Having lost my mother and my husband within a year of each other, I found myself reading as many books as I could on grief. It is an uncharted territory each of us must face at different times in our lives. We have no clue what is ahead, how we will respond, nor what is expected of us. As a Christian I wanted insights and guidance from the scriptures, and the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others. Yes, our experiences and how we deal with our grief differ, but there are similarities that tie us all together.
Dr. H. Norman Wright is a not only a writer but a Christian therapist. In this book he shares his expertise and biblical knowledge to being to begin your journey through the sorrow. This book is for everyone. He includes valuable help in the loss of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, friend, pet and more.
I was so overwhelmed and consumed that it was hard for me to step outside the box of my pain and see anything else. This book helped me do that. It was a beginning, a first step. I was amazed at how the author described in detail many of the feelings and experiences I was encountering. Most of all the many scriptures and Bible truths strengthen my anchor to the only One that could help me heal. My journey is far from over, but I am thankful for the support and counsel I received from this book.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

I have found a new favorite children’s author! Julia Cook has managed to combine entertainment, colorful, fun illustrations, and addressing the issue of children’s worries in this wonderful book. The story will definitely keep and child’s attention.
Wilma Jean is a “worry wart”. Her anxieties surround “what if’s” of many things in and out of her control. Sounds like a lot of adult worry doesn’t it?
I thought it was so insightful how Ms. Cook dealt with Wilma Jean’s fears through the eyes of a child! Children worry a lot nowadays but most of the time they don’t feel comfortable or know how to share those concerns with adults. They sometimes even think the grown-ups will see their apprehension as silly, and unfortunately there are times they are told just that
Children will be able to connect with Wilma Jean and realize they aren’t alone. Better yet the child will be guided in how to view and deal with their worries. It isn’t just an enjoyable story; there are solutions offered. I believe adults should read the books too as they may be guilty of brushing off their little one’s burdens and not taking them seriously. They are serious to the child! Another plus I see is that this will be a starting point at a young age for kids to learn how to deal with stressors in their life. At the back of the book the author gives 16 ideas for adults, parents, and teachers to help an anxious child.
I know this book is for children ages 2 – 5 years but I would extend it to 10 years old. I am thinking about incorporating it into a Bible study for our ladies group on worry. I can’t wait to read more of Ms. Cook’s books! Go to http://www.juliacookonline.com to see more of them!

There are several books published on small portion desserts and even meals, but this is the only one I know of with just pies! And who doesn’t like pie! Being it is only pies, this is still a very versatile cookbook. There is a great variety of recipes, each category having savory and sweet. Many of the recipes give the option to bake full size or smaller size pies. There are cutie pies baked in standard muffin tins, Petit-5s bake in mini muffin tins, pie jars, hand held pies, pie pops (love this one!), and standard size pies. There is a special chapter with different crust recipes, measurements for all the pies, and how to make the perfect crust. Even after many years of baking I learned some new things here!
This is a quality cookbook. Cover and pages are sturdy. The pictures are great and very tempting. Recipes are simple to read and follow. Ingredients are not complicated and the majority you will have on hand. I liked the heavy glossy pages that will hold up to many years of baking.
In the past, everyone baked pies but not so much now. Most are store or bakery bought. This book is a goldmine of gifts, treats for your family or parties. I think many would be great for bake sales. Smaller portions especially in desserts make it a treat but no guilt for over indulging. These recipes will give you the opportunities to not only bake something yummy, but also to show you took the time to show you really care. It would be fun for the family to have an all pie day! Pies for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! With this cookbook you could do it!
I received this book free from Andrew McMell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

