“Amish Sweethearts” by Leslie Gould

Posted on March 15, 2016 by Becky

Book Cover Amish Sweethearts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impossible Love

Children Playing Free Use - Copy

Zane and Lila grew up together, and have loved each other since childhood.  As neighbors, they spent their lives close in both distance, and in their hearts.  Even though they have shared their deepest thoughts and interests, they have also shared the knowledge that a relationship with each other would never work.  Lila is Amish, and Zane is not.  He is an Englischer, as her community calls non-Amish people, an outsider.  A bit like Romeo and Juliet, they have a forbidden love.

When Lila was seventeen, Zane declared his love to her, and tried to get her to leave with him.  She refused, and told Zane to go far away.  Stunned by her rejection, and not thinking clearly, he does the one thing he swore he never would, he joined the Army.

Broken HeartNow, a few years later, Zane is going to be sent to Afghanistan, with the very real possibility he might lose his life.  He is also leaving with a heavy heart knowing he has never gotten over his love for Lila.  Sadly, too, he thinks Lila has moved on.  In the years since Zane left, Lila has been courting Reuben.  In reality, she doesn’t love him.   However, Lila knows marrying Reuben will please her strict father, plus she hopes that eventually, she will love him.

This is an amazing story that takes you from the peaceful Amish countryside, to the war-torn areas of Afghanistan.  When reading it, you will feel like you are there, too.  Amish ways, life-style and responsibilities are clearly portrayed through Lila’s eyes.  The author’s words paint a very vivid picture of life for the soldiers, along with the civilians, in war-torn Afghanistan.  It is not hard to imagine how difficult it is for both sides to trust each other, and how one wrong decision can cost the loss of lives.

It is also easy to understand the frustration Zane and Lila feel when it comes to making Man Silhouette with Stars Joy Free Use - Copyplans for their future, a life that doesn’t include each other.  It doesn’t seem possible that the two of them will ever be able to find true happiness with, or without each other. With Zane in the Army, marriage to him would require Lila to leave the Amish community and church–and she refuses to do that.  Amazingly with a surprising twist in the story, there is a happy ending.  I must give you fair warning though, once you pick up this book, you will have a hard time putting it down.  I highly recommend this 5-star book to anyone who enjoys well-written fiction.

The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Amish Sweethearts through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Blog:  http://www.lesliegould.com/

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lesliegouldauthor

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/lesliejeangould

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“The Red Door Inn” by Liz Johnson

Posted on March 10, 2016 by Becky

Book Cover The Red Door Inn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Good Place to Hide?

When Jack first sees Marie, she looks more lost, and alone than anyone he has seen in his Paints Cans & Brush Cartoon Free Useseventy plus years.  Thin, freezing, and obviously hungry, Jack knows he has to help her, but how?   His attempts to talk with her have been met with a stone wall.  She obviously wants to get on the Prince Edward Island Ferry Jack is getting ready to board, but she just as apparently doesn’t have any money.  Amazingly, he finally gets her to talk when he asks her about paint colors.

With that shaky beginning, Jack gets Marie to agree to work for him.  He needs lots of help picking colors, and selecting furniture for the Bed and Breakfast he promised his late wife he would buy.   Fixing up the old house he bought is harder, and costing more, than Jack thought.  His nephew Seth has also come to help with renovations.  Seth doesn’t trust Marie.  He thinks her secretive nature is just a cover for a con she is going to use to take away Jack’s assets, and the Inn.

Ocean, Waves & Rainbow Free UseGrouchy Seth, worried Jack, and a fragile Marie attempt to work together to make this ramshackle old house into a Bed and Breakfast that will attract guests, and make a profit.  But one calamity after another hampers their progress, and drain what little money Jack has left.

As Marie soaks in the serene island vistas, and gazes at the rhythmic ocean waves, will peace come to her tortured soul–can she let God love her?  For Jack’s sake, can Marie sacrifice herself?  Will the danger she fears catch up with her on this peaceful island?

