I can always count on Cindy Woodsmall for a good book, and A Season For Tending was just that!  Rhoda Byler is a young Amish woman with a strong discernment for the needs of others and a true gift of using herbs as medicine.  Unfortunately, one in her Amish community that has a grievance against her has led many to believe she delves in “magic”.  She and her family suffers greatly because of the gossip and slander.  In spite of the hardships her family remains close and supports her.

She is a gentle, peace loving woman, but one true to her convictions.  Isolated by wagging tongues she finds her joy and purpose in her magnificent garden.  Her green thumb and love and knowledge of plants makes it produce like no other, which unfortunately fuels the fire the wagging tongues fan.  From this amazing garden, she has created a small but successful business.  Her accomplishments are always overshadowed by the false guilt she carries over the death of her younger sister.

Samuel King and his brothers are fighting another kind of battle struggling to keep their famous apple orchard running.  Family failures, careless choices, sibling’s secrets, and natural disasters make it an uphill battle. One they seem to be losing.   Rhoda and Samuel’s lives and futures are thrown together when Leah, Samuel’s little sister, is found in Rhoda’s garden after a night of rumschpringe gone bad.

Upon meeting Rhoda and finding out more about her talents, Samuel is convinced that they both hold the solution to each other’s business woes.  Rhoda isn’t sure and wants to make sure it is God’s will.  Her distrust of people and rejection by the Amish community continue to cloud her judgment.  The more unconvinced she becomes the more convinced Samuel becomes.  Will Samuel’s plan work?   Can Rhoda risk all she has to see?   You will find yourself caught up in the frustrations and doubts of the characters as they struggle to find an answer.   There were times I wanted to step into the book and have word with each one!   I found it inspiring that in all the unfair losses Samuel and Rhoda faced, they had the courage not to quit, even though they had every reason to.   Each time they looked past themselves and saw how their choices would affect those around them.

I liked that this book showed the Amish as real flesh and blood people with struggles the same as everyone else.   I had never really considered what worldly activities Amish youth dabble in nor the heartache and difficulties it causes their families.

Ms. Woodsmall brought to light the damage superstition, vengefulness, and unforgiveness of others and oneself can do to not only individuals but also families and communities.  This is a beautifully written book.  I can’t wait to read the sequel!

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 was my first book of Ms. Heal’s and I was very impressed to say the least!  What a fun book!  It has so many different aspects, suspense, mystery, history, social issues, and humor, challenges faced at different stages of life.  She blends and weaves all these into a very enjoyable and interesting story! I must say I have never read a fiction book quite like it!  I especially liked the interaction between the characters.  The humor and conversations made them very real!  Some were so clever I even read them to my husband!

Abby is a personal tutor to teenager, Merri.  They accidently stumble upon a computer program that allows them to go back in time and see the day to day lives of those in past.  There are only certain places it will work and it reveals details of those who have lived at that location.  A true life version of “If Walls Could Talk”!   Something I have always wished I could experience!   When they share this information with their friend John and he becomes involved in their exciting adventure.

They accept a job house sitting a beautiful Victorian home and looking out for two 85 year old twin sisters next door, Eulah and Beulah.  The pair, dubbed the “Old Dears”, is hilarious in their antics and ideas.   Very quickly Abby and Merri log into their program and find the house they are staying in was the twin’s childhood home.  In fact, they learn more than they are comfortable with about the sister’s past.  Through the twist and turn of events and their computer, they are taken back to the time of Lewis and Clark find themselves even witnessing a murder! There were so many times I wished I could grab their laptop and control the program myself. Not to mention take it a few places of my own!

Ms. Heal didn’t just include history, she brought it to life with detailed descriptions of not only the daily lives of the people, but also the thoughts and feelings they might have experienced.  At points I truly felt “transported” back to that time.  She also touched on the important subject of domestic violence.  It isn’t just a problem now but has been throughout history too.  Something I had not considered.

I thought her involvement of the elderly sisters as respected, valued and loved was wonderful. It sends a strong message that our senior citizens and their life experiences are not only important, but also how very enjoyable spending time with them can be.  A much needed point to be made in a time with the elderly are neglected and not appreciated and esteemed.  Their love and delight in being with the John, Abby, and Merri, reminded me of how many older people are longing to open their hearts and homes to the younger generation.

Though not a major part of the book, Merri’s dealings with her mother’s constant working and overlooking her and her father’s neglect and drug abuse shows the effect such parenting failures have on children.

So many wonderful things in one book and a surprise ending too!   I look forward to reading Ms. Heal’s first book and her future ones!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review.

.

I always enjoy Judith Miller’s books and this one was exceptional.   She does an amazing job of not only writing a wonderful story but also giving such insight in to the beliefs and daily lives of the Amana Colonies during the late 1800’s.   I had not heard of this fascinating religious group until a few years ago.  They were a communal group that lived by very strict guidelines and shared all their resources and possessions.