One man is looking for answers by running away and a woman is looking for answers by struggling to stay. Michael Hunter and Tracey Campbell are unexpectedly thrown together in their totally opposite pursuits. Both have faced the loss of their spouses in very different ways, and grappling with moving ahead. Yet they are not the only ones in the seaside town of Hope Harbor that need healing and solutions. Anna Williams, a widow, has never healed over the death of her husband and estrangement from her only son. Then there is Grace, the unwed teen and her family that desperately need relationships repaired from years of misunderstandings. God joins all of them by surprising circumstances. He uses their hurts and godly characteristics to help one another.
This is a delightful story with so many facets; romance, godly love, self-sacrifice, faith, and forgiveness. On the opposite of the spectrum there was stubbornness, pride, guilt, unforgiveness and bitterness. These myriad emotions made the characters seem real. It reminded me of how I have seen God work in my life and others by means we could never imagine. As I read the book, and was able to look into each character’s hearts and minds, and I could see where they were fighting God and trying to choose their own paths, attempting to “fix” their problems. I saw myself at times when I have not trusted Him for the results and made things so much harder on myself. Just as most people tend to do, each person had put God in a box, deciding their “impossible” situation was hopeless and refusing to give the Lord control. This book is not only extremely entertaining, but a wonderful testimony of God’s power. Can’t wait for the sequel!
I do wish the author had included the recipes mentioned in the book. Especially for Tracey’s cranberry bread!
I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

Adam is contacted by an angel, named Saint Lucia. She informs him she will be visiting him for the next 12 nights, and then he will die. Each night he may ask one question about death but he may not ask how his will come about. He of course is frightened and confused. He wants to make the most of his last 11 days, so he begins to take stock of his life and his relationships, especially with God. He works to get all his ducks in a row, so to speak, concerning his earthly matters. Then he focuses on spending time with his wife and daughter in the way he should have all along. Faced with his demise he is also faced with the years he wasted and how precious his life is.
When I first wanted to read this book, I thought it was Christian fiction, but now I would just have to rate it as fiction. I must admit was uncomfortable with the mixing of biblical truths with fantasy. For example, Lucia was to have lived a previous life. Scripture states that angels are angels and men are men. They do not become angels after death.
While the story gives the assumption that Adam will go to heaven, nowhere is salvation by accepting Christ mentioned. I was surprised there were curse words in a book proclaiming a religious theme. God’s name is even used in vain. I felt the same way Adam’s intimate relationship with his wife. While not explicit, was somewhat descriptive. The story was interesting and easy to read. The ending caught me by surprise. The theme was a great reminder to live every day to the fullest with our loved ones and serving God, because we never know when it might be our time to meet him.
I received this book free from Bookcrash and 23 House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

This is another wonderful book in Lyn Cote’s “Quaker Bride Series”. This book is entirely different than her 1st one, “Honor”. I applaud her in that because too often books in a series have a great deal of similarities in the story line.
The story is rich in historical detail of the 1800’s, concerning strong beliefs and activities of the Abolitionists and Suffragettes movements, and also those who opposed them.
Blessing Brightman was not your typical Quaker woman. She rebelled against her parents and married a wealthy society man, only to find her a widow. Not only had she been accepted to society, but she also inherited a great deal of money. She was passionate about using her wealth to help others. She was a part of the Underground Railroad, had a home for orphaned children, and went into the seediest parts of town to rescue women in prostitution. One thing I so admired about Blessing is how she was highly respected and accepted among the elite, yet she was true to God and her beliefs. She dressed expensively, but modestly and tastefully. She was not afraid to speak the truth where it was needed. I love, love, loved the cover. The stunningly beautiful woman on the front is exactly like what I would imagine Blessing looking like.
Gerald Ramsay stood for everything Blessing did not. He was disinherited by his harsh and distant father. This fuels his desire to prove him wrong by creating his own wealth, by whatever means necessary, even illegally. He is bitter, selfish, strong dislikes outspoken women, and is totally against women’s rights and abolishing slavery. They meet when he comes to Cincinnati to prevent his cousin from marrying a suffragette, who happens to be Blessing’s best friend.
Saying they clash is an understatement. Yet they continue to be thrown together in different situations. Blessing, much to Gerald’s chagrin, stands her ground. It is beautiful as the story unfolds to see deeper into the minds and hearts of the characters. Also to watch Blessing’s testimony and life begin to change Gerald’s heart not only toward her but in many other areas. There is excitement, surprises, and action. This book was so good I stayed up until 3:00 a.m. finishing it! The historical notes by the author at the end were exceptional! I anxiously await the next book in the series, “Faith” to be published in 2016!
I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

