The Song of Blessing series is fast becoming one of my favorites! This is the third sequel and I have read all of them! Each book centers around the town of Blessing, North Dakota in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s and its inhabitants.
The town is struck with disaster when a circus train stops in Blessing, seeking medical aid for many performers that are sick. The big-hearted people of Blessing seek to help them, especially since other towns along the track have refused to assist them. It isn’t long before the townspeople find out that they have brought a Diphtheria epidemic into the midst of them! Not only does almost every circus performer take ill but the infection begins to spread throughout the town! The death toll begins to rise and fear spreads along with it. Who will die? How many will be dead when it is done? An antitoxin, medical personnel, and supplies are coming from Chicago, but that will be days. How will the carry on?
Many towns’ people risk their lives and show great courage in not only caring for the ill but helping those in quarantine, which is most of the town! It was fascinating to read an accurate account of how early medicine fought treat and contain such a deadly disease! Though their weapons were few and suffering was great, they used what little they had and relied on God for healing. The author takes into the lives of different families and their struggles, not only with the epidemic but also other challenges they are facing. As always, Ms. Snelling brings you into the story where you experience it firsthand. I was inspired by each character’s faith and taught so much about real life in this time. Looking forward to the next book!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I stated are my own.

This is another great book by Ann Spangler! Her books are always great for Bible study and reading. Those people mentioned in the Bible are for us to learn from in both their positive and negative choices. Of the 20 “wicked” women Ms. Spangler covers, you might be surprised at first. Some of the women studied are “wicked” as in naughty girls and others are “wicked” in the slang term of awesome! In her talented style the author shares each lady’s story in such a way it brings them to life. I appreciate that she does not turn it into fiction, nor does she detract from God’s Word with a great deal of “imaginary” information. Her sense of humor is sprinkled throughout and makes the reading even more enjoyable. Although I have known about all these women through my Bible reading, this book helped me learn even more about them and see them in a different perspective. They became flesh and blood people with failures and struggles just like women of today.
The mini biographies include very interesting historical backgrounds concerning the women. Questions at the end of the chapters provoke thought into how you might apply what you have learned to your life, and deeper understanding of the woman in a scriptural context.
As always with Ann Spangler’s books, it stays in my personal library. It is great devotional or study book for groups, women, and teens.
I received this book free from http://www.BookLookBloggers.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

My heart breaks day after day at the stories on the news and internet about incredible cruelty to animals. Horrific accounts of God’s creatures being treated in unbelievably coldhearted, brutal ways when they have done no harm. Unfortunately pets, especially dogs and cats, have become just another “disposable” in today’s society. They deserve to be loved and cared for just as anything that breathes and has life. In addition to our cultures lack of compassion and responsibility, certain breeds are singled out, judged, and killed simply because of scattered incidents of other dogs with serious issues.
This book is written with love and understanding of these deserted victims. It is a true story about one special one named GG. Found frightened, starving, and sick on a street in Detroit, most passed her by and ignored her. One woman saw much more, an animal worth saving and loving. Thus began GG’s journey from stray to shelter, to finding a forever home and all that went in between.
It is a moving and tender story. We all see countless accounts of rescued dogs and their happy ending adoptions but we never know of the time, hardship, and suffering they experience before they find a loving family.
Ms. Phillips writes the book in a unique way, through the eyes of GG. This helped me really relate to what these animals go through. Rescue is great, but it is only the beginning step of a long, hard journey to reach a happy ending. It opened my eyes to the fear and insecurity these poor dogs face. Food and a warm bed don’t take away the fright of new surroundings, cages, people, medical procedures, and other dogs expressing their anxiety and panic. It is a pandemonium of negative emotions.
Another very important point Ms. Phillips brings out is how misunderstood these poor dogs behavior is. Would we not snap, growl and act aggressive if we were thrown into such a circumstance? Few people recognize this as normal responses in some dogs to a traumatic situation. I have a friend that rescues dogs and she is able to “read” them. I admire how she always knows just how to approach and respond. Due to this misconception numerous dogs that have so much to give and would make a wonderful family pet, are put down as “dangerous”.
If you love dogs, I hope you will take the time to read this book. You will never look at another stray or rescue the same. This is also a great book for children to read. Not only will you be touched, but 15 % of all book sales are donated to animal rescue! Please visit their website at http://www.ggsjourney.com
I received this book free from the author. I was not required to give a positive review and the opinions I shared are my own.

