Plain Peace, A Daughters of the Promise Novel by Melissa Jagears

About Book

Anna's grandfather seems determined to ruin her Rumspringa . . . and any hopes she has of finding a husband.

Anna Byler should be enjoying her Rumspringa as allowed by her faith. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather—the bishop—the available suitors in town are afraid to court her. Even Anna’s grandmother is keeping a big secret from Anna’s grandfather in an effort to keep the peace. Under her grandfather’s oppressive watch, Anna begins to feel her faith slipping and wonders if God has forsaken her.

Jacob Hostetler and his family have relocated to Lancaster County following a family tragedy in Ohio. As his family struggles to rebuild their lives, Jacob is forced to act as head of the household when his father is unable to cope with recent events. It’s been a long time since Jacob has felt any joy. Until he meets Anna Byler. But will Anna’s grandfather succeed at keeping them apart? And can Jacob put the past behind him and open his heart?

Publication Date	November 12, 2013
Company	Thomas Nelson
ISBN-10	1401685943
ISBN-13	9781401685942

For Preview: http://www.thomasnelson.com/fiction/amish-fiction/plain-peace.html

Beth Wiseman is an award-winning and best-selling author who is best known for her Amish novels, but she is now spreading her wings in other genres as well.  Her two latest releases—Need You Now and The House that Love Built—are non-Amish contemporaries set in small Texas towns, both of which have garnished glowing reviews.  However, her current project will take readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world.  Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time.   More information on this exciting project will be coming soon!  

Visit Beth's website: https://bethwiseman.com/

Follow her Facebook Fan Page  and Twitter Page

My Thoughts

Anna Byler's is raised by her grandparents. In her opinion they are the best  grandparents ever. Although to the young men that would like to invite her to the singing are give her a ride in their buggy her grandfather is unapproachable on the subject. Anna is totally ignorant of the young men's problem with her grandfather. That is until she overhears them talking about this very thing.  She gave them a good tongue lashing and informed them  they were wrong.  To her disappointment they were right. On top of this other people in their Amish community had problems with her grandfather being so strict when it came to the Old Order Ways of the Amish. You see her grandfather is the Bishop for their Amish Community.  

Anna even found out her grandmother was hiding things from her grandfather.  So, why is he being so strict? Doesn't he know he is alienating himself from the community?

When Jacob Hosetler moves to Paradise he is determined to change the Bishop's mind and court Anna.  With Anna, her grandmother and Jacob taking a stand to change the Bishop's strict ways they find they may have gotten in deeper than they ever expected. The Bishop is determined to stand his ground.

This was a fun read.  So much love in this family but the author has managed to create in them a very dysfunctional family.  She shows how seeds of deceit can tear not only a family apart but the whole community.  A tender loving man yet hard as a rock when it came to Old Order Ways. The character of the grandmother was so sweet yet she had a compulsive disorder.  The author has a wonderful and humorous  imagination when it comes to creating her characters.  

I wonder if we can see any of ourselves in any of these characters.  Like the seamstress that hoards fabric or the person that is obsessed with shoes.   I must admit I do see myself in that  I can not have enough books.  So you leave know wiggle room when it comes to the rules of house or church? 

I gladly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5+ out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

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.

A PRETTY AGE by Barbara Mueller ~ A Booksneeze Review

About Book

In 1910, a missionary visitor arrives at Sophiny Mumm’s convent boarding school in Concord, Kansas. Sophiny is smitten. Her best friend Antoinette Dominguez is not—and begins a series of strange behaviors breaking all the rules. In an ensuing investigation of puzzling enigmas, Sophiny has to use all the resources of emerging women’s rights, family relationships, social networks, the new technologies (telephone, photography, and transportation), and patron saints. A Pretty Age exposes the violence still underlying the Midwest’s supposed civilizing forces at the turn of the century (1910) through the emergence of two convent boarding school students into a world where weapons may have changed but the danger remains.

Publisher: WestBow Press
Published: 2/7/2013

• ISBN-13: 978-1449779559
• Pages: 282
• 
  

Where to purchase: WestBow Press Bookstore, Amazon, B&N

Read Excerpt here.