In old historic homes and properties, I have always wished that “walls could talk” and this book fits the bill!  Marin Ellis, a 37 year old, single, introvert, unexpectedly finds herself the guardian of Rebecca, her 15 year old half-sister after her father and step-mother suddenly die. The sisters have never met until the funeral. Marin decides to do some traveling so they might get to know each other better and just get away for a while.  They find themselves in the quaint seaside town of Goswell, England.  Rebecca falls in love with a Victorian home and begs her sister to buy it.  Wanting a fresh start for both of them, she agrees. The home was built in 1905 by a previous vicar for his mother-in-law.  So they take the leap into this new adventure and leave the states to relocate.  Along with the house is an old enclosed, overgrown garden.  At first, Rebecca is excited about reviving it, but after she loses interest, Marin is drawn to it and begins the laborious work to restore it.

Now flash back to 1918 and 19 year old Eleanor Sanderson.  Her father is the vicar and her grandmother is the one the house previously mentioned was built for. World War 2 has just ended and families are waiting for their boys and men to come home.  Eleanor is especially excited about her beloved brother, Walter’s return. They received news that he is dead and the grief is almost more than she can ear.  To try to move forward, she becomes interested in renewing the old vicarage garden that has been laid to waste. She wants to do it in her brother’s memory and also if or others who have lost loved ones.

The story goes back and forth between the two women’s lives.  Both had a strong desire for a fresh start.  Marin mourned of a relationship with her father she never had, and Eleanor the relationship with her brother she would never have again.

The author’s description of the U.S.A. after WW2 gave me a greater awareness and understanding of what our country and people faced. There weren’t many families that weren’t dealing with the death of a loved one.  The losses left a large gaping hole in the hearts of the people and the functioning of our nation with so many men gone. The men that did return were drastically changed by the horrors they experienced and the guilt that they made it home and their buddies didn’t. Through Ms. Swartz’s skillful writing I experience what those before me faced in a very personal way.

There was also a great contrast in what was important during the 2 different eras, and how relationships with families, men and women so drastically differed. What was considered the latest and best in homes and appliances during the 1900’s were more of a hardship in the present day. Marin’s frustrations and struggles in handling the antiquated home were humorous at times.

I was fascinated by two women facing finding themselves, experience loss, adjusting to change, learning to love and forgive, but more than 100 years apart. Seeing how each dealt with this according to tradition and what society dictated during their time in history.  The author did an excellent job of intertwining the two stories. It was never confusing or awkward.  Full of surprises and a great read!

I received this book free from Kregel Publications.  I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have shared are my own.  

