When Jesus Wept, Jerusalem Chronicles #1 by Bodie & Brock Thoene

Hardcover, 304 pages

Published March 19th 2013 by Zondervan 

 (first published January 1st 2013)

ISBN0310335957 (ISBN13: 9780310335955)

URL: http://zondervan.com/9780310335955

Series: The Jerusalem Chronicles #1

LAZARUS—the man Jesus raised from the dead in one of the most extraordinary encounters with The Living Savior in all of Scripture. But the life of Lazarus holds interest well beyond this miraculous event. Living in Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus witnessed many of the most important events of Jesus’s life and ministry.Lazarus owned a vineyard and devoted his life to caring for its vines and fruit. But he encountered another man—Jesus—whose vineyard was the world, its fruit the eternal souls of men. When Lazarus’s story and the story of Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection touch in When Jesus Wept, we are offered a unique vision into the power and comfort of Christ’s love.

Brock and Bodie Thoene’s most powerful and climactic writing project to date, When Jesus Wept, captures the power and the passion of the men and women who lived through the most important days in the history of the world.

About Authors

BODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.

Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada. 

I JUST STARTED READING THIS BOOK AND WILL BE POSTING A REVIEW SOON.   

Patricia

To Win Her Favor (Belle Meade Plantation #2) by Tamera Alexander

About Book

A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who can help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing for good . 

Any Irish-born son far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He’s come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and start a farm, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he’d wagered, especially when Maggie Linden’s father makes him an offer he shouldn’t accept yet cannot possibly refuse.

Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the annual Drayton Stakes at Nashville’s racetrack––the richest race run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance, and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder, Maggie’s father––aging, yet wily as ever––makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail––Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself. 

Cullen and Maggie need each other in order to achieve their dreams. But their stubborn, wounded hearts––and the escalating violence from a "secret society" responsible for lynchings and midnight raids––may prove too much for even two determined souls.

Read Excerpt

To buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

About Author

Tamera Alexander is the USA Today bestselling author of numerous books, including A Lasting Impression, A Beauty So Rare, To Whisper Her Name, and From a Distance. Her richly drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide, as well as multiple industry awards.

These awards include two Christy Awards for Excellence in Christian fiction (and seven finalists), two RITA awards for Best Inspirational Romance, three Gayle Wilson Awards of Excellence, two Bookseller’s Best Awards, and being listed among Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction, among others.

After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville where they enjoy life with their two adult children who live nearby, and Jack, a precious—and precocious—silky terrier.

She LOVES connecting with readers, so please join her through these venues:

www.tameraalexander.com
www.tameraalexander.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/tameraalexander
www.facebook.com/tamera.alexander
http://pinterest.com/tameraauthor/

Tamera's Historical Group Blog: www.writespassage.blogspot.com


My Thoughts

Maggie loves to ride and not just any horse.  It is her thoroughbred racing horse, Bourbon Bell.  Maggie is determined to race her horse at Drayton Stakes racetrack to win a very large purse. Winning will give her the money toand standing  save her plantation. She must first prove to her father that Bourbon Belle is ready.

Cullen McGrath is looked upon as Irish trash, not to be trusted because of his ethnicity.   He cares not what people think all he wants is his own piece of land and thanks to Maggie's father he is not only getting a plantation but a wife, a woman he has never met.  Cullen agrees to this barter which will keep the plantation for Maggie, only if Maggie agrees.  She has no idea of what they are conspiring behind her back.

Cautiously and not without anger, resentment and some stipulations does Maggie agree to the marriage, unbeknownst to the fact that Cullen is against horse racing, no if, and, or buts about it.

How will she get past this hurdle and change Cullen's mind?

Tamera Alexander is  one of my favorite authors. This book drew me in not wanting to put it down until the last page was read. Even then it kept me yearning for more.  You can't help connecting with the characters feelings and actions.

The story also provide me with the chance to catch up on some of the characters from book one of this series.  It was like catching up on old friends.

I want to thank Tamera for another great read!

I am looking forward to the next book in the BELLE MEADE PLANTATION series!

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free paperback copy of this book from Zondervan and a digital copy from NetGalley for an honest review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.