About Author

Barbara Mueller recently retired from teaching English at a Southern California community college. For twenty-eight years, she taught composition and literature courses, including critical thinking, women’s literature, and Bible as literature. She now has time to think about the larger issues of what her grandmothers left her and what she wants to leave her grandchildren. Barbara grew up in Kansas and attended the same convent boarding school her grandmother attended. She loved the experience, as she knows her grandmother did. This is her first novel inspired by that experience, but all names, places, and events have been fictionalized.

Visit Barbara's Facebook Page Here.

My Thoughts

I went to Catholic school but it was not an all girls school where the students lived at the school.  Thinking this read would be a walk down memory lane I was very much mistaken.  The main character in this book found herself attracted to a missionary monk that was visiting her school.  I found this uncomfortable.  The girls I went to school with may have had infatuations with boys their own age but I am pretty sure none of them lusted after the clergy.  I only read maybe a third of the way through the book and could not get into this story.  Maybe it was just me therefore would keep the interest of other readers.  To give the author credit the story was well written of what I read.  I just did not like the story line. 

Since I did not read the whole book I don't have the full picture of the book so it would not be right for me to recommend the book.  I hope to read the book in it's entirety at another time. 

I rated this book a 4 out of 5.  

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Booksneeze/WestBow Press for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

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

THE RIVER by Michael Neal

About Book

“You were made for The River . . .”

Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure.

But something holds him back—the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old—something no child should ever see.

Chains of fear and resentment imprison Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He remains trapped, afraid to take hold of the life awaiting him.

When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest—and bravest—thing he has ever done.

Read Chapter 1,2 & 3 here

The River Discussion Kit

Publication Date	September 18, 2012
Publishes by	Thomas Nelson
ISBN-10	1401688489
ISBN-13	9781401688486

Where to buy: Thomas Nelson Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com

About Author

Gifted writer, performer, and masterful storyteller are all phrases used to describe Michael Neale.

With the highly anticipated September 2012 release of his first novel The River, as well as a second book, Your Great Name, which releases in October 2012, Michael is finding more and more ways to share his gift of storytelling as an author.

As a Dove Award-Winning songwriter, his songs have been recorded by artists such as Michael W. Smith (“Rise Above”), Natalie Grant (“Your Great Name,” Worship Song of the Year in 2012), Rebecca St. James (“In A Moment”), Todd Agnew (“I Need No Other”), and Phillips, Craig and Dean (“Saved the Day”), to name a few.

Michael divides his time among leading worship in churches, songwriting, and being a featured leader and teacher at conferences around the country. In between his travels, Michael serves on the team of Worship Leaders at Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where he lives with his wife Leah, and their three children Micah, Maisie, and Wyatt.

My Thoughts

I love this quote from the book "Life is not to be merely survived--it is meant to be lived." 

One of my favorite excerpts from the book is on page 272 where Gabriel is sitting outside with Ezra looking out at THE RIVER.  Don't read it until you have read up to that page!  It will move you beyond measure.

~ ~ ~

When Gabriel Clarke was five years old he watched THE RIVER take his father.  Ever since that day Gabriel has flashback, reliving that day which causes him to to to a special place deep inside of himself.  Gabriel has bad days when the memories haunt him. Even his friends are aware that Gabriel is different at times and it has something to do with THE RIVER and his father.  His best friend Jimmy seems to always have his back.  

Gabriel and him mom rent a place from Mister Earl and his wife on a farm in Kansas which is nothing like Colorado where he had lived with his father. 

As Gabriel turns twenty he is even more restless than ever.  He is working at the five and dime but he wants so much more for himself.  Then one day at work he receives a call from his old friend Jimmy.  Jimmy wants Gabriel to go on a trip camping and rafting with some buddies in Colorado.   Gabriel was hesitant at first then decided it would be good to get away.  

When they got to the campsite Gabriel meets THE RIVER  that has haunted him for years.  

Will Gabriel go back into that secret place deep within himself or will he face his fears and THE RIVER?

