We’ve all had them in our home at one time or another.  Their pretty little chirp very quickly can become maddening.  That is why I have never understood the Chinese custom of keeping one in a cage in your home. Crickets are not only noisy but can cause damage to fabric paper and many other things.  This is from a human point of view.  I never thought to look at it from the cricket’s point of view.  Ms. Dettmann helped me do exactly that. Stan and Edith have retired and moved to the country: perfect home, perfect view, peaceful, EXCEPT for the crickets in the house.  Edith cannot stand them, especially when they jump on her in the night. They give her the “hebbie-jebbies to put it mildly, and she is on all out quest to exterminate them.  Much to her dismay nothing works! At the same time I read about Edith’s woes, I also learn about Madison, resident camel cricket, according to his life and experiences in their home.  Her grandchildren come for a visit and find a book on crickets.  The boys are fascinated about them and even build a cricket cabin in the workshop for Madison and his friends.  That’s when Edith’s’ attitude begins to change, and I have to say mine did too. I never knew how fascinating these little guys were. I learned so much about how their bodies operate, survival, reproduction, and thanks to the author’s vivid imagination, how the world looks to them. I believe this book is a forerunner of a new, fun way to teach children (and adults) scientific information about nature and the many creatures we share this planet with. As an adult I loved the beautiful countryside photos at the beginning of each chapter. And I must say I won’t be “squishing” (sorry to be so graphic) crickets anymore! This is a delightful entertaining book.

I find myself at a loss for words to describe Cindy Sproles books!  She is incredible!  Her books are always on my read list! Her understanding and ability to capture all the aspects of life in the Appalachian Mountains in the late 1890’s breathtakingly real.  Each story, including this one reaches deep inside of you on an emotional level. You aren’t just reading about the characters and their experiences, but living them.

Influenza has struck the small community of Sourwood, Tennessee.  Many many people are dying, but what is worse they are leaving orphaned children alone in a poverty stricken environment. After the death of her father, Worie is thankful to have her mother.  Then tragedy strikes.  She finds her mother dead from suicide. She faces grief and confusion as to why her mother would take her life.  Worie is 19 years old so she isn’t in as dire straits as all the young children left alone. 

Totally unexpectedly the orphans of the area begin showing up at her home seeking help. How can she help them, she hasn’t much?  Yet her loving tender heart moves to do the impossible and take them in. God works through these heart retching events to change Worie’s life and the lives of others around her. 

It rang so true to me that God uses horrible circumstances to turn our trust to Him when there is nowhere else to turn. I loved the wise words friends Ely and Bess; they are ones to remember. I was inspired by Worie’s courage, determination, and willingness to listen to God.  This book is filled with unexpected surprises, mystery, and beautiful examples of the love and help of those around us.  A very emotional but uplifting book.

As a fan of Amish fiction I have to say this was a very different book!  The year is 1863 and Elizabeth Kaufman’s husband has died in the Civil War.  Unlike most widows she is not grieved but relieved. She is freed from marriage vows that brought emotional, physical and spiritual pain.  His physical and verbal abusiveness has left their scars.  She is determined never to marry again and risk being put in the same situation.  After the war ends, her brother returns home with a broken and wounded fellow soldier, Aaron Zook.  Solomon Mast suddenly appears in the community, handsome, wealthy, Amish and out to win Elizabeth and marry her A.S.A.P. I didn’t like him from the get go!

I loved the thread that ran through the book of the community’s gentle, patient, faith-filled way of dealing with even the most horrible situations.   There were so many lessons to be learned about how people are not always as they appear.  I felt the struggles of Elizabeth and Aaron with their previous lives and the damage that had been wrought.  While they had very different pasts, both fought healing, forgiving, running from their pain and even God’s plan.  I loved the suspense and surprises along the way.  A great read!

Imagine your heart is shattered when your fiancé calls off the wedding and walks away.  You hurt, cry, then move on and try to forget him.  Perfect plans, right?  UNTIL he shows up at the venue where you are the event manager WITH his NEW bride-to-be!  That’s exactly what happened to Penelope Hunter! 

