A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle - A Book Review

     

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle was one of my most favorite books as a child. During the first decade of my teaching career, I read it aloud to my classes. I cannot believe that all that time, I did not realize that the book was the first of a series. Recently my grandson loaned me his copy of the second book, A Wind in the Door. While I had a bit of trouble getting into it, once I did I was hooked. While written as a child's book, few children would grasp the biblical analogies found in the continued story of Meg and Charles Wallace. I found them fascinating, especially the importance of being named. Think of the times God and Jesus gave people a new name. Being named in this context is being fully known and fully loved. I hope that when I return this copy, my grandson will loan me the third book in The Time Quintet. Thank you, Josiah, for sharing with me.

Wildflower Hope by Grace Greene - A Book Review

     

I had read and reviewed the first book in the Wildflower House series in November of 2018, and was so excited to have the opportunity to read and review this second book continuing the story of Kara Lange Hart. Her story is an inspiration of resilience. On the heels of a serious car accident came the death of her father whom she was just getting to really know. The emotional upheaval in Kara's life caused her to depend more and more on medication. Wildflower Hope is a beautiful story of getting back up,standing on one's own two feet, while allowing oneself to share burdens with those who offer healthy support.

The Wildflower house itself becomes as much a character in this story as it is a setting. It certainly becomes a place the reader will wish were not fiction, but one to be truly visited. So grab a cup of tea and find a quiet spot to spend some time with Kara in her beautiful, transforming home, or in one of the many quite nooks on the property. You will be more than happy you did.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Wildflower Hope from the author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Trouble With Tulip by Mindy Starns Clark - A Book Review

    

I inherited this book and two more in Mindy Starns Clark's Smart Chick Mystery series when my mom passed six years ago. I just got around to pulling this one off of the shelf, and it was just the type of read I needed, a fun, quirky mystery. The story of Jo Tulip, author of a household tip column, and her best friend, photographer Danny Watkins, is filled with several important themes such as repentance, forgiveness, and surrender, while remaining an uplifting, cozy mystery read. I felt like it cleared my palate between some weightier books. I have already pulled the sequel off of the shelf, and am looking forward to reading the continuing story of Jo Tulip as I also read Jesus in Me by Anne Graham Lotz and Hope's Highest Mountain by Misty M. Beller. Happy reading, everyone!

Something Needs to Change: A Call to Make Your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need by David Platt - A Book Review

    

It is my opinion that even the most complacent among our Christian brothers and sisters could not fail to have their heart stirred by the scenes painted on hearts and minds by the words penned within this book. However, a real danger lies in letting it go at that. Platt not only takes readers along on his emotional trek through the beauty as well as the physical and spiritual suffering of the Himalayas, he also takes us through his journey of the book of Luke. He uses Scripture to show us what God expects of His children and the ramifications of how we choose to respond.

My copy of Something Needs to Change is filled with icons and reflections. I cannot wait for my husband to read the book along with my book graffiti. I am thinking about how our lives may change as we wrestle with our answers to the challenges presented.

This book has the potential of being life changing. It has the potential to spur the reader to a life of greater meaning and impact. Beware, it also has the danger of bringing the responsibility of acting on the urgent needs it gives you the knowledge of.

I could not recommend a book more highly than this one. I am more than grateful to have received a copy from Multnomah in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation. #PRHpartner

Jesus, Day By Day by Sharon Kaselonis - A Book Review

   

This book is a companion to The One year Chronological Bible. Sharon Kaselonis's daily devotions explain to the reader how all of the Bible focuses on Jesus. The Old Testament points to Him and the New Testament reveals Him. Through these devotions I have seen Jesus in places I never saw Him before. This is helping me to be more consistent in my effort to read The Chronological Bible in one year. I have read the Bible in its usual order through several times, but reading it in the order in which events occurred has been an enlightening and educational experience thus far, made more so by the insight shared in these daily devotionals.

I highly recommend Jesus, Day By Day, and am glad to have received a copy from Multnomah in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation, all opinions stated are my own. #PRHpartner

Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble - A Book Review

   

Many have taken DNA tests through currently popular companies and learned of surprising connections. Strands of Truth is a story about one of the possible abuses of such information. Coble has created a mystery that begins with two sisters using DNA to locate family, who also locate trouble as well as answers to two cold cases, a story of truly getting more than you bargained for. Mystery fans will be quite happy with what they get from Strands of Truth, an engaging mystery with carefully sprinkled clues throughout. Unexpected connections await.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Strands of Truth from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Your Money Made Simple by Russell D. Crosson - A Book Review

 

Have you tried living on a budget only to have unexpected expenses arise that knocked you off track, and you just didn't know how to get back on? Do you wonder how much you should have in savings, and how you can ever accumulate that much money? Do you want to give more to your church and other charitable organizations, but your paycheck just won't stretch any further? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this is the book for you.

