws the reader immediately into not only the plot, but the characters' lives as well.  This is one not to miss out on and a wonderful read to kick-off the summer!

Book Description from the publisher:


Madison’s heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.

In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her.

To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast.

Beckett O’Reilly knows Madison is out of his league, but someone neglected to tell his heart. Now she needs his help—and he’ll give it, because he owes her far more than she’ll ever know.

Madison will do anything—even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly—to reach her goal. And as much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying. As summer wanes, her feelings for him grow and a fledgling faith takes root in her heart.

But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their new love. Can their romance survive summer’s challenges? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?


*Thanks to Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Book Review - "The Artist's Daughter"

Alexandra Kuykendall has written a memoir titled "The Artist's Daughter" that takes us on a journey with her to explore who she is and what has really formed her to be who she is.
Alexandra grew up being raised by her single mother while traveling around the world, and while she did meet her father he was not a constant in her life.  Once Alexandra became a mother she decided to really take the time and find out about herself and what is defining her in her current role.  Throughout this journey and book, Alexandra focuses on answering three main questions: Am I loveable?, Am I loved?, and Am I loving?. 

This is a very well-written and moving book.  Alexandra has the ability to bring her own experiences to life and draw the reader into the story.  I felt like I could relate with her on many levels throughout the story and even when I could not I felt connected to the story all the same.  This is a must-read for all women as it explores questions that all women can relate to at some point in their lives. 

“Available may 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Book Review - "Once Upon a Prince"

Enter Today - 5/6 - 5/27! rachel hauck once upon a prince kindle fire Giveaway
Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of Once Upon a Prince with a fun "Royal Wedding" Giveaway and connecting with readers at her May 28th Facebook Party.

PrinceHauck300

One "royal" winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Once Upon a Prince" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 28th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of book chat, wedding trivia, laughter, and more! Rachel will also be sharing a sneak peek at the next book in the series and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Once Upon a Prince and join Rachel on the evening of May 28th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!


Book Info

About Once Upon A Prince:

The Royal Wedding Series Book One

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.
The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon's Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family's tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aid under the fabled Lover's Oak, he is blindsided by love.
Their lives are worlds apart. He's a royal prince. She's a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's coronation.
It's the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God's will or their own?

Purchase a copy:
http://ow.ly/kFb0Y

Watch the Trailer:
Once Upon a Prince, Book Trailer - Rachel Hauck
Once Upon a Prince, Book Trailer - Rachel Hauck
Meet Rachel:

Rachel Hauck is the bestselling author of Carol Award winner "Sweet Caroline", and RITA Finalist "Love Starts With Elle", and of the critically acclaimed fiction collaboration with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, "The Songbird Novels". She lives in sunny, though sometimes hurricane plagued, central Florida with her husband and their ornery pets. Rachel earned a degree in Journalism from Ohio State University and is a huge Buckeyes football fan. She is the past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and now sits on the board as an Advisor.

Find out more about Rachel at: http://RachelHauck.com
 
 
My Review:
 
Rachel Hauck's "Once Upon A Prince" is a fun and sweet read.  Susanna is an excellent main character as she is just a typical girl, who wants a happily ever after with her prince.  After being dumped by her boyfriend of twelve years, Susanna does feel a sense of relief although everyone seems to be talking about her.  Susanna knew that he was not THE one, but he was safe and comfortable and provided security that Susanna lacked while growing up.  Susanna had no idea that Nathaniel was a prince and as she struggles to make sense of her life and world, Susanna realizes that she may not be able to control her heart any better than the other areas of her life.
I really enjoyed this book as it is just such a fun and light-hearted read, allowing the reader to escape to a life of royalty and imagining what it would be like to have the love of a prince.  Susanna is such an excellent main character, as she is flawed as we all are and is struggling with everyday issues that we all do as well; thus making her easy to relate to and empathize with.  I loved the details included in this book as it really brought the various scenes to life as they were so vividly described.  The closeness of the families and strong faith of the characters added so much to the story as well.  I am looking forward to the next book in this series! 
 
 
 
To read other reviews that are a part of this tour click here! 
 