This is a beautiful heart wrenching story of loss, redemption and coming face to face with ones fears. The author shows how friends and family can be instrumental in God's plan to heal an  injured lost soul.  This story may even be instrumental in helping other injured lost souls. Maybe that is even you. There are many ways to become lost.

I HIGHLY recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson 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.

The Scent of Rain By Kristin Billerbeck

About Book:

When deprived of her most prized sense, Daphne discovers a life she never expected, right under her nose.

Daphne Sweeten has left Paris – and a career she loves – in order to marry a man she loves even more. But when he stands her up on their wedding day, Daphne’s left reeling. Trained as a professional “nose” or perfume creator, Daphne soon realizes that her sense of smell has somehow disappeared too.

In the days following she moves to Dayton, Ohio, to take on a job creating fragrances for household products. Without her sense of smell, she must rely on her chemistry skills, and hope her handsome new boss, Jesse Lightner, doesn’t notice before she can figure out how to get it back.

Despite her desire to return to Paris, she can’t deny the way Jesse makes her feel. But when Daphne approaches former contacts, she learns her missing ex-fiancé has somehow snagged her old job.

As Daphne and Jesse work on a signature scent for their new line, she feels God at work in her life as never before. And the promise of what is possible is as fresh as the scent of rain.

Length	320 Pages
Publication Date	August 7, 2012
Company	Thomas Nelson
ISBN-10	140168565X
ISBN-13	9781401685652

Where to buy:  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

About Kristin:   I grew up with a strong sense of justice.  I simply knew the way things should be.  And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist.  My childhood was slightly confusing.  I blame my parents for this.  Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything.  I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.
	Okay, probably not.  I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage.  My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right.  How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society.  I, however, failed miserably.  For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet!  That is eternal optimism! My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life.  The indulgent life.  How to eat, shop and be merry.  My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction).  My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones.  Tastefully, of course.  I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.
I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”.  He is German.  Practical.   And a Contributing Member of Society.  I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags. Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them.  The circle of life.  Dysfunctional family style. Kristin's website: http://www.kristinbillerbeck.com/

My Thoughts

Daphne has been stood up. Not stood up on a date, she has been stood up at the alter. The groom nor his family ever showed up at the church.

The only thing she feels right now is humiliated. It is as is she is in a daze unable to move. So many things are racing through her mind.

• Had she not seen this coming?
• He was so attentive and told her he loved her. 
• Her father bought them a house and they were suppose to move into it after the honeymoon.
• What about the new job they were suppose to start? 
• They were to be working for same company. 
• She left her dream job as a nose, scent specialist, in Paris, France in order to marry him and live in the States.  

She needed to stop and  pray for God to give her peace!

As the day comes close to an end she realizes she can't smell anything. It must be from all the stress. Great now she would be stressed that her smell would not come back before she starts her new job. She was hired for her nose surely she would have her smell back once to started the new job.

She decided she was not going to sit around feeling sorry for herself. She was going to start her new job. But she would not move into the house right away she would get a hotel room instead. When she gets into town she would go straight to her new workplace. 

What a shock her new boss is handsome. So far so good!  She does not understand how she could feel attracted to this man when she was just dumped. She better concentrate on concealing the fact that she still could not smell anything. She also wanted to find out if her ex-fiance showed up for his new job. This was definitely going to be awkward.

This book was suspenseful and kept me trying to solve the mystery of the absence of the almost groom.  There surely was more to the story than a missing groom .  

The author did a great job in the creation of the main characters They showed their Christianity right from the beginning. They had so much faith in God and believed He was leading them to this town and community. God had a plan for their lives and they had to learn to be at peace with His plan. They sought out this peace in prayer and through the comfort of their fellow Christians.

I recommend this book.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book from Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson for review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is my own opinion.

Vote yes or no if you found this review helpful. here

THROUGH RUSHING WATER by Catherine Richmond

About Catherine

I was busy raising a family, working as an occupational therapist, and trying to remember where I hid the chocolate, when a song sparked a story within me. The journey to publication has been long, but full of blessings. I couldn’t have done it without ACFW, RWA, and FHL, the inspirational chapter of RWA, and Nebraska Novelists critique group.