This story has beautiful descriptions of Prince Edward Island, and its people.  Despite the overwhelming odds that keep getting stacked against the Inn, you will be pulling for it to succeed, and want to go there yourself.  The Aretha Franklin character, along with her shop, are a delight, and fun to read about.  The Red Door Inn is the first book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series, but this story stands on its own.  Although this tale is told in a family friendly way, the subject of rape is covered.  Because of that, I would suggest this 5-star book be read by adult readers, or mature teens.  If you would like to escape to a beautiful ocean-side village, I recommend The Red Door Inn.

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The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Red Door Inn, through Revell Publishing for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Website:  http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lizjohnsonbooks

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/lizjohnsonbooks

 

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“20 Things We’d Tell Our Twenty-Something Selves” by Kelli and Peter Worrall

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Becky

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A Time for Everything

Many people reach their twenties and think, “I’m grown-up now, therefore, I should have Card Stack Lifeall the answers.”  But that thinking will only set one up for disappointment.  The husband and wife team of Kelli and Peter Worrall, have written this book to help navigate this time period.  It is the advice they wish someone would have told them when they were that age.

Even though someone is in their twenties, a lot of learning will still take place, especially about living life as an adult.  Mistakes will be made, but that is not a sign of failure.  The course of one’s life can be set during this time, and then it can be changed again.  Life in this decade is a time of mastering relationships, possibly moving, picking a career, or a myriad of other things.  It is a time of education, exploring, and change.

This book is a tool that might help you maneuver through obstacles in your life.  Besides the twenty points of advice the authors give, each chapter ends with actions to mull over, along with some reading or media material to consider.

Bride & Groom ClipArt Free UseA couple of the topics the authors’ include are patience and worry.  Kelli tells how hard it was to wait until she was twenty-nine to finally meet the person she would marry.  Before she met her future husband, she worried she never would find a spouse.  The temptation was strong to push relationships that weren’t “right,” to become more serious.  She also states that some friends gave in to that impulse, and have ended up in unhappy marriages, or even divorce court.

The couple shares the ups and downs each of them individually faced in their twenties.  They include faith journeys each one traveled through, and questions they had about God.  They assure the reader it is alright to ask hard questions about God, He can take it, and there is nothing wrong with wanting answers.  Both of them relate hard things that happened in their childhoods, and how that shaped some of the things they did during their twenties.

I recommend this 5-star book to people who need help with direction or information in their lives.  My best council would be to look to God for direction in life.  Even if you doubt His Question with Peopleexistence, stay open to the wisdom and advice that can be found in the Bible.  The authors advise to remain teachable.  In that spirit, your parents can also be a rich source of advice.  As Mark Twain has been credited with saying:

“When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around.  But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”

The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of 20 Things We’d Tell Our Twenty-Something Selves, through Moody Publishing for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Website:  www.PeterandKelli.org

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PeterandKelli?fref=ts

Author’s Twitter Kelli:  https://twitter.com/KelliWorrall

Author’s Twitter Peter:  https://twitter.com/peterjworrall

 

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“The Gift of Friendship” by Dawn Camp

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Becky

Book Cover The Gift of Friendship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank You for Being My Friend

Do you remember what you did the last time you were with a friend?   The Gift of Friendship We Need FriendsYou can probably recite where you were, and how you felt about it, even if it was long ago.  No doubt that memory will cause you to recall other times you were with a friend, too.  Friendships with others are important to us, whether it is with someone you haven’t known for long, or with someone that goes back for years.  This book explores the kaleidoscope of types of friendships that can exist, and just like fingerprints, no two relationships are alike.

The Gift of Friendship is a compilation of over fifty, true short stories from a variety women sharing their friendships.  The editor has divided them into nine different categories, such as  “pursuing friendship” to “old friends.”  Some of these tales will cause you to giggle, some will bring a lump to your throat, but many, if not all, will touch your heart.

We may not recall the great buy we found a couple of years ago, or the way to drive to Entertained Angels 2 Free Usea particular spot, but the memories we have from the people in our lives–our friendships–will stay with us forever.  Friendships are important to us, and how they make us feel, resonate to our very core.

