Honor was a very appropriate title to this book. Honor Penworthy is a young Quaker woman, completely devoted to her Lord and faith. Due some cruel and unfair circumstances she goes from life abundance to being penniless and homelessness. Her stance against slavery, and her desire to free Royale, her maid, costs her a vast inheritance, yet she did not back down. Raised in wealth and sophistication, Honor has no way to support herself. She is at the mercy of a remote relative to take her in. Arriving upon her aunt’s doorstep she finds more challenges. Her aunt is dying, they are caring for her orphaned grandson, and Honor’s cousin, Samuel is a deaf and mute. Having lost his hearing in childhood, he is withdrawn and self-conscious, thinking no one will ever want to be with him. His glass making trade affords him the opportunity to isolate himself even more. It was sad to see how people looked down on those with handicaps, and treated them so poorly.
Not long after her arrival her aunt dies. The only way for Samuel and Honor to survive is to move west. To travel and work together they must be married. There is no love or courting. Honor believes with time she could love Samuel as a husband, but he thwarts it with his lack of self-worth. Although freed, Royale accompanies them with some other servants and Samuel’s nephew.
Nothing in her upbringing prepared her for the difficulties and ruggedness of living out west. She never complains, but just meets each test with courage, kindness, and heavy reliance on God. She faces, danger and hardship most would shrink from. Nothing stands in her way of staying true to the Lord’s principals, not matter what sacrifice she must make.
All the historical details are fascinating on their own, but her work in the Underground Railroad introduced me to things I had never realized were involved in helping runaway slaves. A fascinating historical novel!
I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

 The time is 1905, in the fast growing, prosperous town of Blessing, North Dakota. 

Miriam Hastings finds herself in Blessing, to work as a nurse in a very small and primitive hospital. It is an honor and great opportunity to further her skills.  She is torn between staying in Chicago with her family, a sick widowed mother, and younger siblings and going. Her family is very poor and she decides this training will benefit them financially.  She is surprised and delighted at the closeness of the community, not only to each other but to God. At the center of the community is the Bjorklund family, immigrants from Norway.

When Trygve Bjorklund meets the nurses at the station to escort them to living quarters, he is immediately drawn to Miriam, and wants to pursue a relationship.  Miriam on the other hand wants to get her training and get home to her family.  Romance is the last thing on her mind.  Trygve doesn’t give up, and his character and strong faith gradually draw her to him.

The story drew me into the residents of the town, especially the personal lives of the Bjorklunds.  Their trust in the Lord, high standards, and meek spirits drew me to them.  I loved being a part of their daily existence.  It gave me a warm happy feeling.  The characters and story weren’t saccharinely sweet or fake.  They were very real and I was encouraged by their constant reliance on the Lord.

As peaceful as the town is, there was lots of excitement.  Losses, deaths, robberies, and even more challenges. The author follows the characters in detail in how they turn to God not matter what they face.  Miriam not only learns a lesson in what true commitment is, but also who Christ is.   She also discovers that life has a way of changing our plans. I wish the town of was a real place! I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s descriptions and challenges in practicing medicine, not only in that era but also in such a small town.  Reliance on the Lord for healing was as much a part of being a doctor or a nurse, as the knowledge, tools and medicine.

I would definitely go visit.  The book was so great and made me feel such a part of it, I was disappointed when it ended and missed the people!  A well written, engaging book!