I was born in Washington, DC, grew up in northern Virginia, attended Western Michigan University, and moved around a lot for my husband’s aviation career. Maybe our paths have crossed; shoot me an email and we’ll figure it out!

My favorite place to write is the porch. Then I reward myself with reading time in my air chair – and chocolate, of course!


Through Rushing Water 
by Catherine Richmond

Thomas Nelson Publishers

Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory.

Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.

With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.

It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When U.S. policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.


My Thoughts

In 1876 Sophia Makinoff is teaching at a college and is soon to be engaged to a U.S.Congressman. To be the wife or even fiancee was just a fabrication of her own making. Congressman Montgomery chose her roommate and friend instead of her. Annabelle a complete and utter mistake for the wife to a U.S.Congressman when everyone knew Sophia would have been the best choice. How would she face her students and faculty?  She was utterly humiliated.

She decides to volunteer to be a missionary in the far east. But instead she is assigned as teacher to the children of Ponca Indian Agency in the Dakota Territory. She had every intention in requesting to be re-assigned to the far east rather than stay in Dakota Territory. It does not take long for her to fall in love with the Ponca Indians especially the children she is teaching. She knew this was the mission God had meant for her to serve.

Willoughby Dunn was the agency carpenter and also loved the Poncas. He had appointed himself as  protector to the new school teacher and was at her beck and call. She tried to ignore his her new shadow but soon she felt her heart warming to this special man. It was Sophia's job to teach the children about the white man's world and ways. And it was Will's job to teach the men to build houses, barns and many other things that were needed to live in a white man's world. But all of this was almost impossible to do without the clothing, blankets, supplies, tools, rations and money.  These were things the government had promised the Poncas. On top of that they had no way to defend  themselves from other tribes attacking them.

Sophia and Will worked hard to get what was absolutely necessary for survival for the Poncas to get through the bitter cold winter, sickness and near starvation. They refused to give up on their mission.

This is a heart wrenching story of neglect and abuse against the Ponca Agency. The author was very thorough in her description of the conditions and neglect the Poncas were forced to endure. The author provides many facts of this historical event.

If you are more interested do a search of The Ponca Agency in the Dakota Territory. Here is a link if you want to learn more. White Eagle was the hereditary chief of the Poncas when they came to Indian Territory in 1877. As chief, he led the Poncas in their last war against the Sioux before they left Dakota Territory and Nebraska. He was also the medicine man and religious advisor. White eagle led the "hot country" Poncas, those who chose to remain in Indian Territory, for 50 years.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

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

The Beauty Book: The Lily Series by Nancy Rue

About Nancy


Nancy Rue is the author of over 100 books for adults and teens, including the Christy Award-winning The Reluctant Prophet, Unexpected Dismounts and Healing Waters (with Steve Arterburn), which was the 2009 Women of Faith Novel of the Year. She travels extensively—at times on the back of a Harley—speaking to and teaching groups of women of all ages. Nancy lives on a lake in Tennessee with her Harley-ridin’ husband, Jim, and their two yellow Labs (without whom writing would be difficult).


Website: http://www.nancyrue.com/ 

About Book


Learn with Lily and her friends just what it means to be beautiful in God’s eyes—inside and out! 


In a society so focused on the idea that external beauty reigns supreme, it can be difficult for young girls to figure out what “true” beauty is all about. This unique and creative book for girls ages 7–11 answers the common questions girls ask during this often confusing and overwhelming stage in their lives in an inviting and conversational manner.


Filled with fun quizzes, imaginative activities, and cool illustrations, The Beauty Book offers cool, relevant information about everything from great hair styles to tattoos, from skin care to clothes, and much more. Above all, the message that God-confidence is beautiful is highlighted on each and every page.


Where to Buy: Amazon


Length   112 Pages 
Series    The Lily Series 
Publication Date   May 1, 2012
Publisher   Thomas Nelson 
ISBN-10 140031948X 
ISBN-13 9781400319480


My Thoughts


Lily has learned that we should be proud of the gifts God gave us whether it be red hair or large lips. He has made us in his image. He has given us these body to care for. Our bodies are temples of God.


