Deeply grieving the loss of her soldier husband, Jarrod, Corrie Saunders moves back to his home town in the Ozarks. He has been gone 6 months but her grief is still raw. She settles into his 150 year old family home that she inherited from him. Corrie hopes going back to where Jarrod grew up will somehow ease her pain of losing him and she will feel his presence. This makes her a vulnerable to family’s belief that the house is haunted, especially his elderly Aunt Trudy who proclaims to be a medium.
Eli, Jarrod’s cousin, is there to help her make repairs to the home and support her. He is a preacher and a godly young man with high standards. Both are surprised at how quickly they are attracted to each other, yet are besieged with guilt about their feelings. Despite their misgivings, their friend ship grows into romance with both trying desperately to crush increasing affections.
The family believes the house has been haunted as long as they can remember. Corrie, not wanting to accept her husband is dead, chooses to believe it is Jarrod trying to contact her. Even though she was raised in church, she abandoned her faith in her teens. Eli on the other hand is very strong in his faith and knows what the Bible says about witchcraft. He tries to protect and warn Corrie but her desire to have her husband in some way is too strong.
When I started reading this book and it began to venture into the occult I thought, “Oh no, what have I gotten myself into.” I do not believe spirits can inhabit homes and inanimate objects, therefore I didn’t feel comfortable about this part of the book. Ms. Bateman handled it well and didn’t go overboard, and I appreciate that.
The rest of the book was delightful. There was a sweetness and innocence about Corrie and Eli’s romance. While the author made it very clear the intensity of Eli’s love for Corrie, his self-control and respect for her but for the Lord was wonderful. I loved their conversations with each other. They were real and not artificial like many novels, and I found them quiet humorous.
The book was well written and I was impressed with the important spiritual lessons woven throughout the book.
I received this book free from Waterbrook Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This is my second book to read by Ms. Moore and I must say I am just as impressed as I was by the first one! Her wholesome writing exemplifies godly character for young people to follow. Once again she is right on track with getting to the heart of the many challenges young people face and feelings that go with them.
Summer is here and like most young boys, Alec has plans to goof off and sleep in but things don’t quite turn out as he’d like. His spirits soar when he finds out his Mom will be able to get away from her out of town job and visit. The family goes all out and prepares for a big party. Last minute problems prevent her from coming and Alex is devastated. Instead of being upset he decides to spend a lot of time at the new pool with his friends. Wanting his sons to do something constructive with their time, their Dad enrolls them in a baseball camp! Not only can Alex not play baseball but he hates it! To make matters worse, Tyrod, the school bully is there and becomes buddies with his brother Antoine!
Things seem to make a turn for the better when his mom flies him and Antoine to California to spend time with her. She enrolls them in an acting camp and the door opens for Alec to start a career in television! His Mom puts a stop to it and he doesn’t understand why.
Young people have a problem with getting upset when things don’t go their way. This book has a powerful biblical lesson not only in how God wants them handle these situations but also how to apply this truth to their lives.
As with all Ms. Moore’s books there are word searches after each chapter and fun educational activities.
I highly highly recommend these books for young boys or girls, not only for quality reading but instilling strong moral values and godly standards!
I received this book free from Moody Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Amelia and Michael lives could come from more differing lives and backgrounds, yet the both are facing the same problem. They have dreams and passions they feel strongly led to follow, but their parents are equally as strong and controlling in the path they feel their children should take. Their paths would have never crossed if it wasn’t for a stormy night and a flat tire.
Amelia is an extremely talented violinist whose parents have been grooming her to be a famous concert musician since she was 3. She is on the verge of stepping into her parents dream. Amelia finds great joy in fiddling, something her parents find a waste of her gift of music. Her father’s poor health and her intense love for her parents keep her from making the choice.
Michael is a young Amish man who has a great desire for an education and a career as an architect. He knows he would have to leave his Amish faith and deeply hurt his family. His desires have caused conflict in his family and he has fled to an isolated cabin after one of many fights with his parents. This is where Amelia ends up on that stormy night.
Though worlds apart they immediately bond, sharing their struggle of following their hearts or breaking their family’s hearts. Amelia spends some time in the Amish community to clear her head. She finds herself falling in love with these gentle people, their simple ways, and Michael. Michael has the same feelings for her but neither expresses them because they know their two lives could never mix. Now they are not only trapped by their parent’s expectations but also their growing affection for each other.
Ms. Lewis did an excellent job of making the reader a part of the character’s inward conflicts in making such life changing decisions. I also appreciated how both characters remained sensitive and respectful to their parents even though they were both old enough to make their down choices. Her vivid details drew me into the story and made me experience Amelia and Michael’s feelings confusion and uncertainty. I was reminded of how complicated the crossroads in life can be, and that we must not rush into anything no matter how intense our desire to resolve our conflict. We must first seek God’s guidance and wait on his clear direction.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

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