Growing Up Duggar: It's All About Relationships by Jana Duggar, Jill Duggar, Jessa Duggar, Jinger Duggar

About Book

It's All About Relationships!

In this delightful and very personal book, the four oldest Duggar girls share their hearts and their core beliefs, explaining that it's all about relationships! 

Relationship with self: The girls share their own personal journeys to self-acceptance and navigating the difficult stage of adolescence. 

Relationship with parents: You'll find revelations about how Jim Bob and Michelle keep the lines of communication open with their children. 

Relationships with siblings: Here, you'll get a peek into the Buddy system, how the siblings handle conflict, and how the loss of little Jubilee (their sister) affected their relationships with each other. 

Relationships with friends: You'll find principles on how the Duggar kids deal with peer pressure and how they interact with friends outside their family. 

Relationships with boys: You'll learn the Duggar view of dating and courtship, and these four sisters will address the often-asked question of when one of them will get married. 

Relationship with God: And woven throughout the book, the girls talk about their most important relationship of all their relationship with God and their own personal faith and beliefs. 

This candid look into what Jana, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger believe and why they believe it will give you practical insights into your own life and will inspire you to evaluate principles that will work for you.

Read Except Here

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

My Thoughts

This is definitely a book for young women of faith.  I would like my granddaughters to read this book. Starting new relationships with the intent of marriage in the future is a an exciting yet difficult time for young women of faith.  Following the rules of parents and church is not always easy unless you have been raised with Christian values. The Duggar parents have not slacked on raising their children with Christian values. 

The book is a short fast read but I suggest you slow down and enjoy the inspired advise and experiences offered by these lovely young women of faith.

I highly recommend this book for young women.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books/SimonSchuster for an hones review.

Healer of Carthage, The Carthage Chronicles, Book 1 by Lynne Gentry

About Book

A twenty-first-century doctor. A third-century plague. A love out of time.

First-year resident Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is too busy to take her father’s bizarre summons seriously. But when a tragic mistake puts her career in jeopardy, answering her father’s call seems her only hope of redeeming the devastating failure that her life has become. 

While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s archaeological dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole, awakening to find herself the object of a slave auction and the ruins of Roman Carthage inexplicably restored to a thriving metropolis. Is it possible that she’s traveled back in time, and, if so, how can she find her way back home? 

Cyprian Thascius believes God called him to rescue the mysterious woman from the slave trader’s cell. What he doesn’t understand is why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a woman whose peculiar ways could get him killed. But who is he to question God? 

As their different worlds collide, it sparks an intense attraction that unites Lisbeth and Cyprian in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Even as they confront persecution, uncover buried secrets, and ignite the beginnings of a medical revolution, Roman wrath threatens to separate them forever. Can they find their way to each other through all these obstacles? Or are the eighteen hundred years between them too far of a leap? 

Read an Excerpt here.

Howard Books |  416 pages | ISBN 9781476746333 | March 2014 - See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Healer-of-Carthage/Lynne-Gentry/The-Carthage-Chronicles/9781476746333#sthash.cBnEMm3V.dpuf

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes&Noble

About Author

Lynne Gentry was a finalist in Westbow’s 2010 fiction contest. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and three of her novels have been selected as finalists for the ACFW Genesis contest. Lynne is a pastor’s wife and the mother of two grown children. 

See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Lynne-Gentry/412732530#sthash.Pidtkp2y.dpuf


My Thoughts

Dr. Lisbeth Hastings while on a suspended leave is summoned by her father to an archaeological dig. While exploring ancient cave drawings Lisbeth finds the ground literally disappearing from under her feet. When she regains consciousness she finds herself being sold as a slave to Cyprian Thascius. Angry and fighting for her life Cyprian drags her away to his home.  He tries to calm her but she was beyond calming.  God called upon Cyprian to save Lisbeth from being sold to an evil man. He finds himself draw not only by God to this woman but also by  his heart.

Lisbeth is forced into a situation to use her medical skills when two boys are brought into Cyprian's home during a Christian gathering. The Romans are out to destroy any of the followers of Jesus. How and why did she manage to be in Roman Carthage eighteen hundred years in the past?

This story gave me goosebumps when the ground fell out from under Lisbeth. I wish to tell you so much about the story but then that would spoil the story for you. The author started with a contemporary novel jumping into a historical romance novel. I found interest in the conditions, knowledge and medicines healers eighteen hundred years ago had to work with.  

If you are interested in time travel and biblical fiction this is the book for you.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Howard Book/SimonSchuster for an honest review.

