I loved, loved, loved this book! That’s one of the things I really like about historical fiction, you always learn something new! I knew very little about English boarding schools run by families in their home during the 1800’s. The author’s wonderful detail of day to day life and what education was like during that time was fascinating.
Emma Smallwood helped her father run one such boarding school, Smallwood Academy, for young boys during this time. The death of her mother sent her father in to depression. As he lost all interest in teaching and acquiring new students, Emma became very concerned about how not only how they would support themselves but that they could also possibly lose everything. She remembered the Weston family who had five years earlier enrolled their two sons, Henry and Phillip in her father’s school. Using her father’s name, she contacts Mr. Giles Weston concerning the opportunity to teach his younger sons Rowan and Julian. Mr. Weston sends a requesting the come to his estate, Ebbington Manor, and teach they boys. She wasn’t expecting to leave their home and was even more surprised when her father is excited by the prospect and accepts the offer!
Henry and Philip Weston, their former students have grown in to handsome men. Emma is stuck in the past by still viewing them as they were when they boarded with them as young boys and she a young girl. Henry was a prankster and always tormenting her. Phillip had shown kindness and that gave her a soft spot for him. Upon arrival Emma finds the manor intimidating and isolated as sits high on a cliff overlooking the windy coast. Not long after they settle in, things that can only be described as supernatural and very disturbing begin to occur. Some speak of the Manor being haunted, something Emma definitely does not believe in, but how can these things be explained? At first she thinks Henry is up to his old tricks. When she realizes he isn’t she wonders, how then can these things be explained? Emma shows great courage in seeking answers and makes startling discoveries of family secrets, even to the point of pointing herself in danger. To complicate matters and much against her will she finds herself drawn to one of older sons.
Emma is also comes face to face with her rejection of God since her mother’s death. Many of her experiences and the straightforward faith of all people, Henry Weston, help her realize she cannot live her life apart from the Lord.
Ms. Klassen’s writing was so very descriptive that it was as if I was walking through the halls and grounds of the Manor with Emma. The anticipation at times in almost unbearable! Nothing is as it seems and the surprises are totally unexpected. That is why I kept reading and reading when I should have gone to bed!
Fiction, history, romance, mystery, and suspense, what more could you ask from a book. This one has it all. You will definitely want to read The Tutor’s Daughter!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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I wasn’t sure about combining excerpts from a novel with a Bible study. I have to admit I was even a somewhat leery it might be a little bit sacrilegious. After reading this book I can honestly say it is a quality Bible study. It is the best of both worlds combining a study of God’s word and a Christian novel. I have read the questions at the end of many Christian fiction books and while they are great for group discussions, they are do not compare with this study. For years I have found spiritual lessons in many Christian novels I have read. I even sat up a file in Word where I type in the sentences or paragraphs that spoke to me and then added what spiritual truth I learned. This goes even deeper!
Before receiving this Bible study, I had not read the book the excerpts come from. I can truthfully say it did not affect my experience or hinder me in the study. I do believe if I had read the book, it would have further enhanced the story.
While I enjoy Bible studies of all types, this one was, well what can I say, fun. The beginning of the book shares a summary of the story, character sketches of the people, and a glossary of Amish words used, and their meanings. The book is divided in to a 6 week study, with 5 days of lessons for each week. Each week begins with a Scripture or Scriptures for that week. This not only prepares your for the heart for the lesson, but also could be used to memorize. Next is a paragraph named, “Setting the Stage” which tells you what the main idea of the lesson for the week will be. Then there is the excerpt from a chapter in the book, usually about 2 or 3 pages long. At the beginning of the daily lesson there is a verse to read. I personally like to read the entire chapter the verse is in. Following that is the “Reflect and Respond” section. This introduces concepts and ideas about the lesson. Thought provoking questions and lots of scripture references follow. I find that VERY important in a good study of the Word. The lesson ends with a prayer and a suggestion to apply what you have learned to your life.
The lessons were just the right length and very interesting. I also appreciated in the margins of some pages there were key ideas printed. As an added bonus at the end of the book the author shares Amish recipes! A delightful and enlightening study that would be great for individuals or groups.
I believe this is book is paving the way for a new type of Bible study, where the pleasure of reading Christian fiction can also be a part of spiritual growth.
I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Lucy Kendall, a beautiful, privileged young woman, returns from a whirlwind year in Europe with her aunt and uncle. She feels the trip has changed her life, but nothing like what transpires when she returns to her home in St. Louis, Missouri. She finds during her absence her father has suffered a heart attack and is bedfast, all her peers have married except one, and her mother wants to sell their candy business, City Confectionery.
During her trip she gathered the most luscious candies she could find, planning to use them to create the best candy recipe ever to save her father’s struggling business. She begs her mother to give her a chance. Her mother gives her one month to work nothing short of a miracle. The catch is she must fulfill her obligations in society as debutante which is further complicated by being elected as Queen of Love and Beauty.