I learned about this book through an online widow’s support group. The title drew me in, and then I saw it. A picture of her and her husband, I could see their deep love for each other and it reminded me of me and my husband. I had to read it. Of all the books I have read by widows since my husband died, Ms. Dettmann’s is the most honest. I appreciate her sharing her experiences with no sugar coating.
Other books I read shared the emotional trauma in generality, but not the details as this author did. Most didn’t share the physical aspects of deep grief and loss, but Diane did. There was a point in my grief journey I thought there must be something terribly wrong with me. My emotional state was much rawer and intense than what others shared. None talked in detail about the physical and mental toll the loss takes. I honestly thought was had some horrible disease or was mentally losing it. I couldn’t find anything in writing that matched my symptoms and mental condition. This frightened me even more. I had never had an anxiety attack before my husband’s death, and not to the point I thought I was dying. Page after page I found myself nodding my head and even saying, “Yes, yes,” as I related to her personal account.
Not that I want anyone to suffer through the loss of a spouse, but reading about her experiences as a widow, was comforting and I knew I was not alone. I wish this was the first book I had read. The book is skillfully written not only in its presentation but also in clearly expressing such a raw, vulnerable, intensely personal time. A standing ovation for Diane Dettmann and her courage, for not only being so transparent, but have the courage to revisit such a painful time by writing this book. It was a comfort and encouragement. Thank you!
I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All the opinions I expressed were my own.

I have looked at many books on Mason Jar Salads and I have to rate this one as the best. The author’s information about the how’s and why’s of jar salads is concise and to the point. I loved the step by step pictorial of how to assemble one. She also shares some special tips I had not seen or thought of.
As a widow I struggle with not only eating, but eating healthy. The publisher’s book Muffin Tin Chef was a big help in cooking for me. But I have found myself as time goes on wanting something FAST and EASY; the latter meaning little effort. Let’s face it, 99% of the time, fast does not equal healthy. This book fits both of those needs and throws in HEALTHY too!
The pictures are wonderful! The visuals really help me in picking a recipe, and every recipe has one. They are all very practical and down to earth, yet creative and tasty. Any ingredient I might not like or don’t have are easily substituted. Tips are dispersed throughout the book to make your jar salads even better.
The book includes recipes for breakfast, salads (of course), lunches, meals you can heat in the jar, snacks and dips, and dressings. With 50 recipes you are promised lots of variety to choose from!
Since motivation is an issue, I like having something premade and ready to eat for several meals. Not only will I get the nutrition I need, but also feel good about having eaten period! I wonderful book everyone should own!
I received a copy of this book free from Ulysses 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Instead of “good to the last drop” like some coffees, this book was good to the last word! This is incredible historical romance! The author did such an astonishing job of incorporating Civil War history into her novel that you didn’t even realize you were being entertained and getting a history lesson too! I have learned many things I did not know in Civil War novels I have read and this one added a whole boatload more!
Merely 19 years old, Carrie Ann Bell found herself in the middle of the war, with her father gone, working at a horrid job to help support her mother (who for some reason despises her), and a two sisters, yet never forgetting her dream of becoming a journalist. When her younger sister runs off with a peddler, it is up to her to try to find her and bring her home. Her confederate friends have told her about the wicked Yankees. This does not deter her in the least. She comes up with a plan to disguise herself as a Union soldier, walk through the enemy territory where there is active battle ensuing and into the area she thinks her sister has gone. Carrie Ann has no doubt it will go off without a hitch, but it doesn’t. She is captured by the Union army and taken to their camp.
There she meets the handsome, military hero, Colonel Peyton Collier. He becomes her friend and protector. She finds that the Yankees are not the demons she has heard about, but good, brave men. She begins to help at their make shift hospital caring for the many wounded. To protect her and enable her to continue to search for her sister, he moves her to live with his widowed aunt as a companion. She learns those she thought were enemies were her friends and that friends from her past may very well be her enemies.
I love Carrie’s courage and tenacity in dealing with whatever was thrown at her. I attributed to the strength of youth but also her outstanding character. The story is filled with faith, humor, romance, suspense, and surprises. The practice of Civil War medicine was an exhausting gruesome job. Not only with the sheer numbers of severely injured men but also the lack of supplies and proper conditions in which to care for them. The author brings this to life vividly. It was a war not where the soldiers went off and fought, but it was staged right where people lived. Who could you trust? What would happen next in your city or home? Would you or someone you loved become a fatality of the war? These questions and more haunted every American during this time. Through this novel I experienced the tension, hardship, insecurity, and uncertainty of this horrendous time. I applaud you Ms. Boeshaar a job well done and anxiously await your next book!
I received a copy of this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The power of prayer has such a far reaching influence, yet it is one of the most overlooked resources in a Christian’s life. How many times have you felt the prompting to pray for a person or situation and ignore it? What blessing or need went unfulfilled because you didn’t? This book will certainly make you think about those times and being obedient to urging of the Holy Spirit.
I found this book very encouraging, as it reminded me once again of how God is always watching over and caring for us. I found it inspiring and exciting to see how He uses our prayers to bring about wonderful and amazing events. These are true stories of how the Lord guided others to pray unbeknownst to them how important that prayer was to the care and protection of the person He brought to mind.
I am remembered of one such time in my life. My husband was 37 and had suffered a heart attack. They were bypassing 3 bypasses he had done at 25. The surgery was long and a large number of people were in the waiting room with me. Everyone was visiting. Suddenly I had a powerful need to pray for him. I asked everyone to join me. I looked at the clock to see what time it was. Finally the doctor came out and told me my husband was fine and the outcome was far better than he had expected. Then he said, “Oh, there was one thing. When we took him off of the heart lung machine and shocked his heart, it wouldn’t start. We tried 3 times and were very worried, then the 3rd time it started.” I asked him what time that happened. And the time he shared was the exact time I had been felt the overpowering need to pray for him.
This book is such a blessing. It made me happy to read the stories of God’s miraculous provision, and to always remember He does the same for me.
I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Proverbs is one of my favorite books of the Bible. The author has printed the 31 verses from the NASV Bible. I only read the King James Version but I understand that is a preference. It would be great of the author would publish the book in that version also.
After each chapter is a prayer according to the verse. I love the idea of personalizing prayers and praying them back to God. In doing so we can know we are praying His will. I would not pray these prayers exactly as they are written, but use them as a springboard to making them my own.
As I read them, there were places that I gained insights into ways of applying the scripture to my life. For example Proverbs 3:27,” Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” The author wrote in the prayer, “Lord, I sincerely ask You today to send opportunities for me to do good to others….” I have read that verse many times and understood that when I had it to give I should not keep back. I had not seen it as an “opportunity” to help others. That is just one of many.
Having each chapter and prayer by itself made it easy to use. It helps to concentrate on just Proverbs. The book is just the right size to carry with you too.
I have always been taught that by reading a chapter a day in Proverbs, you will grow in wisdom far beyond the average person. A wonderful book to have!
I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I love Melody Carlson’s books! She captures the Christmas spirit in people’s lives in so many different ways. Every book for hers I keep and add to my library. They have the rare quality of being able to be read over and over again, and enjoyed the same each time.
I flew through this book and was disappointed when it ended! Joy is an elderly widow in her eighties. She is at the point in her life that she must leave her family home of many years to move near her sons into an assisted living facility all the way across the country. They have purchased her plane ticket for her to arrive before Christmas.
Joy has other ideas. Although she must sort through a lifetime of possessions and leave behind most of them, her attitude is anything but sad. She decides to drive her and her late husband’s huge RV the 2000 miles to her new home without telling her sons. Her plan is to go alone but at the last minute persuades her 37 year old neighbor, Miranda, to come. Miranda has nothing to lose. Her husband left her, she is losing her home, and she lost her job.
Joy’s trip is so much more than just one last free for all. Her focus in on bringing Christmas hope and cheer to 6 special people who have won a contest on her blog. With Ms. Carlson’s wonderful writing, I felt as if I was riding right along in the RV. I enjoyed all the plans Joy had made, from her Christmas baking, packing decorations, and even outfitting the RV in lights! The book was so uplifting!
Joy reminded me of my almost 90 year old mother-in-law; lots of spunk, and plans, without self-pity or despair about aging. I hope I will be like Joy as I age. Not focusing on what is in the past or I can no longer do, but continuing to live life to the fullest and accepting the changes that come. An amazing book, you do want to read!!!
I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