The Lily series for girls 7-11 years old is not only inspiring but pure fun. This Beauty Book is a great addition to the series. It is somewhat of a activity workbook. A companion journal would be good with this book. I raised four daughters and this would be a fun book to share with girlfriends asking each other the questions from the book. They can experiment with some of the activities like styling their hair and giving each other manicures and pedicures. This book will also help girls build there self-esteem and teach them proper hygiene.


I recommend this book for young girls.

      RATED 4 OUT OF 5

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book from Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

Booksneeze Review: Here's Lily (Lily Series) by Nancy Rue

About Nancy

Nancy Rue is the author of 110 books, including 9 novels for adults, 17 for teens, and 60 for tween readers, as well as 2 parenting books, 32 non-fiction books for tweens and teens, and the features for the FaithGirlz Bible. Her Lily Series, published by Zondervan, has sold well over one million copies. Her ability to relate to a wide audience has made her a popular radio and television guest and an in-demand speaker and teacher for writer's conferences across the country. She has been a regular keynoter for The Young Writer's Institute and Virtuous Reality Ministries, and now anchors Zondervan's Beauty of Believing Tour for FaithGirlz, which draws thousands of tween girls and their moms. Nancy is also the founder of the "Writing for Children and Youth Conference" in Glen Eyrie, Colorado. Her latest titles include The Reluctant Prophet for adult readers (David C. Cook) Limos, Lattes, and My Life On the Fringe (Zondervan) for teens, and That Is SO Me (Zondervan), a year-long devotional for tweens. A student of the Academy for Spiritual Formation, sponsored by the Upper Room, Nancy continues her own spiritual journey even as she writes and speaks for mothers, daughters, and would-be writers about theirs.

For more information, visit her website at www.nancyrue.com

About Book

Reading level: Ages 7 and up Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
(May 1, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1400319498
ISBN-13: 978-1400319497

Grow with the spirited, sometimes awkward, but always charming Lily as she learns what real beauty is. In this fun, entertaining story, readers meet awkward sixth grader Lily Robbins who, after receiving a compliment about her looks from a woman in the modeling business, becomes obsessed with her appearance and with becoming a model. As she sets her sights on winning the model search fashion show, she exchanges her rock and feather collection for lip gloss, fashion magazines, and a private “club” with her closest friends. But when the unthinkable happens the night before the fashion show, Lily learns a valuable lesson about real beauty. This best-selling, Biblically based fiction series for girls—with a fresh new look and updated content—addresses social issues and coming-of-age topics, all with the spunk and humor of Lily Robbins as she fumbles her way through unfamiliar territory. As readers come to love Lily and her stories, they’ll also benefit from the companion nonfiction books that will help them through their own growing pains.

Where to Buy
Christianbook.com
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts

Lily has fire red hair, a milk white complexion and large lips. She is now in the sixth grade and between being teased by her brothers and a boy at school Lily has come to see herself as anything but pretty. Then one day a modeling agent comes to her school to share with the sixth grade girls about poise, caring for their hair, skin and how to pick the right closes for their person. But the most important thing she wanted to share with them was self-esteem.  All of the girls were surprised when the lady chose Lily to be her model which shocked Lily and the other girls to no end.  Lily left the class with self-esteem she never had before.  She wanted to share this with her friends that seemed to have had the same problems as she had. They started a club calling it Girlz.

She gets an amazing surprise that could change her life and then events happen that could discourage Lily on her new quest.  I know you want to find out how this ends.

This book is geared for 7 yrs and up.  We I am 60 up and I enjoyed the book very much.  I think every young girl should read this book.  Parents you should even read this book it will clue you in on how to raise self-esteem in your daughters.

The author brings up what a difficult time this is for young girls when they are going through so many new changes and challenges in their life. She even bring up the issue about bullying.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 

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

Review: Dawn Comes Early (The Brides of Last Chance Ranch Series) by Margaret Brownley

About Margaret

Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this, except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction."

It turns out God was and Margaret did. She now has more than 20 novels to her credit. In addition, she's written many Christian articles and a non-fiction book. Still, it took a lot of prodding from God before Margaret tried her hand at writing inspirational fiction which led to her Rocky Creek series. "I love writing about characters at different stages of faith," she says of the new direction her writing career has taken, "and I'm here to stay."