Charlie’s Clarke’s life was the exact opposite of Lucy’s, abandoned by his father at a very young age, living in poverty and becoming involved in crime to support his mother and siblings. He is sent to live with his very wealthy father whom he has not seen in 15 years. His father just happens to be the owner of Standard Manufacturing, the nemesis and competitor that is driving Lucy’s family out of business. Story also has it that Mr. Clarke conned Lucy’s dad out of his original recipe for Royal Taffy, the number one selling candy of the time! With bitterness toward his father, and the social shock suddenly being thrown into high society, Charlie is struggling this is own issues.
As if making all the public appearances and working on her candy recipe isn’t enough, things get even more complicated for Lucy when she meets Charlie (not knowing who he is) and finds herself falling in love with him. Charlie’s feelings match hers. That is until Lucy finds out whom he really is!
Lucy goes into full blown attack mode to save their company. Charlie not wanting to comply but desiring his father’s praise, does everything he can to stop her every effort. The ensuing battle is hilarious, with each one trying to outmaneuver the other. All along, they are fighting the strong attraction for one another and growing more frustrated by the moment.
While this book is a wonderfully entertaining, filled with romance and a lots of humor; it offers much more. Historically I was able to see a blossoming, and rapidly changing era. Ms. Mitchell allowed me to see the early 20th century through the eyes of both the wealthy and the poor. It held a surprising reminder of the great gulf that lay between the two social groups during that time. The conditions in the factories and the child labor was appalling enough without realzing how some business owners had no compassion or concern for their workers, especially the children.
As the story unfolds I saw Lucy and Charlie mature and grow as young adults; each one being forced to harshly examine their self. They faced their character flaws and faults, but most importantly desired to change. Lucy was a beautiful example of how we can become so focused on our desires we can sacrifice our values and end up making impulsive and sinful choices all in the name of ‘winning”. Charlie reveals that our past does not define who we are in the present, and we must not only seek God’s forgiveness but also forgive ourselves.
You will laugh, cry and even feel angry at the escapades of Lucy and Charlie. The book is 391 pages but you will find it difficult to put it down, and when you come to the end, you will be wishing for more! A very good book.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The title of the book certainly lives up to how Tracy Evan’s has lived her life after becoming a Christian. The courage she displays in her Christian walk is the kind that all of us would love to have. Nothing held back, no doubts or fears entertained, no questioning His plan, just totally trusting and obeying God in all ways. I would love to have that kind of courage.
Having had a rough start in life, you wouldn’t think Tracy would have come to such a place of total commitment and service to God. Her story is proof God can use anyone, no matter what their back ground, if only they are willing. He will polish the rough edges in His time and way.
Growing up in a dysfunctional family and her father in prison, Tracy took the path of most youth in that situation; one of rebellion, anger, hatred, and violence. She ran away and joined the army where she found Christ through a fellow solider. She then obtained her degree as a physician’s assistant and trained at Stanford University. She has served in 64 nations over the past 30 years and is serving to this day.
Her “radical faith” and “outrageous courage” have brought her face to face with death, unbelievable hardship, debilitating illnesses in a shack in the Philippines, heart wrenching suffering of those she worked to minister to. In all of this she did not panic or turn away from what she believed was her calling. Through these frightening situations or only thought was reaching others for Christ and following the Lord’s direction.
While Tracy and I do not share the same beliefs, and I found myself questioning the legitimacy some of her accounts, there is no questioning the testimony of her zeal and commitment to following Christ and spreading the Gospel. Something we could all use more of. This is a very interesting book.
I received this book free from Baker Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Dorothea is a true life example that it doesn’t matter what your childhood was or your past, you can still do great things. As in her life, many times those difficulties you face are a preparation for what God has for you to do in the future. She is also an excellent example that no matter what obstacles you face in pursuing your purpose, they will not hold you back if you endure and trust God.
Dorothea’s childhood was one of abuse, poverty, and neglect. Her father was an alcoholic and although she did not realize it as a child, her mother was mentally ill. She just saw her as always being sick. Her young life was spent protecting and looking out for her younger brothers. Even at such a tender age she showed sacrifice and compassion.
Her grandmother took interest in her plight and had her come live with her. She desired to make Dorothea into a sophisticated lady thus preparing her to find a husband to provide for her. Dorothea wasn’t interested; she wanted to do something with her life that would have an impact on others. Even as a young girl she had her own ideas. She had no desire have a husband and her boldness in speaking her mind was not a desired trait during the 1800’s. Therefore she had no trouble spurning unwanted suitors. This tenacity and trueness to her convictions were simply more character qualities that would make her a success her future endeavors.