I received this book free from the publisher from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I loved the title of this book. I can look back at so many times in mine life when I have been faced with a “mountain”. They never are small, usually more like Mount Everest or Mount Kilimanjaro. As I think about my seemly impossible problem, I am reminded of the children’s play song, “Going on a Bear Hunt”. Each obstacle is met with the chant, “Can’t go over it, can’t go under it, can’t go around it, got to go through it!” This so describes those moments when you wrestle with your faith, unable to see how God is going to take you through it and to the other side unscathed.
We will face many kinds of “mountains”. Maybe it is the death of a loved one, terminal illness, divorce, bad health, loss of possessions, financial setbacks, etc. You can fill in the blanks with your own summits. I found this book both a comfort and encouraging. Jesus tells us that if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can move mountains. When look at a mustard seed, I can’t help but wonder how very small my faith must be!
It’s hard to know where to start when you are faced with the seemingly insurmountable. The author gives you a place to start, to take hold of God’s hand, and begin your journey through the mountain. He emphasizes that this will take time, more than we want to commit to, and there at times we may not feel much progress is being made. He doesn’t leave you hanging though. With scripture and biblical insights he shows you how to soldier on and not grow weak.
He points out that it is okay to feel helpless, because it guides us to the realization that we CAN’T do it alone. Only God can see us through. Often when a person’s faith is tested, they find fault with their church and reject it. I especially like the fact that he emphasizes that the church is a gift and a help. His illustrations really aided me in seeing the points he was making even clearer. A big plus for me was that all the information was biblically and scripturally based. Many of the scriptures would be great to copy and memorize for when you are struggle. One of my favorite parts was the questions “For Reflection”. They helped me to really look inward,

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.

There have been a multitude of books written on the subject of forgiveness, but this one’s approach is very different. Forgiveness is a struggle for everyone at one time or another, and there are those that find it impossible. I found this book more powerful than those with all the “dos” and “don’ts” because the author used real life stories. The reader can relate to the people and circumstances in different accounts that will remind them of times they have not forgiven. Seeing God’s grace in action really touches your heart. You find yourself thinking, “If they can do that so can I.” In many cases the wrongs done to the person will make the personal offenses you experienced seem small and trite. The Amish have a special corner on forgiving in that they have made it a part of their foundational beliefs and worship of God. For them, it is not optional; it is a must to obey the Lord. In reading this book and in the past, I am awe struck at the magnitude of injustices they truly and completely forgive, in comparison to the small offenses most people hang on to. Each story begins with an Amish proverb. They were so profound I wanted to copy them! Some I plan to use in our church bulletin. All the testimonies were interesting and powerful. They are all followed by “Reflections of Peacemaking” and “Plain Truth”. “Reflections” asks thought provoking questions for the reader to look into their track record concerning forgiving others. Some even draw you back into people in the story comparing yourself to the one wronged and their response to being hurt. “Plain Truth” shares interesting facts about the Amish. This book touched my heart and inspired me. It is a great read for anyone, but especially if you struggle with holding grudges and not others. Everyone may not be Amish, but the Lord expects the same degree of forgiveness from us, His children. No one could ever do to us, what our sins did to Him. We owe it to Him to forgive others. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions I have shared are my own.

I was thrilled to see a book of Easter stories minus the worldly trappings. This book is a treasury of 27 stories by world famous authors, some dating back as far as the 1800’s. Some were translated from other languages. I found this extremely interesting as I saw the details the eyes of someone from another country.
The book has many different kinds of stories; allegories, fables, parables, and legends. In their own special way, they all focus on Christ and His gift to us. Some of the writings are very serious and somewhat heavy reading, while others are whimsical and fun. Many moral and spiritual examples are presented through the author’s unique writing style, but not all pertain directly to the scriptures.
The description says that the book excellent for reading to children. I do not think most of it would be something younger children would be interested in or understand. An amazing collection of true classics.
I received this book free from Handlebar. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