The subject of this book is one that is very unique and that I have not seen addressed before: the empty nest and holiday traditions. Judith Winter is very disappointed. Her whole life has been her family, and holidays are especially meaningful since the have all married and moved away. Due to finances none were able to be there for Thanksgiving and called to say they won’t make it Christmas either.
Judith falls into a deep depression and feels there is no reason to keep any of the family traditions with no children or grandchildren coming. Her husband Stan does everything he can think of to cheer her up. He even enlists her best friend to help. Nothing works. He tries to recreate their old traditions together, but that just seems to stir more pain in seeing other families together.
I know holidays can be a painful time for many. At first I got really aggravated with Judith for being so selfish and having a pity party. Then as I continued to read, I realized we don’t always choose depression and sometimes it is hard to find our way out. I guess I was aggravated because she had her husband with her still, and mine died 2 years ago. When the kids couldn’t always be there, we had each other.
Stan is a jewel of a husband. He doesn’t become irritated with her for her attitude. Quite the contrary he is very concerned and wants to help but not in a pushy, “snap out of it” way. You will be surprised at the courage he shows and the sacrifice he makes to make his wife happy. Have Kleenexes on hand! A remarkable book! It will bring a smile to those facing the changes that come with an empty nest, and give insight and understanding to children who have not yet experienced. This book stays in my personal library!
I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publishers . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.