With each path she took, doors would shut and God would redirect her. She faced many hardships such as the rejection of those she thought her only true friends and most of all her health. Throughout her entire life she struggled with poor health and times of great sickness. I saw a pattern in her life that when she had a need or someone to care for her God always provided. While she was discouraged during these times she never gave up, and focused on getting well so she could continue her work. Much of her life was filled with great loneliness but she didn’t allow self-pity consume her.
God eventually guided her into what would be her greatest and her life work, changing the cruel and inhuman treatment of the mentally will. She realized that had been her mother’s problem all along and shuddered at the thought of her loved one being in one of the appalling prisons for the mentally ill. She not only visited the prisons, but actually went into the cells, talked to the victims, showed them affection and brought them gifts.
She then began the very difficult journey of helping those who could not help themselves. She tirelessly, at her own expense and often the expense of her health, advocated changes through financial backing to build new hospitals; doggedly fighting local and federal governments to pass laws that these people might be treated with kindness, respect and have a quality of life, and educating the public at the horrors she saw.
Our mental health hospitals and treatment of the mentally ill are the quality they are today because of one woman who answered God’s calling and didn’t give up. She laid the foundation for modern mental health care. You would not have known it was fiction biography because of the way the author skillfully wove the abundance of facts. Ms. Kirkpatrick has a flair for that! A book worth reading!

I was immediately drawn to the title of this book. We all go through hard times. We want to know that something positive will come from our suffering and it is not all in vain. It is easy for our faith to waver and for us go get our eyes off Christ and on our circumstances. While we know what God’s Word says and we truly believe it, we yearn for extra encouragement. That’s what I found in this book, and the reminder that the Lord is with me every step of the way and has only my good in mind. The author did a wonderful job of making his story very personal to the reader. Although our experiences were not the same, I was able to relate to his feelings and struggles. The entire book was very easy to read and understand.
In the first part of the book Mr. Reed shares his story and trials. He also introduces what he calls, “The Suffering Clause”. What he refers to as “the fine print” we tend to overlook as a Christian, that as a believer in Christ we WILL face problems, not when or if.
I found great reassurance through the many testimonies and scriptures he shared that I will make it through whatever I am facing, and my greatest tool in persevering is prayer! He also helped me see the many purposes in whatever adversity I may experience. I need to guard against doubting God and seek to trust Him and understand what He wants me to learn.
I like the many, many scriptures he shares that directly apply to each idea and concept. In addition to his experiences, he shares the stories of other believers and how they met their trials with courage and faith. I found these very uplifting! His approach to understanding suffering shed new light on accepting what comes my way. Mr. Reed not only gave me a new perspective to my tough times, but also new spiritual and scriptural tools help in cope.
Even if you are not experiencing tough times right now this book can definitely prepare you. If you are in the midst of them, this book is a road map and guide in your journey. A wonderful, very helpful book!
I received this book free from Christian Speaker Services. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

This the first book of Ms. Cosgrove’s I have read. I have never seen a Christian fiction novel dealing with the subject of middle age and all the new struggles that come with it: aging, empty nest, insecurities about personal value, appearance, and starting a new chapter of marriage without children. While I have not experienced some of the issues her character Christina did, the author was very accurate in describing the emotions and confusion that goes with this time of life. I still enjoy the books about young women stepping into the prime of life, but I found it refreshing to read about the years to come. This is a great read for those facing that time, but would be good also for those who have yet to experience it.
Christina was close approaching her 50th birthday, and her only son had recently moved out. After years of nurturing and focusing on her son, she was suddenly left in limbo. The reality of how her marriage had shifted after years of putting all her energies into raising her son and caring for her home and family, hit home in a hard way. Who was this man she was left with? She didn’t know him, nor did he seem to know her. She could remember the handsome young guy she fell head over hills in love with, but the one that lived with her wasn’t him anymore Too make matters worse she had lost both her parents a few years back. She felt so alone. The curtain has dropped and she glaringly sees what her life has become, and in some ways only what she perceives it to be.
After what she terms a “non-fight” with her husband Jeff that morning, she allows her menopausal emotions to run way, calls in sick to work and on impulse takes off to her parents old summer cottage miles away. Stranded there by unexpected flooding and taking refuge in the home of two seniors she knew as a child, she is reunited with her old boyfriend, their son, who is visiting. (Don’t worry, no adulterous affair happens.)
Sitting in the old cottage, surrounded memories she is able to do some real soul searching and crying. There she feels the Lord speaking to her about her life. She decides then and there she is going to make big changes in herself, her attitude, and her marriage. Of course decisions like these never come without being tested. I liked the fact the story dealt with real life feelings and obstacles. This helped me relate even more to the characters.