Dovie Cates is a young woman who has recently lost her mother.  She knows her mother grew up in the colonies but is confused that she never spoke of her life there.  Wanting to feel closer to her mother and learn more about her past,  she persuades her father to let her go live her mother’s cousin, Louise, who still lives in the colony.  Her cousin, Karlina, Louise’s daughter is excited to have Dovie come because she wants to learn more about the world outside.  While thrilled to be there, Dovie does find some of the rules and guidelines in the colony difficult to follow.  She discovers herself in situations where she feels she must choose to follow God or the rules the colony implements for the protection of the members.

Much to Dovie’s disappointment her cousin Louise is very secretive about her mother’s past.  No amount of questioning loosens Louise’s lips, so Dovie takes matters into her own hands, snooping and doing a little detective work, even in places she shouldn’t be looking.   From the bits and pieces of information she gathers Dovie writes her own story of her mother’s past, but is all she imagines true?   She finds herself struggling with staying, fitting in, and breaking her heart and the heart of one she has grown to love.

This was an excellent book!  I had trouble finding a stopping place when I was reading.  The author’s detailed description of life in an Amana colony enabled me to put myself in that time and place!   I was also reminded of the valuable lesson of not assuming all I see or hear is true.  There may very well me important facts missing that can totally change what appears to be the truth.  Also, the wisdom in not making emotional and impulsive decisions based on circumstances which could result in causing me or others harm.  I highly recommend this book to everyone!  You won’t be disappointed!!

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

It is the late 19^th century and Melinda Colson has lost both of her parents. Due to their debts and no inheritance, she is stripped of her wealthy and privileged lifestyle and thrown into being a common working lady’s maid. Mrs. Mifflin, once her equal now her employer is petty, selfish, and difficult. Melinda’s past experience as a socialite gives her great insight into the demands of Mrs. Mifflin. This causes her employer to greatly value her to the point she wants Melinda’s life to revolve around her alone.

During their winter excursion at a resort named Bridal Veil,  Melinda meets and falls in love with the assistant gamekeeper, Evan. She is sure he feels the same way about her. Evan is everything she wants in a husband, and his proposal for marriage cannot come soon enough. Her desire to be married and have her own home is exacerbated by her frustrating job with peevish Mrs. Mifflin.

Hoping he will ask her hand in marriage before they leave the island makes Melinda very anxious. She hints, flirts, and does everything in her power to persuade Evan to marry her. When he just doesn’t get it, she resorts to pouting and throwing fits. Poor Evan hasn’t a clue what he is doing wrong! Her time is unexpectedly shortened by Mrs. Mifflin’s decision to leave 2 weeks early to prepare for an important guest’s visit at home.

Shortly after their return home, a hurricane devastates the island.  She is terrified Evan is injured or dead. Impulsively she quits her job and hurries back to the Bridal Veil. She is positive now they will be married. . He truly wants to marry Melinda but is waiting on a promotion to make sure he can support her so she won’t have to work. When he explains this to her she is grows even more angry, arguing that she does not mind helping support their family. Their relationship continues to be strained and misunderstandings abound. Other events threatened to end their hopes of marriage completely.

I learned so many lessons in this book! Melinda was like  many women. They have the unrealistic expectation that the men in their life can read their minds! Instead of just saying what they want they hint and get mad when he doesn’t understand! Like most men, poor Evan truly did want to please her and couldn’t figure out what he was doing wrong. This causes needless tension in relationships when openness and honesty is all that is needed.

Melinda was a prime example of making plans and not waiting on the Lord. She wanted her way and she wanted it right away! She was lucky Evan was so patient with her impatience and immaturity. God’s timing is always right and we need to leave the “when” and “how” to Him.

The book also had many wonderful examples of not making assumptions on appearances. Melinda, Evan, and her brother Lawrence were all victims of circumstances making them look guilty when they were not. Tempers flared and judgments were rendered when they were innocent of any wrongdoing.  It is always best to seek out the truth before coming to any final conclusions.  We can’t always see the whole picture.

I found this to be a fun book with a surprise ending. I look forward to reading the first book and the third one to be published in January 2013.