The best feature of Your Money Made Simple is that Russell Crosson doesn't just tell you what you need to do, he also gives you clear steps to take to achieve financial freedom. He backs up the principles of money management outlined in the book with Scripture, and provides real life examples. This book would be wonderful for individual reading, for a couple to study together, or for a small group or Sunday School class. I give it my highest recommendation.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Your Money Made Simple from Harvest House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

One More River to Cross by Jane Kirkpatrick - A Book Review

    

They started out together: the Murphy, Townsend, Montgomery, Sullivan, and Patterson families and those accompanying them, following Captain Elisha Stephens on their way westward to California. Meeting hardships and harsh conditions, the group broke apart piece by piece, some taking a different route, others left behind with the hope of being rescued come spring. None knowing whether they would reach their final destination or what awaited them there.

As usual Kirkpatrick's story focuses on the strong women who helped mold our nation. As is frequently the case in her stories, this story is set within the westward movement. The matriarchs of the families whose story is told in One More River to Cross were women often left to feel powerless as their fates and the fates of their children were left to the decisions made by the men in their lives. When left on their own, Kirkpatrick shows them to be women of strength, courage, and determination.

Kirkpatrick's books are not your typical historical romance, but are more aptly described as historical drama filled with perseverance and true grit. Her books would not be described as fast-paced, but her chosen pace allows for deep character development. I must say that while this story was very interesting, it is not among my favorites of her books. I think that is because, although Mary and Sarah did get a bit more attention than the other women, there really didn't seem to be a main character among the women. I did enjoy the story though, and would choose it to read again. I appreciate having received a copy of One More River to Cross from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels - A Book Review

    

This book causes the reader to consider what it is like to have, and how they may react to, a life event that truly rocks their world, one in which they feel like they have no control and no one to turn to. Then compound this by an intense sense of betrayal peppered with guilt. The Words Between Us is deeply emotional, a book that is difficult to emerge from. Its slow pace sometimes leaves the reader feeling submerged and wanting a deep, cleansing breath, and at other times regretting having to come up for air.

For the second time this fall I have had the pleasure of reading a book in which classic literature plays an important role, and am motivated to spend upcoming winter nights with Dickens, Austen, and Bronte. For now, I am happy to have had the time and opportunity to spend time with Erin Bartels and her characters. If you aren't opposed to a bit of melancholy, I think you will be as well.

I am grateful to have received a copy of The Words Between Us from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary obligation.

One Final Breath by Lynn H. Blackburn - A Book Review

   

Three mysteries converge. Will Dive Team Captain Anissa Bell and Investigator Gabe Chavez solve them before anyone else dies? With the help of their friends and co-workers, they just might, but there will be a multitude of surprises along the way. In addition to providing readers with a wonderful mystery, Blackburn deals with the theme of dealing with one's fears and feelings of inadequacy. I highly recommend this book, this series (Dive Team Investigations), and this author.

I am grateful to have received a copy of One Final Breath from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Christmas in Winter Hill by Melody Carlson

   

A short, sweet holiday read, Christmas in Winter Hill will delight fans of Hallmark Christmas movies. I wouldn't be in the least surprised to hear of its being made into a screen play at some time in the future.

Krista Galloway and her eight-year-old Emily moved from Phoenix to Winter Hill, Washington for Krista's new job as city manager. Krista is dismayed to learn of the city's obsession with their Christmasville celebration, having no fond Christmas memories of her own. Circumstances cause her to appear to be the town Grinch, and Krista faces disappointing Emily with another move.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Christmas in Winter Hill in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Girl Behind the Red Rope by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker - A Book Review

     

I am an avid Ted Dekker fan having read many if not most of his more than forty novels. I am also a fan of Rachelle Dekker, frequently recommending her Seer series. That said, I must admit that about halfway through The Girl Behind the Red Rope I told my husband, “This is a great story, but I know there's got to be a deeper message, and I'm missing it.” Shortly thereafter I got to chapter twenty-four and the veil was lifted. While I would love to share the insights the Dekkers so skillfully crafted into this story, I will not rob you of the pleasure and depth of discovery. I can assure you this book has life-giving treasures for those who persist.