The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher

About Book

A jilted bride desperate to save her family from ruin.I highly A bounty hunter seeking vengeance for a ravaged past.An arduous trek toward justice—or redemption.

Silver Matlock and Jared Newman know traveling together is a bad idea. Bad for Silver’s already tarnished reputation in her small Colorado town. Bad for bounty hunter Jared’s secret, single-minded mission for revenge. But Silver is determined to track down the rogue who left her at the altar and stole the last remnant of her father’s fortune. And Jared’s in a hurry to hunt down the murderer who destroyed his family—even if Silver is too distractingly beautiful for comfort.

The pair takes off over mountain and desert, past bleak homesteads and raw mining towns, hot on the trail of the two villains who took what wasn’t theirs to take. Soon supplies dwindle, secrets emerge, and suspicion leave Silver and Jared at odds when they need each other most. To confront an enemy deadlier than desert rattlesnakes and rocky cliffs, Silver and Jared must learn to forgive and trust and face the question they haven’t dared voice: What happens next?

Recorded May 10, 2014

About Author

Robin Lee Hatcher discovered her vocation as a novelist after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, the Romance Writers of America's Lifetime Achievement Award and numerous other awards and recognitions, Robin is the author of 70 novels/novellas. Her books have been translated into Dutch, French, and Chinese (to name a few).

Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. She and her husband  their home outside of Boise, sharing it with Poppet the high-maintenance Papillon and Pinky the feline terror.

Join her on her Facebook: (http://www.facebook.com/robinleehatcher).

Website: http://www.robinleehatcher.com/

Twitter: @robinleehatcher

My Thoughts

Silver Matlock draws attention to herself by being a jilted bride. Her groom not only left her at the altar he also robbed her family blind. Now Silver draws even more attention to herself by hiring Jared Newman, a known bounty hunter to get her families money back before her parent's livelyhood is taken away. She makes things complicated for Jared by forcing him to take her along on the hunt to capture her no good groom and retain the money he stole. There was someting about Jared that made her feel much more than just safe. How could she be attracted to such such a man?

Jared had another agenda to attend to first, yet chose to withhold this bit of information from Silver. He could/should have sent her home but he liked having her with him which was a surprise to him. Besides she did pull her own weight under very dangerous conditions and terrain.

I took Silver as a strong willed character with strong views for the future of women.  I was impressed by Jared's character because he was not put off by Silver's views. This was due to the fact she dearly reminded him of his out spoken younger sister.

I enjoyed the fortitude the author created in Silver. We need to hear and read more about the strong women that helped build our country.  These women would not have made it if it weren't for men like Jared who helped women hang on to and speak out about their strong opinions and will.

I can just imagine a little or maybe alot of Robin in Silver's character.  ;)

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley/Zondervan for an honest review.

A Mother's Secret, Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel Series, Book 2 by Amy Clipston

About the book: 

Book two in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series.

Carolyn Lapp dreams of marrying for love. But will the errors of her past destroy this dream forever?

Carolyn Lapp longs to have a traditional Amish family. But she lives on her brother's farm with her parents and her 15-year old son, Benjamin. Carolyn has never revealed the identity of Benjamin's father and lives daily with the guilt and shame of her youthful indiscretion. Her brother simply will not forgive her.

His answer is to arrange a practical marriage for Carolyn to Saul, a widower with a little girl. But Carolyn isn't convinced that Saul really loves her and believes he is simply looking for someone to help raise his daughter.

When Benjamin causes trouble at a local horse auction, horse breeder Joshua Glick decides that he must be taught a lesson. Carolyn and Joshua are unmistakably drawn to each other, but Joshua mistakenly assumes that Benjamin is Carolyn's brother. Carolyn fears that if he discovers the truth, her past will destroy their budding romance.

After years of shame and loneliness, Carolyn suddenly has two men vying for her attention. But which of them will give her the family-and the unconditional love-she's longed for?

Purchase a copy:  http://ow.ly/xlHpQ 

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/aclipston

About the author: 

Amy Clipston holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, and two sons and four spoiled rotten cats.