When I was saw this book was by Astrid Lindgren, the author of, Pippi Longstocking, I knew it would be good! The Pippi books were favorites of mine and my children in our childhoods. Written in 1956, this book will take you back to the time when children’s books were not only entertaining and fun, but also wholesome. Oh how I miss books like this!
While doing chores, Rasmus finds a silver coin and sees it his opportunity to flee his orphanage home. He wants to find a family that will want him and he feels he can do better on his own. Being only 9 years old, he quickly finds life on the outside is hard, especially for a little boy all alone.
While staying in a barn one night, he meets a hobo named Paradise Oscar; a kind hearted and wise man. Rasmus quickly bonds to Oscar, who takes him under his wing caring for him and teaching him the ways of the road. The story of their travel together is quite the adventure. Lots of mystery, drama, excitement, and unexpected surprises draw the reader into this wonderful tale.
The characters are colorful and yet believable. As an adult I found it an extremely good read and engaging. I am so happy this book was brought back into print! We need more children’s books like this! I can’t wait to share it with my grandchildren. I also plan to read it to their classes at school.
I received this book free from Handlebar. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I am not sure even where to begin! First of all this is a dynamic, enthralling novel. I found myself putting it down only to turn around and start reading again. It is skillfully and beautifully written. I am amazed at how the author took so many serious issues, diverse characters and seamlessly wove them all into an entertaining, outstanding story.
Colom Dryden is a thirteen years old teenager. His father is a pastor; his mom is a full time home maker. His dad is a dynamic pastor of a large church and is also has sought after as a family counselor. They are the perfect family, right? Like so many families what appears on the outside is not what happens at home. Colom continues a repeating nightmare that terrifies him. So much so that his behavior has become erratic; he is about to be kicked out of his private school, and his parents are shocked to find he has a suicide plan.
Fiona, his mother is beside herself and wants to get Colom counseling. It is tearing her apart not knowing how to help her son and fearful she will lose him. She is basically handling all this on her own. David, his father, is totally absorbed in his work. He loves is son but is caught in the middle of a demanding ministry, his church’s expectations him as a pastor and his family, frustration in dealing with the problem and home, and pride. He refuses for Fiona to seek outside counseling. She is trying to hold the family together but her husband’s impatience and outbursts are driving Colom deeper into his problems and further away from his family.
In desperation she seeks out a friend from her past to help and goes to another country, determined find her son the help he needs before it is too late. Then the story really begins to unfold. Secrets begin to be revealed, opening up painful wounds.
The author deals with many difficult, frightening problems families face. Problems readers may be grappling with as they read. It also brings to light that our past must be dealt with and keeping secrets does not always protect the ones we love. You will not fail to be surprised at what is revealed!
I received this book free from Kregal Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

This book was more than a novel! The setting may be in the 1890’s but the social issues that are involved in the story are still very relevant today: abuse, substance abuse, broken relationships, terminal illness and more. It doesn’t just stop with the suffering and pain involved. The reader is drawn into feeling and experiencing the affects these things have on the lives of those facing such problems; their struggles and turmoil physically, mentally, emotionally, and physically. The author goes the full circle and also shows God working in such a wounded life. The reader also sees His love, guidance, healing, and comfort.
Mercy in her 20 years of living has faced more heartache and hardships that most people do in a lifetime. Her father is sick, cruel, and abusive to her, her mother, and others. Sadly, he is also the pastor of a church in a small Appalachian community. Everyone turns a head to his evil out of fear and his position, including Mercy’s mother. Everything comes to a head when her father dies and her mother confused and grieving kicks the young woman out her home.
Mercy leaves determined to make it alone, no matter what it takes. Even as she travels, God is already preparing to bring her to people that will show her His true love and mercy. On her way, she meets a young preacher, a true man of God. He helps her and takes her to another mountain community where she meets a Christian couple that takes her in. Along with the preacher, they show her patience and conditional love. Her heart is very hardened and she is overwhelmed by bitterness and distrust toward everyone. They tenderly guide her never chiding her for her outbursts or false ideas. They look past her rough and angry exterior and see a much wounded heart. Here she experiences problems of a different kind, not only personally but in the lives of her new family she is growing to love. I found it beautiful how they faced every tragic event with a strong faith in God.
The author does a beautiful job of handling very delicate subjects tastefully and showing that God has power to heal hearts, no matter how devastating the damage is that has been inflicted. She leaves no doubt the influence Christians have on others by allowing Christ to live through them and touch the lives of those in need.
It is one of the most unusual books I have ever read. The reviews may make it sound depressing, but it is incredibly uplifting and hopeful. I anxiously await the opportunity to read more books by Sproles.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I expressed are my own. I am not required to write a positive review .