Vow Unbroken, A Lone Star Novel by Caryl McAdoo

About Book

A spunky young widow hires a farmhand with a bad reputation to help her get her cotton to Jefferson to meet the wagon train, and sparks fly—but can she love a man who doesn’t love the Lord?

Susannah Abbot Baylor reluctantly hires Henry Buckmeyer to help her along the Jefferson Trace, the hard stretch of land between her Texas farm and the cotton market, where she is determined to get a fair price for her crop. It’s been a rough year, and she’s in danger of losing the land her husband left to her and the children, but she’ll need help getting both of her wagons to Jefferson safely. She knows Henry’s reputation as a layabout and is prepared for his insolence, but she is not expecting his irresistible good looks or his gentle manner. Soon they are entwined in a romantic relationship that only gets more complicated when Susannah learns that Henry doesn’t know God the way she does. Dangers arise on the road—but none as difficult as the trial her heart is going through.

Will Susannah and Henry’s love overcome their differences? And will she get her crop safely to the cotton market with enough money to save the farm? In this heartening and adventurous tale, a young woman’s fortitude, faith, and heart are put to the ultimate test.  

"For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name."

Psalm 61:5 NKJV

See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Vow-Unbroken/Caryl-McAdoo/9781476735511#sthash.yepD10Av.dpuf

Where to Purchase: aMAZON,  BARNES & nOBLE,

Howard Books |  368 pages | ISBN 9781476735511 | March 2014 

About Author

Caryl McAdoo lives in Red River County, Texas, where she brags the nearest soda pop or gasoline is almost ten miles from home. In the country setting of the Texas piney woods, she enjoys four wheeling over the 916-acre McAdoo Ranch, horseback riding, and caring for donkeys, dairy goats, chickens, and a plethora of dogs and cats. Caryl credits her relationship with the Lord for every good blessing in her life, including ten children (counting “in-loves”) and fourteen grandsugars. Her heart’s desire is to bring Him glory. - See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Caryl-McAdoo/411169289#sthash.fTTJCuAd.dpuf

My Thoughts

The young widow Susannah Baylor is angry and ready to make a long trip to catch up with friends set out on a wagon train to sell their bounty of cotton.  She had been glad to not be making the long trip but after the wagon train was several days out she finds herself cheated and mislead by a buyer that offered her a fair price but when she arrived with her cotton he insisted on paying her a much lower price.  She is discouraged by friends at home to not make the trip alone especially with her daughter and nephew since there are so many danger in such a trek. They recommend she hire Henry Buckmeyer to help her on the trip.  She had heard he was a slacker and a drunk but she knew she could not go alone.  

Susannah took their advise finding all the rumors about Henry were unfounded. He was a hard working attractive man and was very patient and kind. Her young daughter Becky falls in love with him and makes it know to him she wants him to be her daddy which must remain their secret until just the right time.  Susannah sees the attachment the children have for Henry but she has made a vow she can not break.  She must focus on getting the cotton sold while overcoming apparent dangers on the long trip.  

Susannah is like a mama bear ready to do what she must to protect her cubs.  Her character is strong , independent and determined.  The author writes of a woman wanting to prove to the world she can stand on her own two feet not needing a man to tell her how to do anything.  A character in charge no matter how badly she would love to have a partner to lean on for a change. 

An adventurous tale of romance, danger and trust. 

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books/ SimonSchuster for an honest review.

Promise to Return A Novel (Part of Promise of Sunrise) By Elizabeth Byler Younts

About Book

When World War II breaks out, Miriam Coblentz’s peaceful Amish world is turned upside down... 

It’s 1943, and Miriam Coblentz and Henry Mast are nearing their wed­ding day when the unthinkable happens—Henry is drafted. However, since he is a part of the pacifist Amish tradition, Henry is sent to a conscientious objector Civilian Public Service camp. When he leaves for the work camp, his gaping absence turns Miriam’s life upside down. Little does she know it’s only the beginning... When Henry returns home, he brings news that shakes Miriam and their Amish community to the core. Henry believes God has called him to enlist in the army and fight for his country, leaving her to make an impor­tant decision: whether to choose loyalty to the peaceful life she’s always known or her love for Henry. Two worlds collide in this unforgettable debut novel, providing a fasci­nating and rare look into Amish culture during World War II. While Henry is battling enemies across the ocean, Miriam struggles between her devotion to Henry and her love of the Amish way of life. One question is at the bottom of it all: will she follow the rules of her religion or the leading of her heart?  