Happily married to her real-life hero, Margaret and her husband live in Southern California.

Authors Website http://www.margaretbrownley.com/

About Book

Looking for a woman of good character and pleasant disposition willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona territory. Must be SINGLE and prepared to remain so now and forever more. Will be given ownership of ranch. —Eleanor Walker

Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest book for a fresh start at a cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory. She hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.

But what awaits her is a much harder life. There is no room for mistakes on a working cattle ranch in 1895, and Kate is ill-prepared for her new life. She quickly learns that dawn comes early . . . every day. But she is tenacious.

Having been abandoned by a string of men, Kate has no intention of ever marrying. But she didn’t expect to meet Luke Adams either. Luke awakens feelings inside Kate she doesn’t recognize, and his steady presence is a constant distraction. She has only written about love in the past, never known it herself. But her feelings for Luke stand in the way of all she has to gain if she is chosen as the heir.

Perhaps God brought Kate to the barrenness of the desert to give new life to her jaded heart.


More Information

Length 352 Pages
Series The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series
Publication Date March 13, 2012
Company
Thomas Nelson
ISBN-10 1595549684
ISBN-13 9781595549686

Reason to Smile Contest here




My Thoughts 


Kate Tenney has a passion for writing dime novels.  Not only has she had one her novels rejected but it has been banned.  She might as well been banned herself by the way everyone was treating her since they found out about her book.   So she decides to answer an advertisement in the newspaper.


Looking for a woman of good character and pleasant disposition willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona territory. Must be SINGLE and prepared to remain so now and forever more. Will be given ownership of ranch. —Eleanor Walker


Kate packs up and heads out to Arizona Territory in hopes of becoming the heiress of Last Chance Ranch.  When she becomes a land owner of a cattle ranch everyone that looked down on her will see she is as good or better than them.    


When Kate steps off the train in Cactus Patch the town looks deserted and there is not anyone there to take her to the ranch.  She drags her trunk closer into town and is accosted by a bandit Cactus Joe. He had a gun and he was shooting at everything.  She is knocked unconscious and when she comes to she was being doused with water by a very handsome man that she mistook for Brandon the hero in her novel.  But it was the towns handsome blacksmith, Luke Adams.   He let her know that he was very concerned about her injuries and volunteered to give her a ride out to the Last Chance Ranch.  He felt a responsibility towards her and found her very attractive.  


When she arrived at the ranch she found that as a stipulation of becoming the heiress she would have to learn the ranching business from the bottom up, literally.  Her first assignment was to muck out thirty stalls.  Then she had to learn how to ride a horse western style.  Which was pretty hard because she kept falling off the horse.  Once she was able to keep her seat she was to learn how to rope and then be able to rope a calf.  She also had to help in birthing calves.  She worked from sun up to sundown sometimes longer. Her mentor was a ranch hand by the name of Ruckus and he had a bible verse for just about every time he talked to someone.  But Kate had stopped trusting God when she was very young.  She felt as if God had abandoned her as a child.


Luke visited the ranch and she had to run errands for the ranch into town which included to the blacksmiths.  Kate and Luke realized they had a hankering for each other.  But Kate's mother had drilled into her head that men could not be trusted.  Besides she had vowed to Eleanor the ranch owner that she would remain single or forfeit the ranch.  


The character Ruckus was a sower and sowed seeds of faith, hope and trust in Kate.  Will she trust in God and grow in faith?  Will she hope for more than land?


This was a fun book with many metaphors from the ranch hands. Which they call tall tales.  


There were many colorful characters like Cactus Joe, Aunt Lula-Belle, Aunt Bessie and let's not forget the ranch hands. 


I Highly recommend this book.


I rated this book a 5 out of 5.


Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson/Booksneeze for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

A Booksneeze Review: An Amish Wedding

An Amish Wedding
by Beth Wiseman, 
Kathleen Fuller, 
Kelly Long

Published December 20th 2011
by Thomas Nelson
An Amish Wedding







About Book:


Three Amish women yearn for the perfect wedding.