I enjoyed this book, it is easy to read, and many of the stories are easy to identify with.  God created us to be in relationships, just as the book of Hebrews reminds us, “ And let us not neglect our meeting together…”

Open this book, and enjoy the gift of friendship as experienced by many different people, in a variety of circumstances.  After you’re done, you might be inspired to reach out to your friend, whether it be via the post office, the telephone, or one of today’s many social media options.  This 5-star book would be a nice gift to give a friend, or as a gift to give to yourself.The Gift of Friendship We are Better Together

The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Gift of Friendship, through Revell Publishing for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Website:  http://myhomesweethomeonline.net/

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/myhomesweethomeonline

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DawnMHSH

 

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“A Sweet Misfortune” by Maggie Brendan

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Becky

Book A Sweet Misfortune

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hold On a Minute Cowboy!

One minute, Rachel is dancing on the stage of the Wild Horse Saloon.  The next minute, aCowboy on Brown Horse Free Use - Copy big cowboy has thrown her over his shoulder, jumped on a horse, and galloped off with her full-speed across the Montana countryside.  Rachel doesn’t know what he has in mind, but does her best to get away from him.  Ultimately, she discovers this big cowboy, John, is her brother Preston’s friend, and he “kidnapped” her at her brother’s request.  Preston didn’t want her working at a saloon, and begged John to rescue her.

The only thing Rachel has cared about since her parents died, was making enough money to get her family’s ranch back.  Working at the saloon was her only choice.  Unbeknownst to Rachel, Preston had John pay the back taxes on their ranch.  This was done with the agreement that John would get their ranch if the tax money wasn’t repaid by a certain date, and the time is almost up.  To make matters worse, Rachel hasn’t heard from Preston for months.  Rachel doesn’t know if she is more upset with John for not giving her more time to get the money to pay him back, or Preston for being unreachable and making this deal with John.

Saloon Old West Free UseRachel makes friends with John’s grandmother, Estelle, who gives her a job in her millinery shop.  Estelle would like to get Rachel, along with her grandson together, but John appears to be courting someone else.  Also, he looks down on Rachel for working in the saloon, and the two of them don’t seem to get along.  Rachel is satisfied working with Estelle, and trying to get some of the other girls away from the saloon work.  She hopes if they understand their worth in God’s eyes, they will want a new life.

Montana in the 1860’s has lots of eligible bachelors.  Rachel is surprised to find herself with multiple suitors, three of them, including the town pastor.  But will any of them make her heart flutter, even a little?  Or will she settle for a marriage with someone who will give her a good home?  None of it may matter though, when a heart attack, pneumonia or a whiteout snow storm may be the end of some, if not all of them.Snowflace Blue Free Use

A Sweet Misfortune is the second book in the Virtues and Vices series, but it is a tale that can stand alone.  This book will appeal to those who like romances, but others readers will like it, as well, since it also includes a bit of danger, intrigue, and fun. I recommend this wholesome 5-star book to those wanting a well-written fictional tale set in the Old West.

The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of A Sweet Misfortune, through Revell Publishing for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Website:  http://maggiebrendan.blogspot.com/p/about-maggie.html

Author’s Blog:   http://southernbellewriter.blogspot.com

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MaggieBrendan/

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/maggiebrendan

 

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“The Prophetess” by Jill Eileen Smith

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Becky

Book Cover The Prophetess

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“And God Chose What the World Thinks Weak…”

Can a woman tell a man what to do?  How about an entire country, would they listen to her?  What if this woman lived thousands of years ago, when men treated women like property; what would the chances be of a woman being in charge then? This is the story of Deborah, a beautiful woman living in an arranged marriage, who had just such a thing happen to her.  This woman heard from God, and the entire nation followed what she said.Palm Trees Four Cartoon Free Use - Copy (2)

Deborah was an ordinary woman with a headstrong teenage daughter, and a husband whom she appreciated, but had never learned to love.  But she was also an extraordinary woman who sat beneath a palm tree to listen to people who had come from all over the nation to seek her advice and judgment.