See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Promise-to-Return/Elizabeth-Byler-Younts/Promise-of-Sunrise/9781476735016#sthash.XkC78CLI.dpuf

 Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD


About Author

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.

Where to find Elizabeth:
Website: http://elizabethbyleryounts.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorElizabethBylerYounts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElizabethYounts
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ElizabethYounts/

My Thoughts

Miriam Coblentz can't seem to stop thinking about her intended Henry Mast.  Henry has been drafted into the military and sent to a camp for conscientious objectors.  The Amish have always been pacifist.  When he returns home Miriam is shocked to find out he has decide to leave the camp and join the military and the war.  He feels as if God has called him to fight  in World War II.  Miriam can not turn her back on her family and most importantly the her Amish beliefs.  Will she turn her back on Henry the man she loves?

I have read many Amish books but this is the first where I get a better look at the Pacifist side during World War II.  To me it is apparent men are bred to defend their families and country.  Yet I understand the Amish's belief and the pacifist.  Women want to nurture and prevent harm coming to anyone.  But in times of war we have no choice but to defend.  The author has done a wonderful job in depicting the Amish stand of remaining pacifist.  

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Howard Publishing/Simon & Schuster for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

The Traitor's Wife, The Woman Behind Benedict Arnold and The Plan To Betray America by Allison Pataki

About Book:

A riveting historical novel about Peggy Shippen Arnold, the cunning wife of Benedict Arnold and mastermind behind America’s most infamous act of treason . . . 

Everyone knows Benedict Arnold—the Revolutionary War general who betrayed America and fled to the British—as history’s most notorious turncoat. Many know Arnold’s co-conspirator, Major John André, who was apprehended with Arnold’s documents in his boots and hanged at the orders of General George Washington. But few know of the integral third character in the plot: a charming young woman who not only contributed to the betrayal but orchestrated it. 

Socialite Peggy Shippen is half Benedict Arnold’s age when she seduces the war hero during his stint as military commander of Philadelphia. Blinded by his young bride’s beauty and wit, Arnold does not realize that she harbors a secret: loyalty to the British. Nor does he know that she hides a past romance with the handsome British spy John André. Peggy watches as her husband, crippled from battle wounds and in debt from years of service to the colonies, grows ever more disillusioned with his hero, Washington, and the American cause. Together with her former love and her disaffected husband, Peggy hatches the plot to deliver West Point to the British and, in exchange, win fame and fortune for herself and Arnold. 

Told from the perspective of Peggy’s maid, whose faith in the new nation inspires her to intervene in her mistress’s affairs even when it could cost her everything, The Traitor’s Wife brings these infamous figures to life, illuminating the sordid details and the love triangle that nearly destroyed the American fight for freedom.  

See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Traitors-Wife/Allison-Pataki/9781476738604#sthash.wdVDdaoB.dpuf

Meet Author Allison Pataki

Allison Pataki graduated Cum Laude from Yale University and has spent several years writing for TV and online news outlets, including ABCNews.com and FoxNews.com. The daughter of former New YorkThe Traitor’s Wife based on the rich Revolutionary War history of her hometown in New York State’s Hudson Highlands. The Traitor’s Wife is Allison’s first novel. She lives in Chicago with her husband, David.
State Governor George E. Pataki, Allison was inspired to write 

- See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Allison-Pataki/411626438#sthash.atmdKTLj.dcpuf

My Thoughts
Most of you are familiar with Benedict Arnold from you studies in History class. He is known for being ihe world famous traitor.  But I bet you didn't know that his wife was his ultimate instrument in his downfall. She was much younger than Benedict and very beautiful. She saw him as her way of reaching her ultimate goal  for fame and fortune.   
Peggy Shippen delivers her husband Benedict the plans to secure West Point into the hands of the British betraying America.  All this for her own vanity of fame and fortune.  
Peggy's personal maid has given what she sees as the accounts and events of her mistress's plot to betray America which we know backfired on her and Benedict.  
The book is 464 pages of Peggy's deception, greed and vanity. I had no idea this women even exsisted.   I actually felt sorry for Benedict anyone being taken in by such a she devil. Who knows how his life may have unfolded if he had not fallen into her trap. 
I keep saying in my reviews how I love historical novels. Thanks to authors like Allison Pataki for helping me continue my education in such an enjoyable way.  The author has also provided a reading group guide with topics and questions for discussions.  Also a conversation with Allison Patiaki  of questions and answers along with a way to enhance your book  club.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a +5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books/Simon & Schuster