 A mysterious letter from historical archives appears that puts Tucker’s family past in question.  This could end his chances of being elected Sheriff. A big socialite is threatening PJ’s job by withdrawing a big event if she is seen with Tucker at society affair. Against the odds, Tucker and PJ set off on a mission to find the truth and clear his name. This takes them all the way back to events and items from the Civil war.

The author perfectly captured all the emotions between the characters and how they personally affected the.  I liked as I do in all books that in their difficult times PJ and Tucker sought the Lord.  I especially enjoyed all he historical part of the book and the solving of the mystery!  Very exciting!

I have to say I am adding this one to my top favorites of her books her Christmas books. You and your spouse are empty nesters, Christmas is near and you are excited to have all your children and their families return home to celebrate. Then one by one you get the call that no one can come.  This is what happened to Charles and his wife Edith.  He pastors the only church in the small town of Christmas Valley and has for many years.  It was a close knit community.  They run a cozy bed and breakfast which is also their home.  Instead of leaving the 5 rooms empty for their children as she has the last 17 years, Edith decides to make the best of the situation. They will rent the rooms out and treat their guests to a family Christmas atmosphere.  The couple prayed about who the Lord would send as their guests.  And boy did He send them a mix of personalities and characters! Each one had a special struggle in their life.  The Inn was festively decorated, homemade cookies, wonderful meals what more could anyone want?  Edith’s homey Christmas turns into quite a juggling act, with the conflicts of not only with their guests, but also grumpy church members. 

This book was so entertaining!  All Edith’s preparation and special touches made me feel all warm and fuzzy.  It is filled with all the touches that make the holiday season so special. I loved how she turned to the Lord in prayer for each hurdle she faced. There is humor and lots of surprises along the way.  I am keeping this book to read again.  Ms. Carlson out did herself again!  

I love reading Christmas fiction during the holiday.  It always gives a warm cozy feeling and is one more thing to make it special.  This book is a big plus as there are 3 stories in it by great authors. They are also set in an era I especially like, the 1800’s.

“Heaven and Nature Sing” by Carolyn Miller made me a part of a really old fashioned Christmas with the wealthy.  I love the descriptions of their entertainment.  It was such a simple and uncomplicated time; gathering a yule log, making greenery decorations, performing with music and song.  Edith Mansfield has been invited to a party by her God mother, Lady Grantley for the Christmas holiday.  Her focus was entertaining a group of young people. The snafu to such a grand time is the beau, George Bannerman, whom Edith had shunned a marriage proposal from the year before was also invited.  The reason for the breakup is not made clear at first but both obviously still have feelings for each other.  There has definitely been a misunderstanding.  The awkwardness in being tossed together is heightened by the complicated Victorian codes of conduct. 

“Far as the Curse Is Found” by Amanda Barratt, I must admit was my favorite! Dwight, the Earl of Amberly has returned to London briefly to sell his estate.  He has been living in isolation in Yorkshire since returning from the war.  It appears he is suffering from PTSD. Jenny an unwed mother, due to a rape, is very ill as is her baby girl. Dwight sees her collapse in the street with her infant and brings her to the estate do receive medical care. Upon her recovery he offers her a job at his home in Yorkshire.  She accepts.  He gives her shelter and provision while she gives him something much greater, friendship and God’s word. 

“The Wonders of His Love” by Erica Vetsch. Cilla Haverly was destined to become a duchess, and then her husband dies.  She becomes trapped in the dull, lifeless, drudgery serving her mother-in-law. Hamish Sinclair is commissioned by the dowager to paint Cilla’s brother-in-law and sister-in law’s portrait. As cliché as it may sound, Hamish brings color to Cilla’s gray life.  He is poor and of a lower class, but has confidence in himself and purpose.  She has all the trimmings of the upper class but is very insecure and has no purpose in her existence.  I found it a beautiful example of how God can send someone into our life to not only change it but change us.  Three wonderful Christmas novellas just in time for the season!