I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. 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

After being a journalist for many years, Ms. Richardson-Moore felt God was leading her in a different direction. She was eager to follow Him and truly serve. She accepted the pastorate of the Triune Mercy Center. Once a grand and thriving church, it was now impoverished and right in the midst of a rundown dangerous area. In addition to church services, they also are a main distribution center of food and clothing for the poor. Either of those alone would be a huge undertaking but she had both.
Having worked with my husband in his ministry the last 25 years I can relate to so many of her experiences, though not to some extremes nor on a daily basis.
She tackles her assignment with excitement and hope, but also some doubt and fear as it is all new territory. She like so many Christians experienced “serving” as going to church, sitting in a comfortable, attractive facility with clean, well-dressed people, singing hymns, putting money in the offering plate, and listening to a sermon. Nothing had prepared her for the real ministry of Jesus that few encounter in a lifetime. Going into the trenches and seeking those deep in the depravity of sin.
I can remember when my husband surrendered to the ministry there was this “Pollyanna” attitude of helping others, not knowing the real cost and all we would see. I saw her grow and be strengthened as we did to love and care for those that society and many Christians reject. When in reality, Christ died for these people the same as everyone. She becomes deeply involved in the lives of drug addicts, alcoholics, thieves, the mentally ill, and the homeless whose lives have been shattered. She hurts with them, questions her ability to carry out this work, and struggles to find answers to help those that are bent on hurting themselves.
I could understand her pain and frustration in wanting to help but not know how. I felt her discouragement of seeing those who had turned their life around, be sucked back into the black hole of sin they had overcome, and wondering what she did wrong.
Through her story, I remembered the discomfort of being confronted with situations and people that were way past anything we could imagine. While her accounts are graphic and raw at times, they are real. Her book gives every Christian a glimpse of what it is like to be on the front lines of Christian service. Experiencing the exhaustion, fear, feelings of inadequacy, and even thinking, “What have I gotten myself into?” Most of all her book inspires you to see that no matter what the situation there is always hope in the Lord. Realizing that “the least of these” the Bible speaks of are real, flesh and blood, hurting people with great needs. Also, accepting that while in reaching out to them, we may not be able to fix their problems, but we are still doing God’s work and making a difference.
Her accomplishments, spiritual growth as a person and a leader, and commitment to minister to those many find undesirable is a beautiful testimony. She said she would stay a year but recently celebrated her 7th year there. This book is a must read for all Christians who say they want to serve God. It is an eye-opener.
I received this book from Kregel Publications for my honest review.

I am very impressed by this book and DVD series. Our women’s Bible study group is currently using it at church. It has generated a lot of excitement.
Right away, the author caught my attention with the question: “Am I changed because of Jesus?” Since I accepted Christ as my Savior 36 years ago and I have posed that question to myself in many different ways. Yes, I changed, but as much as I should have? Has it been a lasting, growing change? If I am changed, why do I struggle with some of the same things I did even as a child? Why don’t’ I have the abundant life He promised me? It isn’t my fault I don’t possess this because all His promises are true.
Ms. Unice covers all these things. She doesn’t stab at you with truths by harshly pointing out your problems. One of my favorite things about this series is how she gently prods, directs, and helps you uncover what areas of your life you need to change. Some of those areas you may not even be aware of. She looks at 6 issues: control, insecurity, comparison, fear, anger, and unforgiveness. These seem to be ones that we have a tendency to cover up or excuse in our lives. This only makes matters worse!
Even though the author is a professional counselor, she is very transparent and open about her struggles with these issues in her life. I think her profession adds greatly to how the book is able to reach into your life and the way she approaches the study making it feel very personal.
Each chapter includes a prayer time, quizzes, a journaling/self-examination worksheet, and discussion questions for your group. These are wonderful tools that enable you and the Lord to take a hard look at what is really going on in your life.
I loved the DVD. There are 6 sessions. The first part of each session has a woman openly sharing her problems in the area being studied. This is followed by Nicole teaching using Scripture, personal stories and examples from God’s Word. It is all very relaxed and personal.
Truly, this book can make difference in your life. A wonderful and powerful study and guide to overcoming the problems that hinder you.
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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This book is a fantastic historical version reminiscent of the idea “if walls could talk”. There have been many times I have been in older homes and I wished they could tell their story!
I love the way it is written, alternating between the present day and the historical time period. In modern day time, Becker, a very troubled, angry, alcoholic is more or less tricked by his business partner into going to France and renovating an ancient castle. The owner is a jovial and very wealthy man, Mr. Fallon. His deadline for the main part of the castle is for a party for his pregnant wife’s 40th birthday. The renovation is extensive and the date set seems almost impossible.
Becker has become bitter and withdrawn throughout the years and is stretched to the limit with the jobs demands, a very nervous French designer he is forced to work with, and Fallon’s nanny and two children who spend each day there.
The historical time is in the 1940’s during WW2 and Hitler’s occupation in France at this very castle. Two young girls, Marie and Elise, are hired as housemaids by Heinrich Himmler who used the castle to house the Lebensborn Program. Both Himmler and program actually existed during WW2. I had read about and seen documentaries about this program. It was part of Hitler’s plans for a “perfect race”. Young unmarried women became pregnant by German soldiers. They were cared for and pampered by the Third Reich until they delivered their babies. After delivery, they left and their babies stayed to be eventually adopted out to German couples and be raised as Nazi’s. Falling in love with a German stableman, Elise is influenced by the propaganda and becomes pregnant by him. After she becomes a resident in the chateau, she begins to realize what she has done and that she will lose her baby. The girl’s lives and the discoveries Becker makes during the renovation being to interconnect.
There are many surprises, twists, and turns in the story. I was never bored, always wanting to read further. I found several spiritual lessons within the story about loyalty, facing our problems with faith, forgiveness, and caring in the face of rejection. This was a great book! It was my first book to read by Ms. Phoenix and I look forward to more.
I received this book free from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 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