I cannot get enough of Mel Starr! His books are amazing! Sometimes writer’s books will be extremely similar in many ways, but not Mr. Starr. Each book I have read is so varied in the plot and characters, plus there is always something new I learn historically. It is like historical lessons about the 1300’s and super entertaining murder mysteries rolled into one!
I am absolutely fascinated by Master Hugh’s practice of medicine during that time, and also challenging aspects of day to day living. It is obvious the author has done his research with his vivid descriptions and the detailed imaginary he brings to life through his writing. I appreciate especially how clean and wholesome his books are.
Master Hugh plans to make a quick trip from his home in Bampton to Oxford to buy himself Bible he had long wanted. The only other Scripture he had was the book of John which he had copied by hand. He had 30 shillings with which to purchase it which would be the equivalent to over $800 today! Incredible considering most homes now have a minimum of 1 -3 Bibles. Arthur, the Sylvester Stallone of grooms, was going with him for protection. Hugh especially wanted to hurry back as his wife was expecting their second child soon.
As they near an Abbey his attention is drawn to a large group of noisy birds feasting on something. He and Arthur stop to investigate and make a gruesome discovery. A novice from the Abbey lay dead and his face destroyed beyond recognition by the hungry fowl. After reporting the body to the Abbey, Hugh is ready to continue on his journey. Abbot Thrustan is weak and frail, and very persuasive. Knowing of Master Hugh’s skills he asks him to find the murderer. He offers to pay for and send a midwife to stay with Hugh’s wife Kate and also to give him a Bible for free. The latter Master Hugh and his pocket book can’t refuse.
While medicine, science and crime investigation in this era are minimal, Hugh Singleton more than compensates by making astute use of every faculty at his disposal. Even upon finding the body he was paying close attention to clues others would miss. He was a shrewd judge of character and could discern body language and attitudes of others with astonishing accuracy. His keen sense of humor and sharp mind bring the story even more to life.
Anxious to collect his Bible and return home, he is discouraged by the lack of clues and the few leads he does have coming to a dead end. I even shared in his disappointments and even began to wonder how he would ever solve this murder. As his investigation progresses he not only finds himself and Arthur in danger, but uncovers even greater hidden crimes. Every time I was sure I knew who was guilty, new evidence would appear and the plot would change!
Until reading this book I knew little about the lives of monks in medieval England. I found it quite intriguing and never realized how restrictive and ritualistic their abbey life was. One of my favorite parts of the book was Hugh’s primitive practice of medicine; it is always a different medical situation. Once again I was surprised the striking difference between healing then and today. I can’t imagine suffering as people did with so little to help them.
This book is filled with excitement, mystery, surprises, history, and faith. An exceptional book written by one of the best historical fiction writers of our time!
I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

When I started reading this book, I must confess my expectations were not the greatest. I assumed it would to be dry and boring, unable to really teach me anything didn’t already know. I am happy to say that was not the case! I found it interesting, entertaining and enlightening. No there wasn’t any new information I have not studied or heard of before, but I understand now that teaching me something new was not the author’s goal. He wanted share the things I already knew but to see them in a different light.
The book is an easy read and the chapters are only a few pages each. However he got right to the heart of the matter in those few pages. The book centers on making the main thing, the main thing, and that is the Gospel which is also Christ. You can’t separate the two, yet somehow we do. The Gospel should be the hub of the wheel of our lives and everything else should radiate from it. That includes all things: emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally. Somehow as we travel through time we have a tendency to make one or more spokes of our “wheel” the hub.
We can become so familiar (and not in a good way) with being a Christian, our relationship with God and what His Word says that we unknowingly become detached and complacent. We “know” It, but is it a living, breathing, all-encompassing part of our daily existence? I believe most people would have to say “no”. This book encourages us to take a fresh look at Gospel until it becomes what the Lord intended it to be, the center of our being.
I loved Mr. Medder’s humor and his anecdotes were spot on! I also appreciated the many scripture references to look up and further my study. His direct questions were undeniably probing, causing me to look inward. He certainly encouraged me to take a closer look at myself and gave me the desire to make the Gospel the focus of every aspect and every moment!
I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.