The times Deborah lived in were scary.  A brutal enemy of Israel, Sisera, had been mounting terrorist attacks against them for years.  Barak, the leader of Israel’s army, wanted to go to war, but waited for Deborah to tell him when God said to go.  The longer he waited, the more Barak questioned following Deborah.

In the meantime, the people of Israel tried to live invisibly.  No festivals or wedding celebrations had been held in years for fear of signaling Sisera of their location.  When he did discover any of them, he usually swept down killing some, and captured many to be tortured. Despite Deborah warning the Israelites to stop worshiping foreign idols, many Chariot Weathervane Free Use - Copystill did not turn to God with their whole hearts.  While attempting to lead the nation, even into war, Deborah also tries to protect her headstrong, attractive daughter from capture.

This is an amazing story based on Deborah’s Biblical story in The Book of Judges.  It has romance, love, action, war and miracles from God.  Although the author used poetic license when recounting this tale, the underlying anchor of the danger of turning away from God, along with the unusual circumstance of having a woman leading Israel remain.  This tale is fast paced, and will draw you in, and keep you turning the pages to the end. The author brings this portion of the Bible vividly to life, and you will never look at this story the same again.  I highly recommend this 5-star book to anyone who likes well-written stories based on historical events.

The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Prophetess, through Revell Publishing for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong.  1 Corinthians 1:27

Author’s Website:   http://www.jilleileensmith.com/

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jilleileensmith

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JillEileenSmith

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“Beautiful Uncertainty” by Mandy Hale

Posted on February 12, 2016 by Becky

Book Cover Beautiful Uncertainty

I Will Survive! Beautiful Uncertainity Stop Waiting & State Living

Are you single and unhappy?  Have you put your life on hold until you encounter “the one,” and get married?  Well, meet Mandy Hale, she has been where you are, and has the stories to prove it.

Mandy is a very transparent author who writes about life as a single woman.  She shares her dreams, hopes, dramas and disappointments.  She talks about the heartache of devoting years of her life to a man, whom she refers to as Mr. E, with whom she had an on-again-off-again relationship.  In many ways it was more like a cat playing with a mouse.

Beautiful Uncertainity God Doesn't Want You To Settle Pink FrameFrom the first page in this volume, you will feel like you have grabbed Mandy’s hand, and become her friend and confidant.  This book is about finding herself, making new memories, taking a different direction in life, and being okay with that.  She is very open about her successes and failures.  Included is her quest to get closer to God.  When working towards that goal, she shares the story of the time she bought, and ate lunch with, The Lord of the Universe.  Experience with her the joy she had in another instance when she bought a simple meal for a homeless man.

Her advice is to concentrate on listening, and building a relationship with, God.  That will get you through all the times of your life–both the good and the bad.  Doing that will give you your ultimate happiness.  God will direct your path, whether that be to continue as a single person, or be in a relationship.  Either way, you will have peace–that peace that Jesus promises His followers.  These things have worked for Mandy, and they will work for you, too.

I liked this book, and think it will provide a lot of hope for those who are in despair about the state of their love life.  This easy-to-read book offers things to think about, as well as, some prayer suggestions.  Mandy has made a name for herself on social media with her many Twitter account followers, and her popular blog, The Single Woman, where she chronicles her life.  This 5-star book offers more in-depth information about her life, the state of her happiness, and how she got there.  I recommend it to anyone who is dissatisfied with their life as a single person, and would like some uplifting advice.Beautiful Uncertainity Thank God You Didn't SettleThomas Nelson Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of  Beautiful Uncertainty for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Blog:  http://thesinglewoman.net/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TheSingleWoman

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheSingleWoman

The Author’s Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/thesinglewoman/

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“Always Watching” by Lynette Eason

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Becky

Book Cover Always Watching

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ever Feel Like Somebody’s Watching You?Tuxedo Man Free Use

Wade Savage has it all.  This single dad is good looking, rich, an excellent psychiatrist, and hosts a popular radio show.  He also has something else:  a stalker, one who has been steadily becoming more dangerous.