 
*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review and including me on their book tour!*

Monday, May 13, 2013

Book Review - "When Love Calls"

Lorna Seilstad's new series (The Gregory Sisters) starts off in an exciting way with book 1, "When Love Calls." 
Hannah is a spunky and responsible young woman whom is left in charge of her two younger sisters after their parents pass.  The girls are devastated to lose their family home and despise the man who came to do this horrible deed.  However, this same man shows up to help them move and Hannah is forced to accept his help, although she is determined to do things herself.  Lincoln is a successful and well-off lawyer; however he lives his life by his faith and he feels horrible about having to take away the Gregory girls' home, especially since he knows what it is like to be orphaned.  As Hannah gets a job as a Hello Girl, she finds herself having to adhere to rules which she does not do very well, but she also finds herself having to learn to ask for help and rely on others, one person in particular - Lincoln.  Walt, Hannah's childhood friend, has been arrested for murder and Hannah and Lincoln team up to get him out of jail and Hannah must search her heart to see what she really wants in life and whom her heart is falling in love with. 
This is a fun story to read and one that is filled with romance and suspense, but also one that explores family relationships and bonds as well.  The three sisters are all unique individuals and I am looking forward to reading Charlotte and Tessa's stories in the following books in this series.  Lincoln is a perfect man character, any woman cannot help but fall in love with him!  I love how he treated Charlotte and Tessa and enjoyed reading his interactions with them and when they would team up against Hannah.  George was someone I did not like and did not want to like; however by the end of the story my heart was going out to him and I found myself warming up to him, I am interested to see what role he will continue to play in Charlotte's life.  Aunt Sam is such a fun-loving individual and I love the role she plays in this story and in Lincoln and Charlotte's lives.  I am also hoping that Rosie will be in the rest of the series as well.  If you enjoyed Lorna Seilstad's Lake Manawa series, then this book is a must-read for you!

“Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Book Review - "When A Secret Kills"

I have loved Lynette Eason's Deadly Reunions series and I was looking forward to the conclusion to this series as soon as I finished book 2!  In book 3, "When A Secret Kills," Jillian returns home after being away for ten years, ten years spent living under a different name, and constantly being on alert and looking over her shoulder.  Jillian has changed; however her feelings for Colton have not and very quickly Colton learns his feelings for Jillian are the same as they were ten years ago.  However, Jillian is sure that she saw Colton's uncle kill someone; is Colton someone Jillian can trust and will Colton want anything to do with her especially when he finds out another one of her secrets.  As the group seeks the truth, they are continuing to be on high alert as they are finding their lives in danger and each time coming closer to death. 

This is such a fast-paced read and one that you will not want to or be able to put down until you reach the end!  I was kept guessing throughout the book (really the whole series!) as to what exactly happened on graduation night ten years ago, who was involved and who knows what.  This is an excellent series and one that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.  This series is a must-read in order as each of the novels pick right up where the previous one ended.  I cannot wait to see what Lynette Eason writes next!

“Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Book Review - "Couponing for the Rest of Us"


I will be honest, I love the entire concept of couponing and saving a ton of money on each shopping trip; however it has always seemed overwhelming and time consuming (and who has a ton of extra time???)!  So, when I was offered the chance to read and review "Couponing for the Rest of Us: the not-so-extreme guide to saving more" by Kasey Knight Trenum, I was excited and jumped on the chance!  I was not disappointed at all after receiving this book as it is filled with tips and strategies to help me get started couponing and saving money.  Also, this book is so much more than just couponing, it is about saving money, giving to others and budgeting.  There are other ways to save money than the traditional cutting of coupons, there are coupons and deals found in the store aisles, deals found on-line and also rewards from varous store programs.  The author goes into detail on all of these options and explains what they are in terms that are easily understood giving the reader a whole new awareness.  There is also a chapter devoted to stockpiling, what to stockpile, how much one should stockpile and the balance between buying what you need and will use and just buying to get the deal and hoard items.  There are also several tips included that will help you to become organized and keep track of what coupons and deals are available as well as what items are needed.  This book ends with an Appendix A - Appendix I, and each one of these is so helpful!  For example, items which can be bought in bulk and frozen, tips for storing your various stockpiles, and definitions for terms included in couponing lingo.  This book is a must-have for anyone who is wanting to start out with couponing and saving money!

“Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Book Review - "The Guardian"

Beverly Lewis has returned with another excellent Amish novel!  "The Guardian," book 3 in Lewis' Home to Hickory Hollow series, is a story of love and finding one's way back to God. Jodi is a teacher and therefore works with children all the time.  Jodi finds a young child on the side of the road all alone and begins a search for who this child is and where she has come from as the child does not speak English.  However, as Jodi sets out to find answers about and for this child, Jodi really learns about herself and finds closure for herself and opens up her heart once again.                       This is such a sweet and heart-warming book.  Beverly Lewis is such a talented author as she has the ability to really draw the reader into the story and into the characters' lives so that the reader feels a part of the story.  Jodi is an excellent main character and one that readers can relate to.  This book can be read as a stand-alone novel, however I highly recommend reading the first two books ("The Fiddler" and "The Bridesmaid") as well as they are ones that you will not want to miss out on!  I am looking forward to reading book 4 "The Secret Keeper" which is scheduled to release on September 3, 2013!
 
*Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Monday, May 6, 2013

Book Review - "Simply Delicious Amish Cooking"


"Simply Delicious Amish Cooking: Recipes and Stories from the Amish of Sarasota, Florida," by Sherry Gore, is a beautiful collection of Amish recipes and stories that will have your mouth watering and you ready to go to the kitchen to make each and every recipe in here!

Book Description from the publisher:

Unbeknownst to many folks outside the Amish Mennonite population in America, Pinecraft, Florida - a village tucked away in the heart of Sarasota - is the vacation paradise of the Plain People. Unlike any other Plain community in the world, this village is a virtual melting pot of Amish and Mennonites from around the world, intermingled with people, like author Sherry Gore’s family, who live there year-round.

Gore has put together a cookbook that represents the people who make Pinecraft unique. With hundreds of easy-to-prepare recipes, 16 full-color photographs and black-and-white photographs throughout, this cookbook includes traditional favorites such as Sweet Potato Sweet Mash and Mrs. Byler’s Glazed Donuts, as well as Florida favorites including Fried Alligator Nuggets, Grilled Lime Fish Fillets, and Strawberry Mango Smoothies. Interspersed with the recipes are true-life stories about births, engagements, weddings, deaths, funerals, celebrations, wildlife encounters, and accidents told through years of Sherry’s Letters from Home column published in The Budget, the Amish newspaper. This delightful cookbook offers readers a faith-based, family-focused perspective of the simple way of life of the Plain People. It is truly a breath of fresh air from Sarasota, Florida!

My Review:

First of all, this book is a spiral bound edition which is my favorite type of book for cookbooks as the book lays flat and stays open on the page I am using. This book begins with an introduction in which the author explains why she has written this book, who the Amish and Mennonites are and about Amish cooking in general.  The recipes are divided into various sections by type, including breads and rolls, soups and salads, pies and meats and main dishes.  There are pictures and stories interspersed throughout the book as well.  Some of these recipes are ones that are similar to others I have made or are things I have heard about, but all of them sound delicious and I cannot wait to try them.  There is a recipe for Gingerbread Waffles which sound delicious and I am looking forward to making when we get back to colder weather in several months.

*Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and Booksneeze for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Book Review - "Bending Toward The Sun"

Mona Hodgson's second novella in The Quilted Heart series, "Bending Toward The Sun," is a refreshing love story that will reunite the reader with characters from book 1.

Emilie stays busy and is happy helping her father in their country store, taking classes at the women's college, participates in the quilting club and is helping her friend Maren with wedding plans.  Emilie wonders if she will ever be planning her own wedding.  Emilie meets up again with a friend, Quaid who returns after serving in the Civil War.  Quaid and Emilie believe they may have a future together; however not everyone feels this way.  Will Quaid and Emilie find a way and move forward with their relationship without blessings? 

Emilie is such a great main character.  She is determined, kind-hearted and just one that you cannot help but love and cheer for throughout this story.  I am a fan of Mona Hodgson's writing and she does not disappoint in the least in this novella!  Emilie and Quaid, along with other characters, seek the Lord's guidance in their lives and live Godly lives and encourage the reader to take a look at their own lives and remember to continually seek the Lord's guidance and will in their own lives.  This is an excellent historical romance series that is a quick read and will leave you happy and wanting more!

*Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*