I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

Kate Tremaine is a strong and tough widow, raising her young son Danny, and running a hotel in Yellowstone Park.  After the tragic sudden death of her husband she had developed the grit to deal with what came her way.  The only thing she loves more than her son is the park itself.  She ferociously guards it against anything that might harm its natural wonders and beauty

Lt. Will Prescott of the U.S. Calvary has come to patrol the park to protect it and put an end to poaching animals. He has a past he is ashamed of. Kate and Will become friends and develop deep feeling for each other.  Setting aside the personal obstacles they perceive, there is danger and complications regarding the park.

I have never had the privilege to visit Yellowstone and didn’t know much about it other than Old Faithful and bear stories. I thoroughly enjoyed all the descriptions of its beauty and uniqueness.  The dangers of the park’s natural wonders were surprising.  One can only imagine how wonderful it was in the 1800’s.  I actually went and researched it to learn more. 

The author’s vivid depiction of Kate’s Gateway Inn was delightful.  How she cared for her guests, the meals, the special touches.  *Sigh* So comforting and homey.  I guess it played at my lifelong dream to own bed and breakfast.  But seeing as how I struggle to make my own bed daily and eat no more than oatmeal for breakfast that this vision is probably not in my future!  I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

I received this book from Revell Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.  

Jill Roman is an author I love for my smallest grandpeeps, 2 1/2 years and 1 year.  They are avid readers . . . well listeners but that is how it starts right?  Even the smallest children can begin to learn about God and how wonderful He is.  This book is a fun means to teach them about praising God.  I know my little ones are learning the sounds animals make and enjoy it so much. How delightful the authors use those sounds to show them praising God!   A HUGE plus also is that there are flaps to peek under to reveal surprises.  My boys LOVE books with that special touch! It makes reading even more exciting and really involves them in the story. The book also pleases me with being super sturdy and washable, after all little readers are a bit enthusiastic!  I received this book from B & H Kids in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

The author is no doubt a gifted writer, but this book was just not for me. I love stories about the Appalachian life, but they are usually not set in modern day time. I struggled with that.
A little gentle tension between the characters can add to the story but the intense discord and hostility portrayed throughout the book bothered me after a while. People are so hateful and bitter toward others today it is something I want to escape not read more of.
I read at night to relax and fall asleep. There was murder, rape, criminal activity, violence, cruelty and avarice in many situations and scenarios. Again much like the world we live in and plastered across our news reports. Not things I want to read about or find enjoyable.
I am giving this book 4 stars it was well written and it is obvious the author put a lot of work into it but I said it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

The author never ceases to amaze me with the fascinating little known women of history she finds to write about. Her talent is extraordinary in how she takes the facts and adds fictional details to weave a story that brings the woman to life. All of her women are not only distinctive but also strong and persevering.
This novel is about Abigail Scott Duniway. A suffragist in the late 1800’s who worked tirelessly to win the right for women to vote. She also was advocate of women’s equality in other areas they faced discrimination during that era.
I certainly found her a feisty one, even to the point at times of being aggravating with her bold opinions and out outspokenness. Those traits during her time were considered stepping over the line and inappropriate for women. Yet I have to admit, with the prejudice that prevailed, a strong approach would be the only way to break through and make progress.
While being this revolutionary woman, she was still filled the gender roles of wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Her duties were not as easily dealt with as we do now. House work and childcare were hard and arduous. While she loved her family she chafed against the restrictions their care put upon her and the work itself. Just like all women she struggled with laundry and housework.
My heart ached for the many tragedies and setbacks her family faced. I admired though how she put aside her disappoint and pain, facing the problems head on. I felt her gentle laid back husband was a perfect match for her. His unending patience, love and sense of humor were rare, especially in that day and time.
At the end of the book (as in all Ms. Kirkpatrick’s books) you can read the historical facts from her research that makes the “bones” of the book. You will find she really does her homework! I always like to do my own exploration on the “Kirkpatrick women”, finding pictures of them and even reading their biographies. Another outstanding book by Jane Kirkpatrick!
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.