After twenty-three years of overprotective parents, critical health problems, and a secluded Amish upbringing, Betsy Detweiler has decided to step out of her comfort zone and truly live.  She has created a “Life List”, all the things she has missed out on doing growing up.  Many of these might seem odd to someone who has had a normal childhood: learning to play golf, riding a bike, learning to swim, but to Betsy they are new experiences.  She heads to Pinecraft, Florida to fulfill her ambitions.   Her indomitable spirit did more than just complete her list! She became an inspiration to those whose lives she touched.

I loved being a part of her vacation and journey of self-discovery!  Betsy’s courage and determination was a surprise to me.  She clearly saw her weaknesses and faced them head on.  She still harbored doubts and fears to the point of considering giving up, but she didn’t! 

Each of the other characters were facing fears they had not overcome in their lives.  August Troyer, her golf instructor, had struggled with his parent’s pressure to follow in their footsteps as a missionary.  He love his parents but this was not the direction he felt led. Could he honor his parents and not give into their wishes?

Anna and Danielle, Betsy’s swim instructors held back creating new lives because of painful failed marriages.  They were afraid to move ahead and even have healthy relationships with each other and their families. Could they overcome their pasts?

As with any positive effort to change, many more doors of opportunity open; ones that would have otherwise remained shut.  Betsy never dreamed of all the beautiful things that would happen by simply following her simple dreams.

I can’t wait for the third book in this series!

I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.

How long would you keep a secret you promised to keep?  Minerva Jane Jenkins had kept one for 30 years.  She vowed as she held her dying husband in her arms, never to reveal what was in the box he had so carefully guarded all his life.  She had no clue what was in the box, but she kept her word.

It is 1902; Minerva is now 94 years old and knows she is nearing the end of her time here on earth.  She has lived a lonely life of survival in the Appalachian Mountains. All she has known his heartache and hardship yet it has not dulled her wit and determination to carry on.  Her constant prayer is that the Lord will not let her die alone. 

Del Rankin a reporter hears of her husband, Stately’s, story and want’s to find the truth.  He is a kind, caring young man and likes Minerva’s spunkiness and amazing spirit of independence when clearly even the smallest things are difficult in her advanced age. Minerva is suspicious of him of course but his honestly and persistence to help her wins her over. For the first time in a long time she trusts someone.  Little did she realize even at 94 he would change her life in ways she never imagined.

As with all of Cindy Sproles’ books they touch you very deeply emotionally.  I felt every one of Minerva’s aches and pains, her physical challenges to accomplish daily tasks, and her feelings.  The author’s detail to Minerva’s emotions and perceptions were so in-depth that she became alive to me. I loved her sense of humor, how she talked so easily with the Lord, and the wisdom she shares throughout the story.

There are many unexpected surprises and turns along the way.  Be prepared and have a box of tissues on hand, you will not read this book without some tears.  This is a deep book on many levels and beautifully written.  I always look forward to reading more books by Cindy Sproles.

I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.