Monks always seem so perfect and devoted to their beliefs and practices. As if they were naturally born to step into the role. Ms. Wilcock delves deeply into the emotions and experiences of 2 young men that believe they have received this calling. As they become more and more a part of the daily life of the monastery they feel they do not measure up to the older more experienced brothers. They begin to be overcome with uncertainties and misgivings about their ability to truly serve in this capacity.
As they observe and learn they see that all the brothers have faults and weaknesses and many of passed through the same doubts and troubles. The author shows that people are people with their own personalities and character flaws not matter who they are or what they do.
The descriptiveness and detail of the daily live in St.Alcuin’s is fascinating. No detail goes unnoticed. What I felt made it even more interesting was the setting of the story in the 15th century.
I did feel at times there was so much description that the story line was lost and bogged down. These sections were too wordy which made me have to push on to the next par.
A very interesting book.
I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

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With adult coloring books and journaling all the rage, this book is perfect for both!
It is super sturdy so I can carry it anywhere with me and not have to worry about pages or covers being bent or torn. It’s perfect!!
The pages vary. They might have a subject of gratitude to focus on, a prayer, or a scripture. The coloring pages also have bits of color already in them which I found very appealing. Some pages are very simple leaving an area for you to add your own drawing. Others are more detailed. All are creative and fun. This is a very unique book that will bless you in three ways, coloring, journaling, and God’s Word. I would have preferred the scriptures be in KJV instead of NLT but that is just my preference. When you are done you will have a beautiful keepsake of encouragement to look back on again and again.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Blogger Program for an honest review.

This is a super nice, compact, hardcover book! It contains 101 questions and answers about God’s promises, the church, and the future. All the questions and answers is one page long. At the end of each ne is a scripture pertaining to what was discussed. I found this very helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed the decorative layout of the pages.
The questions covered many topics Christians wonder about, especially new believers. I found all of them very clear, concise, and easy to understand. I could tell the answers were well thought out by the author, as they contained a lot of information in just a few words.
There are 3 parts to the book:
1. About God’s Promises
2. God’s Church
3. About Your Future and the Future of the World
I did not agree with some of the author’s doctrine, but the vast majority of information was scripturally accurate. This is a wonderful carry with you devotional book. I think it is the perfect gift for a new Christian, even late elementary age. I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Blogger Program for an honest review.

Linda Znachko never dreamed of what God’s plans were when He touched her heart through a news story about a baby’s body found in a dumpster. Beyond reasonable explanation she we moved to claim this precious, unnamed forgotten baby and give him a proper burial. That was just the beginning. Like a stone thrown into a pond, the far, far reaching ripples of compassion, love, and service, the Lord led her to minister into many lives, touching them deeply.
The author’s sensitive, obedient spirit that answered God’s call turned into an extraordinary ministry, one of a kind! She not only learned about herself in ways she could not fathom, but the desperate needs of others that go unnoticed,
The Lord also opened her eyes to loving all people unconditionally and not prejudging them based on circumstances or media reports. Ms. Znachko has been used in incredible ways by God, and it all started with a discard baby on an evening news report and a heart that held nothing back from God.! I am so thankful she shared the journey the Lord has taken her on. Beautifully written and heartwarming. I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my now.

Babies being mixed up at the hospital and sent home with the wrong family are found on news stories here and there all the time. All sorts of complications arise from such a mistake. Ms. Woodsmall turned this type of occurrence into a very interesting book that brings all sorts of thoughts and questions to mind. An English and Amish baby switched at birth! Even more intriguing is that is it not revealed until 20 years later when they are grown and their lifestyles are very deeply ingrained. How complicated can it get!
Ariana Brenneman and Skylar Nash were accidentally swapped at the birthing center their mothers both were at. Ariana is adheres 100% to her Amish beliefs, and Skylar is very much a part of the modern culture and world.
Ariana’s birth father, Nicholas, doesn’t want to leave it there. He wants to get to know the daughter he lost. Threatening to sue the now elderly midwife, both girls are forced to go live with their birth families for one year. He is no longer married to Ariana’s mom which adds even more difficulties to the arrangement. Being an atheist he wants her to change everything and become an Englisher. He makes her a list of things he wants her to try, and most go against all her beliefs and many are even sinful. Trying to be an obedient daughter she agrees but it tears at the heart of who she is.
Skylar is told she can go to a drug rehab for her addiction or go live with her Amish biological parents. She chooses the later as the lesser of two evils in her eyes but still very much against her will.
Will each girl change to fit the family they now live with? This isn’t just an Amish culture vs. modern culture story. It digs deep inside of how seriously Christian beliefs or lack of them guide and direct the lives of believers. Each characters feelings, perceptions, and experiences were vividly portrayed, giving me the opportunity to really look at the differences. The girls learned a great deal about themselves of course. Not only they but the reader are faced with the realization who we are runs much deeper than how we dress or where we live but also the need to examine those beliefs and see if they are truly of God. A great book. I can’t wait to read the next one and see what Ariana chooses! I received a copy this book from Blogging for Books and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.