What a wonderful historical Christian romance! It has so many things going for it than just being well written and a great story! It is clear the author has meticulously researched the time, 1653, and details about the European settlers in America. In addition, some of the characters are based on some descendants Ms. Demarino’s personal family tree. All this combined develops some realistic characters and helps the reader slip into their era and lives. Another big plus for me was the strong spiritual center to the story, played out in the their lives.. There was a lot of scripture application which I am sure was a part of the original setters existence, to be able to handle all the hardships they faced.
The book begins with Heather Flower, Indian princess of the Montaukett tribe, lying bound and left to die after an attack of the fierce Narragansett tribe. It had been her wedding day, and she was about to marry the man she had grown up with and loved, only to watch him be murdered in cold blood. After ransom was paid, instead of releasing her the rival tribe left her helpless and alone. Thirteen other women were taken but she had no idea if her friends were dead or alive.
As part of a search party, Dutch Lt. Dirk Van Buren comes to her rescue. There is an immediate spark between them. To heal from her tragic loss she goes to live with her aunt and her tribe. Nearby is an English settlement that has been close friends to her family since she was small. There also lives Benjamin Horton a childhood friend who has always loved Heather Flower. He wants very much to make her his wife. Her emotions are in turmoil. She still grieves over the loss of her husband yet she is drawn to both of the men? What should she do?
The author did a beautiful and skillful job of simultaneously presenting the daily details of the individual characters daily lives and their relationships with one another too. Along with this, she included historical details in many areas: politics, European and Indian customs, work, home life, childbirth, challenges and much more. Each character was well developed and their particular personalities made them seem very real. Add to all this a surprise ending!
I have not read the 1st book of the series, A Place in His Heart, but I am definitely going to! This book stood alone but I am anxious to read what led up to the story. At the end is a sneak peek at book number 3 that is coming. Can’t wait!
I received this book free from the Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

What a wonderful surprise! Good clean fun, entertainment for kids! This book is just the right size to take anywhere anytime. It fits in the palm of my hand, so I know it is easy for a child to carry. All you need is a pencil, but if you want to bring crayons or markers that would be a bonus. I suggest a pencil so if the child wants to “re-do” a part; they can erase and start over. My mind is spinning with ideas for this book! Great for keeping your children or grandchildren entertained on trips, waiting for appointments, waiting rooms, running errands (which kids hate!), when you are in a meeting with another adult, and there is nothing for the kids to do. The possibilities are endless as there are many times and places you need something for kids to pass the time quietly. I love the fact it is something that will spark imagination and creativity. Better yet it is something OTHER THAN an electronic device. It will also make a wonderful gift, and because of how wholesome the content it can be used for door prizes or gifts in your church! It is suggested for kids 9 – 12 but I see it working for ages 5 – 80! Children love silly jokes and riddles. This book is packed with 220 of them. Each page shares a riddle/joke. Below it is the answer. There are illustrations that are not completely finished. A suggestion is given on how the child can finish the picture. Be prepared as they will not only want to share their pictures with you but also read you the jokes! For getting a few extra miles out of the book, the children can color the pictures and then save the book to have their very own personalized joke book to enjoy over and over. This book is designated for girls but boys will enjoy it just as much. Hours of fun and amusement! Buy more than one so the kids can do new illustrations for the jokes. One time around will not be enough!

What a wonderful surprise! Good clean fun, entertainment for kids! This book is just the right size to take anywhere anytime. It fits in the palm of my hand, so I know it is easy for a child to carry. All you need is a pencil, but if you want to bring crayons or markers that would be a bonus. I suggest a pencil so if the child wants to “re-do” a part; they can erase and start over.
My mind is spinning with ideas for this book! Great for keeping your children or grandchildren entertained on trips, waiting for appointments, waiting rooms, running errands (which kids hate!), when you are in a meeting with another adult, and there is nothing for the kids to do. The possibilities are endless as there are many times and places you need something for kids to pass the time quietly. I love the fact it is something that will spark imagination and creativity. Better yet it is something OTHER THAN an electronic device. It will also make a wonderful gift, and because of how wholesome the content it can be used for door prizes or gifts in your church!
It is suggested for kids 9 – 12 but I see it working for ages 5 – 80! Children love silly jokes and riddles. This book is packed with 220 of them. Each page shares a riddle/joke. Below it is the answer. There are illustrations that are not completely finished. A suggestion is given on how the child can finish the picture. Be prepared as they will not only want to share their pictures with you but also read you the jokes! For getting a few extra miles out of the book, the children can color the pictures and then save the book to have their very own personalized joke book to enjoy over and over.
This book is designated for boys but girls will enjoy it just as much. Hours of fun and amusement! Buy more than one so the kids can do new illustrations for the jokes. One time around will not be enough!
I received this book free from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I stated are my own.