Amy can be found at: website,Twitter, Facebook

My Thoughts

Carolyn Lapp,s dream of marrying for love is hard to imagine since she gave birth out of wedlock to her son Benjamin fifteen years ago.  She has lived and raised her son while living in the dawdy house with her parents on her brother's farm. Her son is blamed and reprimanded by her brother for things she knows her son had nothing to do with.  She is now being pressured by her brother to marry a local Amish man that has a young daughter needing a woman's guidance. Her dream to marry for love does not fit into this union.  The church has forgiven her sin but it is very apparent her brother as not forgiven her which also shows in the way he treats her son.

Benjamin is blamed for spooking a horse owned by Joshua Glick a local horse breeder.  Even though he had nothing to do with the incident he is ordered by his uncle under the suggestion of  Joshua Click to work off his punishment working for Joshua.  Carolyn was hesitant about the arrangement but after seeing the change in her son while working for Joshua not only brought peace to her and her son but her heart began feeling as if there was hope of love in her future.  The big problem is Johua is under the impression that Benjamin's is her brother's son not hers.

This was a heart wrenching story of love lost, trials and tribulation that lead to forgiveness and reconciliation. I found that once Carolyn was able to trust God with her future she was able to find peace for her and her son.  What a gift from God Joshua was for Carolyn's whole family.  Her whole family had suffered from her mistakes as a teen.  This blessed author must have a tender heart to dig so deep to find the tender, fragile emotions of so many characters.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Group/Netgalley/Zondervan for an honest review.

 

The Kissing Bridge, Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series , #3 by Tricia Goyer

About Book

Rebecca is an Amish woman whose pained past compels her to leave everything to become a nurse---abandoning her family and community. Caleb is an Amish man who is counting down the days until hunting season. At a crossroads in his own life, the excitement of hunting game is all he looks forward to. All the while he wonders what to do with the rest of his life. Even though he likes the Amish lifestyle, what good is an Amish man without faith in God?

An unexpected meeting pushes them together, and they embark with friends on a two-week-long wilderness wagon journey. Hardship tears down the flimsy walls of protection they've placed around their hearts, and as their friendship grows they open up to each other and eventually reveal their deepest secrets. While on the outside they appear to be traditional Amish people, inside they both know they are anything but that. Will their secrets pull them together or draw them apart? And will their faith in God grow? There is a bridge to cross at the end of the journey. Will true love take them across?

• ISBN-13: 9780310335153
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication date: 4/1/2014
• Series: Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series , #3
• Pages: 352

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble

About Author

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of two, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched www.NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

My Short, Sweet Review. 

Rebecca would love to marry and have a family of her own. Even though she desires to remain Amish she is determined to leave everything behind in order to seek a nursing degree. What plans God has for her may work for some and not so much for others.

Another winner for this series.  I not only recommend  this book but all the other amazing books in this series.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I purchased this book for my own reading pleasure.

Thomas Nelson / Zondervan Fall Promo 9/16 – 9/30

Want to win these 10 yet-to-be-released titles from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan?

Who's excited for fall? Changing leaves, cooler temps, warm drinks, bonfires — and new book releases! Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction have a great lineup of new books slated to release this fall, and you have the chance to win them!

Above you'll find ten of the fall releases with their authors and titles missing. Your job is to figure out which book cover belongs to each author and title. Simply follow the instructions on the widget below.

You have until September 30th, at 11:59 p.m. to get your entries and guesses in. The winner will be announced on the Litfuse blog and will receive all ten releases! (Or better yet, subscribe to their blog [enter your email in the blog sidebar] and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston ~ Booksneeze Review

About the Book:

In A Hopeful Heart, the first novel of the new Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series from best-selling author Amy Clipston, Hannah finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Her community offers her love and support after the untimely death of her husband, but an Englisher offers her the chance of a new life after her unexpected tragedy.

Wealthy businessman Trey Peterson is surprised by his attraction to the gentle Amish woman who works as a housekeeper in the Lancaster Grand Hotel. They share a common bond of loss and are able to offer each other comfort and support as they journey through their grief.

Joshua Glick wants nothing more than to offer his friendship and love to Hannah and her family. Not only is he her late husband’s brother and business partner, he has always been in love with Hannah.