I am most grateful to have received a copy of The Girl Behind the Red Rope from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden - A Book Review

   

Elizabeth Camden's Empire State series focused on the issue of providing clean water to our citizens. The Spice King focuses on the safety of the food products we find our our grocers' shelves. I love that the books I have read by this author include a romantic story, but that the main focus of the tales have had deeper social and spiritual themes.

Annabelle Larkin moved to our nation's capitol to accompany her sister who had been blinded by meningitis and was seeking her purpose by volunteering in the reading room for the blind in the Library of Congress. A botanist, Annabelle had been blessed to find a temporary job as a botanical specialist at the Smithsonian Institute, but she longed to prove herself worthy of a permanent position. To do so she must convince Gray Delacroix, owner of the Delacroix Global Spice Company, to part with cuttings from a very rare orchid that he was rumored to possess. Gray was no fan of the Smithsonian nor many government agencies either, and he was not about to partner with any of them. How much might his mind be changed when he first encounters Annabelle, in his own home nonetheless?

I highly recommend The Spice King and this author. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and I received no monetary compensation.

Sewing 101 by The Editors of Quarry Books - A Book Review

 

I am still a relative newbie to sewing, and I found this book to be immensely helpful. In addition to the clearly written instructions supported by step-by-step color photographs, the publisher offers ten short, on-line videos to assist with basic knowledge of sewing. After sections covering sewing basics, the book offers specific projects listing what will be learned and the materials needed. The practical projects include garments as well as home decor.

While I did receive an electronic advanced reader copy from the Quarto Publishing Group via NetGalley, I also plan on ordering a physical copy as the information contained is something I want at my fingertips. I have not found a more clearly written book for beginning sewers. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.  

Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano - A Book Review

  

Diamond in the Rough is a fun read. It is Turano's second book in her American Heiresses series, and it was nice to become reacquainted with some of the characters from the first book, particularly Beatrix Waterbury. This story centers around Miss Poppy Garrison, granddaughter of Viola Van Rensselaer, who is having her first social season in New York in payment to her grandmother for a loan given to her parents as they expand their horse farm into Kentucky. Mrs. Van Renssselaer is determined to see her clumsy but exuberant granddaughter turned into a diamond of the first water. She has tasked Mr Reginald Blackburn with seeing to it. He is sorely vexed with Poppy's propensity for unusual mishaps, but is not inclined to let a challenge go unmet.

While fun-filled and lighthearted, this book also reminds the reader of our duty as children of God to invest ourselves, not just our resources, in the lives of those less fortunate. I am grateful to have received a copy of this delightful book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger - A Book Review

   

I typically review Christian fiction; while This Tender Land is a coming-of-age story of a young boy's desperate search for an accurate view of God, it is definitely outside the realm of Christian fiction. It did, however, give me a lot to think about as I share the love of God with those whose life experiences have caused them to view Him as uncaring and even cruel.

Odie and his brother, Albert, are orphans placed in the care of the Lincoln Indian Training School, although they were not Native Americans. There they were often beaten and isolated. Any glimmer of hope was almost immediately extinguished. Circumstances led them to flee from the school and the law accompanied by six-year-old Emmy and a mute Sioux named Mose. Their paths crossed those whose actions contributed to Odie's view of God, sometimes confirming, other times softening.

Outside of frequent vulgar language, the story is very well written, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read it. I was provided a copy from Atria Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch: The Absolute Beginner's Guide by Linda Wysgynski - A Book Review

   

The “Getting Started” portion of this book gives very clear information regarding the tools and materials one will need to take up this craft. The fundamentals of preparing fabric, transferring patterns, and stitching basics are well described and reinforced through helpful photos and diagrams.

The chapters on “Creative Embroidery” and “Crewel” include extremely good descriptions of a wide variety of stitches with very clear photos and diagrams of each. These are some of the best I have seen, having looked at many such books over the years.

The chapter on “Cross-Stitch” is the weakest part of this book. While a variety of individual stitches are shown, the chapter does not address a run of stitches or the best way to transfer from one line of stitching to the next, or working with multiple colors of floss where the color on a line of stitching may change a multiple of times. While the projects given for creative embroidery and crewel are practical, the first one given for cross-stitch is not.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Quarto Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.