The title is telling the truth! You really can understand the religions of the world in 15 minutes a day and even less. As a Christian, I desire to be able to share my faith in Christ with all people. To do so I need to understand where they base their faith and what their beliefs are. I also want to respect their beliefs as I share mine.
I was able to get a basic over all view and not have to wade through lengthy books. The author has done all the hard work and research! Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism are covered in more than one chapter as their belief systems are much more complex to understand. I appreciate how understandable and easy to read the information is.
This book has common religions I was most familiar with and many I had never heard of. I did not even know that Jainism and Zoroastrianism existed! I even learned some interesting information about some of the ones thought I already knew about! From a Christian viewpoint, I was given not only their beliefs, but also their history, and how their faith is practiced. This book such a great resource! I only wish Mr. Morgan had written it years ago!
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

This book is destined to become an Easter classic for families and children! I loved the way it combined so many wonderful lessons and spiritual truths and shared the Easter story in such a unique way.
The story begins when a young boy named Reilly is talking to his father and grandfather about his problem of picked last for games. His grandfather sympathizes and tells him of a little donkey in Jerusalem named Davey.
Davey was sad because he had never been called to do any job. He just stayed in his pen all day. The other donkeys tell him about famous donkeys in history: Balaam’s donkey and the one that carried Mary to Bethlehem for the birth of Christ.
One day his life changes and Davey’s master chooses him to carry Christ through the streets on Palm Sunday. After carrying a king he becomes very prideful and is unhappy with the regular jobs assigned him. One day while working, he witnesses Christ carrying the cross to his crucifixion. Davey is upset that the King would have to do such a demeaning job. An old donkey tells him how Christ was being a servant to mankind. Davey realizes if Christ can bear His cross then he can bear his loads without complaining.
Reilly’s grandfather not only uses Davy’s lesson to teach him about being grateful for what he is chosen to play but also being humble and not always expecting the best places. Mr. Sproul beautifully shares not only Christ’s death and resurrection, but also the plan of salvation.
At the end of the book, there are wonderful questions and answers about the story to help children to understand the story and apply the truths in it. I can’t emphasize enough what an outstanding delightful book this is! One every parent and grandparent will want for their library.
I received this book free from the Reformation Trust Publishing in exchange for my review. 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

I have read several books in the past about cruelty and mistreatment people have endured during their childhood. I did not read them, or this one, because I enjoy the suffering of another, but rather to better understand how they overcame such abuse and became productive, healed adults.
I must admit this is the best one yet. Ms. Grubb’s style of writing was captivating. She openly yet tastefully shared her years of growing up a victim of her father’s emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Her childhood was made even more difficult by the fact that they were migrant workers, constantly traveling, missed years of education, and no home to call their own. She lost her innocence, her childhood, and eventually many members of her family. I was amazed by her compassion, love, and kindness for her siblings when you would think she would be bitter and self-absorbed.
My heart was broken and shocked at her sufferings at the hand of her father but also the horrible physical deprivation she faced. Her strength, courage, and perseverance were amazing. It seemed every time her life began to look hopeful, things took a turn for the worse. A maternal aunt that should have been a rescuer turns out to be an abuser in different and even crueler ways than her father. A children’s home where she found love and happiness is snatched from her. Her mother who should be her provider and protector abandons her. Yet she never shows any bitterness or resentment. Her faith in God never faded as a child and later as an adult.
Her beautiful spirit is further shown in later years as she not only seeks to reunite with her siblings but also her ability to forgive her father at his grave. Others blame God and grow bitter against Him for such minor inconveniences in their lives. Ms. Grubb’s testimony of faith puts such an attitude to shame. She trusts God even further by leaving tragic unanswered questions in His hands.
Experiencing the atrocities through her eyes opened my own even further to the heart and mind of a child in this situation. I saw more clearly, what they feel but also their deepest longings for a normal life and family. We who have been blessed with loving families and nurturing tend to take those blessings for granted.
This book also alerted me to many subtle signs that a child is being abused that like some adults who came into Ms. Grubb’s life, totally missed. Thousands of children live like this today right under our noses. I believe Cruel Harvest will help raise even more awareness to the plight of such children. I applaud Ms. Grubbs for her transparency, honesty, beautiful writing and sharing a very private part of herself with others.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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