The title is so appropriate. As with most women their early years are focused on raising a family and all the responsibilities that go with it. The change was so gradual she didn’t realize she had become focused on how she expected things to be; focused on how she felt her husband should be, focused on what her needs were in the marriage, focused on what others thought of her, focused on taking care of others and neglecting herself, and in all this focusing, she forgot to focus on God. Mixed in were all the misunderstandings that go along with a couple that has quit communicating. This is real life! There are surprises and lots of wonderful humor along the way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Ms. Cosgrove did a brilliant job of genuinely portraying this time of life we must all face. I look forward to reading more of her books! I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

So many devotional books are . . . well rather mundane and dry. When I started this one, I wasn’t expecting much more than just a daily essay and a scripture to read. I was blown away! Yes it has devotions and scriptures but it is much more. I have to say it is one of the most powerful devotional books I have read. It isn’t so much the concepts that are covered; I was familiar with many of them. What makes it so unique is HOW Ms. Kent presents them and the wonderful suggestions she shares to apply them to your life!
Shortly after I started reading the book I got very sick for 3 weeks, and didn’t do much but rest. This book was such a blessing! I read, I studied, and even in my depleted state I was able to do the daily “Presence Practice” suggested at the end day. These weren’t only easy to implement, but they influenced my life in a big way.
Each day is written in such a way that the message in it becomes very intimate and personal; as if it was prepared just for me. It lighted a path for me to have an even closer relationship with God and helped me realize where I had drifted away from Him. The personal experiences she shared really helped me connect to the points she was making.
I found this book highly inspirational and motivational in seeking a closer relationship with the Lord. Even after I had finished the daily reading, the scriptures and thoughts I read continued to resonate in my heart and mind. My book is highlighted, underlined and has many notes written in it. I plan to read it many more times. Call it a “devotional book” just doesn’t do it justice! An extraordinary book!
I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

This sticker book is perfect to put in a child’s Easter basket. With so many people wanting to get away from all the holiday candy, this is a great alternative. It also is wonderful reminder of the true meaning of Easter, Christ’s death and resurrection.
The book is more than just children’s activity sticker books on the market. Its quality and construction is like a regular paperback book.
The story is told on a child’s level of understanding. It is great how they got the message across without being wordy. The pictures are colorful and well-illustrated. These are definite positives for keeping a child’s attention. With their participation and adding the stickers as you read I believe not only will they listen but the will also retain more.
There are many children’s sticker books out there, but this one had several features that definitely made it top of the line. The stickers were also bright and colorful and there was a generous number. I liked how sturdy the stickers are for little hands to handle without tearing. Torn stickers always frustrate my grandchildren.
My favorite thing is because of the quality of the book, it can be a part of the child’s permanent reading library. Each time they read it they will be proud that they had a part in “making” it. A very nice book!
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.

Les Misérables
Focus on the Family

I must confess I have never read Les Misérables or seen the movie so my mind was a fresh canvas for this book on CD. My experience with Focus on the Family has always been positive. Anything I have purchased from them has been beyond excellent and Les Misérables proved to be the same quality.
We had a long car trip to make, so my husband and I listened to it on the road. I must say the 3 CD’s of 169 minutes were over way too soon! We thoroughly enjoyed it and were sorry to have it end. The Focus on the Family Theatre did an outstanding job in every area, from the cast, to the production, to the music. Everything was so vivid I could picture each character and scene in my mind.
The story takes place in 19th-century France, a time of great political turmoil. Ex-convict Jean Valjean had paid his time, 19 long years for stealing bread for his sister and children, and numerous attempted escapes. He is released but to be marked as an ex-convict the rest of his life. This guarantees him being an outcast as long as he lives. This only fuels the bitterness and hatred he is already filled with.
The first person to show him respect and kindness is Bishop Myriel. Valjean repays this by stealing his silver and running off in the night. When captured and brought back to the bishop, the godly man tells the police he gave him the silver and gives him even more. The bishop tells him God has spared him, take the silver, and live a new life for the Lord. Although not immediate, the wise man’s words and benevolence have an impact on Valjean.
Six years later and he is living under the alias Monsieur Madeleine, a wealthy factory owner, and well respected mayor of a town. His life has become the epitome morality, sacrifice, and generosity.
His rescue of an injured man alerts Inspector Javert, a guard at the time of his long imprisonment, to who the mayor may really be. Javert is as filled with hatred and unforgiveness as Valjean is now filled with forgiveness and love.
Once again Valjean is pursued and on the run. Even in the face of these cruel turn of events, Valjean continues to live his life for Christ as many harrowing, and unjust circumstances are thrown his way. Not once does he waver in his deep love for others, nor counting the cost for doing what is right in the face of impossible obstacles.
The story beautifully portrays a Christian hero whose rewards and praise would only come when he meets his Maker. It is entertaining, inspiring, and emotional. I can’t wait to listen to it again!
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.