A Hopeful Heart is filled with surprising twists as Hannah tries to balance her life in the Amish community and her growing love for an outsider.

Product Details

• ISBN-13: 9780310319986
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication date: 6/7/2013
• Series: Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel Series , #1
• Pages: 304

Where to Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

About Amy: 

Amy Clipston holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, and two sons and four spoiled rotten cats.

Website: http://www.amyclipston.com/

My Thoughts:

Hannah Glick stays busy raising her children, working as housekeeper at Lancaster Grand Hotel and not to forget chores on the farm.  Her deceased husband and his brother, Josiah Glick had gone into business together leaving Josiah to run the business with Hannah.  There seems to never be enough hours in a day for Hannah.  Josiah tries to make her burdens lighter which is no burden to him for he has loved Hannah since before she even fell in love with his brother.  Hannah is somewhat aware of his feelings but does not feel the same type of love for Josiah.  To her he is a good friend and family.  

While working at the hotel she meets a guest, Trey Peterson  and finds herself becoming attracted to him.  It was very easy to talk with him since they both had lost a spouse.  He also has the same dream as she, which is to start a Bed and Breakfast in town. Hannah was warned to guard her heart because he was English. She even invites him to her home for a meal which makes Josiah jealous and her deceased husband's mother very angry with Hannah. Her children seem to be divided in their opinion of their mother's new friend.  This concerns her because she finally feels as if her heart is healing.

The author writes about the struggles of healing and starting anew after the loss of a spouse.  She shows how it touches the children and the loved one's parents and sibling.  Then she kicks it up a  by having the widow  befriend an Englisher. It's like she turned a fox loose in the hen house. This story keeps you guessing from one chapter to the next.  I for one did not want to put the book down.  I didn't know whether to be happy or sad with the ending.  Probably a little of both.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan/Booksneeze for review was in no way to compensate for this review.

Betrayal ~ Where the Heart Lives #2 by Robin Lee Hatcher

About Book

It’s the turn of the twentieth century and drifter Hugh Brennan is a man well acquainted with betrayal. Hugh finds himself drawn to the attractive widow, Julia, yet when he looks into her eyes, he recognizes the same hurt that haunts him.

Julia Grace has little reason to trust men, but she’s going to have to trust someone if she’s to keep her ranch from the clutches of her dead husband’s half-brother. Is it possible God had a hand in bringing Hugh to her door?

The latest historical romance from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher and the second book in the Where the Heart Lives series, Betrayal will take you to the high desert of western Wyoming, through the crags of the Rocky Mountains, and into the hearts of two seekers learning to trust God’s love no matter the circumstances.

Published by Zondervan
Publication Date: November 12, 2012
ISBN 13: 9780310258094

Where to buy:  Zondervan, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

About Robin

Robin Lee Hatcher is the bestselling author of over sixty-five books. Her well-drawn characters and heartwarming stories of faith, courage, and love have earned her both critical acclaim and the devotion of readers. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, two RITA Awards for Best Inspirational Romance, Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards for Americana Romance and for Inspirational Fiction, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin currently resides in Idaho. 

For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.

My Thoughts

Julia Grace was pushed into a marriage that was suppose to remove her from the disreputable occupation at which her mother worked .  Her mother wanted a respectable life for her daughter and so much more.  Julia's husband showed her no respect and often abused her even during her pregnancy.  She prayed for God's protection.  Then one day husband became ill and died unexpectedly.  This left her to run a cattle ranch by herself.
Her brother-in-law keeps  trying to convince her to sell him the ranch and for her to take the money and move on.  He even hired her ranch hands to work on his ranch leaving her without any help working her ranch.  But Julia is determined to keep the ranch.  It is the only real home she has ever had and it was rightfully hers.  

About a year after her husband's death, a stranger stops shows up at ranch wanting water for his injured horse and possibly a place to rest the horse until it has healed.  Hugh Brennan offered the beautiful young widow to work on the ranch in exchange for meals and a place to bunk in the barn.  He was a hard worker and saw what needed to be done and got busy getting it done.  If thought if he stayed busy hopefully it would keep his mind off Julia.  He knew she was keeping her distance from him.