"A Perfect Plan" by Beth Wiseman

Priscilla King has been planning to marry Chester Lapp since she was sixteen years old, and when Chester proposes on Priscilla's nineteenth birthday, wedding plans begin immediately. What wasn't planned was all the problems the couple encounters as their big day approaches. A house disaster, a ruined wedding dress, and a sick attendant all make the couple wonder if God's sending them signs to call things off.

"The Perfect Match" by Kathleen Fuller

Naomi Fisher has had great success at matchmaking her family members and friends. Now with her sister's wedding right around the corner, Naomi wonders why she's able to find husbands for her friends and family, but not one for herself.

"The Perfect Secret" by Kelly Long

Rose Bender has recently become engaged to handsome but somber Luke Raber. She agrees out of a sense of duty and a willingness to settle for solid friendship as a basis for the engagement. But as she watches her friend's excitement over her soon-to-be wedding, Rose wonders if there shouldn't be more to her relationship with Luke. She begins to examine Luke and his life more closely and is amazed when she stumbles upon an exciting, secret side of him that engages her mind and heart.

About this author Beth Wiseman
Beth is a Carol Award Winner, Inspirational Readers Choice Winner, INSPY Winner, and the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. All of her books have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller list and the CBA (Christian Book Association) bestseller list. She grew up in Houston, Texas and now resides in a small town west of Houston with a population of around 300. She lives with her husband, two dogs, two cats, two pot bellied pigs, two chickens and a pygmy goat. Her two grown sons also live in Texas.

Beth has been writing in some capacity for most of her life. She's a former award-winning journalist with eleven honors, including 'First Place News Writing' for The Texas Press Association. However, writing love stories with a spiritual message is where her heart is.

When Beth isn't writing (which is seldom these days) she enjoys traveling, cooking, fishing, reading, or just settling in for a good movie. Her best times are spent with family and friends!

You can now follow Beth Wiseman on Twitter!
www.twitter.com/bethwiseman

About this author Kathleen Fuller
I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, lived in Geneva, Ohio for 16 years and now make my home in lovely Cabot, Arkansas. I've been married to James for 17 wonderful years (really, they have been wonderful!) We have three terrific children and four dogs. e have also raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. We would have gone into the goat business, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I started writing in 2000, and published my first short story a year later. Since then I have authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and have done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I have also worked as an editor. I have a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I have taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 18. A few of my favorite things: my relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don't take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did I mention chocolate?

About this author
Kelly Long was born and raised in North Central Pennsylvania. There was an Amish hitching post at the small grocery store in her town. She loves to write Amish romance and is the author of novel, Sarah's Garden, the novella Amish Christmas Expanded Edition with some other great Amish authors, Amish Love with Beth Wiseman and Kathy Fuller, and Lilly's Wedding Quilt--the sequel to Sarah's Garden. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and children.




My Review:
In the first story "A Perfect Plan" by Beth Wiseman, Prisilla King is faced with so many distractions as she plans her wedding with Chester Lapp. She becomes a doubting Thomas and is afraid all these things are bad omen which is not in her belief. She pray for God's will be done if she is to marry Chester. Fear is our enemy it can cause us to be blinded to God's will.


I rate this story a five out of five.




In the second story "The Perfect Match" by Kathleen Fuller, Naomi Fisher has a gift for matchmaking. But this gift does not work for herself. She fears will be an old maid never to marry. But the tables turn on her when she is trying to be a matchmaker for a friend and a so called best man that is in town for her sisters wedding. She seemed to think her will was greater than God's will. II like the way the story unfolded.


I rate this story a five out of five.




In the third story "The Perfect Secret" by Kelly Long, Rose Bender is to marry Luke Raber.
But he is so laid back and somewhat boring. She was expecting a little more romance since they become engaged. Then things start to get strange when she starts fantasizing about him and he is fantasizing about her. But they can't seem to be honest with each other about their true feelings. This is a really cute story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.


I rate this story a five out of five.

*********

I highly recommend this book.


I rate the book a five out of five.


Disclosure:
I was provided a copy for review from Booksneeze. I was in no way compensated for my review it is my own opinion.


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