At first, the gifts and notes Wade had been getting were thought to be from a fan of his show. But then they took a more sinister turn, and began to be directed at his twelve-year-old daughter, Amy, as well.  Whoever is doing this knows their daily schedules, their favorite foods, even the exact size clothing Amy wears.  The evidence is mounting that the stalker must be someone who knows them well, maybe even a trusted friend, but who?

Gifts Wrapped Free UseWade now finds Amy and himself in the midst of a tsunami of peril as danger from the stalker seems to escalate by the minute.  Despite a crack team of private body guards, along with help from the police, the murderous attempts against them are rapidly increasing.  Can they figure out who is behind this before anyone is killed?

The case is made more complicated because of Amy’s panic attacks.  Up until now, following a predictable schedule has helped her have less episodes.  However, one of the best ways to protect the Savage family is to change their routines, making it harder for the stalker to find them.  Wade is concerned changing things will hurt Amy, but he wants them to be safe, too.  Which option will he choose?

This edge-of-your-seat story will keep you turning pages right up to the end in an effort to discover the true culprit.  You might be as surprised as the Savage family when that person is revealed. I appreciated that this tale was told from a Christian viewpoint, and some characters were included that rely on God to help them.  This 5-star book is recommended to those who like fast-paced suspense stories. Always Watching Binoculars   The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Always Watching, through Revell Publishing for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Website:  http://www.lynetteeason.com/

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/lynetteeason

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lynette.eason

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“The Reckless Love of God” by Alex Early

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Becky

Book The Reckless Love of God

How Deep is Your Love?

Imagine being loved without restriction, limit or boundary.  Additionally, nothing you I Love You Written in Wood Free Use - Copyhave ever done, or will do, can cause that love to decrease, or go away.  That love is there for you right now.  The one who loves you like this is God, and it is not based on anything you have ever done.  He will love you deeply even if you never love him back, or accept it.   That is the message in this book:  each of us is loved by God with abandon.

The author uses the story Jesus told about The Prodigal Son to illustrate the love God has for us.  A man had two sons, the younger told the father he wanted his half of the inheritance now, he didn’t want to wait for his dad to die.  Surprisingly, the dad gave it to him, and the son took off for the big city.

Pigs Dirty Free UseIt didn’t take the son long to blow it all–on riotous living, as the King James Bible of my youth called it.  When the money was gone, so were all his new found friends, and the son soon found himself starving.  The only job he could find was feeding pigs, and he was so hungry even the pig food looked good.  That is when he realized his father’s servants were treated and fed better than that.  He decided to return home, beg for forgiveness, and ask to become a servant.

When the son was still a long way off, he was amazed to find his dad rushing down the road to embrace him.  As the son was asking for forgiveness, the dad was overjoyed to see him, and took off his own coat and ring to put on his son.  Additionally, the dad commanded his servants to “kill the fatted calf,” and have a big party to celebrate the son’s return. Father & Son Hugging Free Use - Copy

The father loved his son.  He had been vigilantly watching for him every day, hoping against hope for his return.  The dad didn’t care what the son had done, or where he had been, he just wanted his son back.  With the son’s return, the only thing the father wanted to  do was lavish his love on him, and rejoice at his homecoming.

The author says that is the same kind of love God has for every one of us.  Even if you have walked away from God, He will always be waiting to shower you with His love on your return.  Just like the father in the story, God will delight in your coming back to him. There is nothing that anyone can do to stop the unending love He has for you.

The author maintains that understanding the depth of God’s love for us will change our lives.  For new Christians, you will be amazed by the love that is available to be poured out on you.  For those who already follow Christ, it will refresh your faith.  There are no favorites with God, His love is available in equal amounts for everyone. Mr. Early fills this book with many ways and examples of how God loves us.  He also suggests that when reading the Bible, keep your thoughts on God’s abundant love, and the Bible will speak to you in a new and deeper way.Love Written on Four Stones Free Use

I recommend this 5-star book to anyone who has not understood the depth of God’s love.  Whether you are a new follower of Christ, a long-time Christian, or someone who has no belief in God at all, this book will benefit you.

The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Reckless Love of God through Chosen Books for the purpose of review.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Website:  http://www.alxegesis.com

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pastoralexearly

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Alex_Early

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