The author kept my attention with this story of two broken souls that have more than God in common.  She also writes of secrets, betrayal, and a need for love and trust in oneself but most of all God.

This was a quick read mainly because I did not want to put the book down.  I just love when a book can grab me the way this book did.  My heart ached for all the trials and tribulations these two people had to endure to get to God's greater plan for their lives.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Zondervan for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

Blessed Are The Children ~ Heaven, God's Promise for Me by Anne Graham Lotz

What do we tell our children in this time of sorrow over the lose of so many precious children and loved ones?  I came across this children's book on Zondervan.  I think it would be a great book to share with children.  

Prayer for When a Young Person Dies

Lord God, source and destiny of our lives, in Your loving providence You gave us these children to grow in wisdom, age, and grace. Now You have called them to Yourself. We grieve over the loss of those so young and struggle to understand Your purpose. Draw them to Yourself and give them full stature in Christ. May they stand with all the angels and saints, who know Your love and praise Your saving will. 

Amen.

The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer | Amish Kindle Gift Pack Giveaway and Facebook Party!

THE MEMORY JAR BY TRICIA GOYER | AMISH KINDLE GIFT PACK GIVEAWAY AND FACEBOOK PARTY!

Author: Tricia Goyer

Welcome to the series launch of Tricia Goyer's brand new Amish series,                                                    Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors!

The first book, The Memory Jar, takes Goyer’s readers back to Big Sky country. To celebrate, Tricia is hosting a fun Amish Kindle Gift Pack Giveaway (including a custom-made Memory Jar Kindle cover and authentic, Montana, Amish-made items!) and a Facebook party on November 7th. Be sure to click the link below to watch the video trailer or try your hand at one of the simple, keepsake crafts Tricia has put together on her website.

One fortunate winners will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Custom-made Memory Jar Kindle Cover
• Amish-made decorative items {Wall hanging, horse/buggy and Amish houses}
• The Memory Jar {Be swept away by this captivating series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 6th. Winner will be announced at the “Memory Jar Author Chat Party on 11/7. Connect with Tricia for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of The Memory Jar and join Tricia on the evening of the November 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. TELL YOUR FRIENDS VIA FACEBOOK OR TWITTER AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 7TH!

About The Memory Jar: 

Book One of  Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series

Every year, 30-40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love.

Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she's also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she's met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/esMtx  

Make your own Memory Jar and other crafts.

About Tricia

Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.

Litfuse Tour schedule for THE MEMORY JAR http://litfusegroup.com/author/TGoyer  

My Thoughts

Sarah Shelter baked the best cupcakes in West Kootenai, Montana.  Some of the visiting young Amish bachelors claim they are the best they have ever eaten.  

Sarah has been invited to go hiking up the mountain with some of the local Amish girls and some visiting Amish Bachelors.  It was to be a fun outing.  She needs to make new friends.  She has mourned the loss of her best friend for some time now. The young woman drowned in a boating accident.  Sarah must move on with her life but it is so hard to forget that tragic day and the loss of her friend.  

On the hiking trip circumstances beyond her control bring Sarah and Jathan Schrock, one of the bachelors together.  She must trust him to get her back down the mountain.  His kindness and attentiveness touched her heart. They were able to share their dreams with each other and Sarah told him about the loss of her friend and the pain of that loss. Sarah even told him about the Memory Jar. She has found a new friend in this handsome young Amish man.  Will she be able to trust him with her heart and dreams.

Sarah is a beautiful character she has so much love for God and her fellow man whether they be Amish or English.  When she leaves her mountain she feels the pressure of change and some people attempt to stifle her brilliant light of love, along with her dreams.

The character Jathan is the youngest in his large family and he feels burdened by the goals and demands of his family especially his father.  He has never been able to share his dream for the future with them. But with Sarah it was different she encourages him to follow his dream if it is God's will.  He ends up letting other people cloud his judgement which in turn caused a lot of people pain.

 Fear seemed to play a big role in this story.  

Tricia Goyer knows how to grab your attention and keep it.   The story is a valuable life lesson that will inspire the reader. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan/Litfuse Group for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.