Treasuring Emma ~ Book Review

Emma has put everyone else first in her life. Now at nearly 25, has she missed her chance at marriage?

Emma was Adam's first love but circumstances made them both choose different paths in life. Emma's heart breaks all over again when Adam returns to the Amish community of Middlefield, Ohio, years later.

For the past ten years, Emma has been a care-giver. First for her mother who unsuccessfully battled breast cancer, and now for her grandmother who gets more frail with each passing year. Emma has always put the needs of others above her own. With more time on her hands, she determines to focus on herself and her dream of opening a rescue shelter for stray animals in the community.

With Adam's return come feelings Emma's long buried. They're older and life hasn't turned out the way they thought it would. Adam's feelings for Emma are stronger than ever, but will he be able to convince her to put the past aside and give their love a chance?

Kathleen Fuller does a great job of creating and showcasing a strong character in Emma.  One who knows how to stand her ground.  In this novel Emma learns how to lean on God and trust that he will truly provide everything she and her family needs.

This book is well written and is good, quick reading material.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Spring For Susannah - Book Review

I recently received Spring For Susannah by Catherine Richmond from Booksneeze to review.

For some reason, I have a soft spot in my heart for Mail-order Bride books and think I enjoyed this one the best!

Here is a summary of the book:

When Susannah goes to Dakota territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would - true love.

With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister's homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn't see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.

In spite of her petite size and the fact that Susannah doesn't look like she could survive on the prairie, Jesse quickly discovers that his new wife is a greater blessing than even he hoped for.  The years she spent as her father's veterinarian assistant allow her to save Jesse's cattle and help other neighbors with their animals.

But Susannah's feelings of unworthiness are deeply rooted, and she can't believe that Jesse's praise - or the tenderness and love he shows - could possibly last.  The thawing of her heart seems almost as distant as Spring in the midst of the winter blanketing the Dakota prairie.

This book deals with Susannah being unable to trust the people she comes in contact with and lives with. On top of it all, Susannah also does not trust God but needs to learn to lean on Him while living alone in a vacant land.

Spring for Susannah definitely hit home for me, as it is hard for me to put my trust in others and make friends. But ultimately we need to remember that God is someone that we can always put our trust in.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Fairer Than Morning - Book Review

Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott was the latest book that I recevied from BOOKSNEEZE to review.

Here is a description of the book:

Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor—until she meets a runaway apprentice who knows what a truly noble man is.

In 1826, Ann Miller travels to Pittsburgh with her widowed father and two young sisters, only to find that a mysterious man has pursued them all the way from Ohio. Is Ann’s father just a circuit minister, or is he hiding something that may endanger them all?

Will Hanby indentures with a Pittsburgh saddle maker, only to discover that his master is a cold-hearted tyrant. 

After years of abuse, Will becomes a prisoner of his own mind. But then lovely Ann Miller comes to stay next door and her compassion lights a long-dark part of Will’s soul. His renewed courage puts his life in jeopardy as he begins to assist fugitive slaves.

Will's murderous master and Ann's questions about her family may keep both of them bound  in the shadows forever. Or will they find freedom—together?

As I have stated in the past, I am someone that doesn't venture easily into reading books by authors I have never read before. But I am glad I did with this book. The book captivated my attention and I told my husband one night before bed that I just HAD to finish the book before I could sleep. (Always the sign of a good read!)

I loved all the history that the book had in it and was pleasantly surprised when I read the afterward that the whole Saddler's Legacy series was inspired by a real family who to this day are the most celebrated citizen's of Weterville, Ohio.

The next book in the series comes out in February 2012.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Cowboy's Touch - Book Review

I chose A Cowboy's Touch by Denise Hunter to review from Booksneeze.

Here is a short description of the book:

Wade's ranch home needs a woman's touch. Abigail's life needs a cowboy's touch.

Four years ago, rodeo celebrity Wade Ryan gave up his identity to protect his daughter. Now settled on a ranch in Big Sky Country, he lives in obscurity, his heart guarded by a high, thick fence.

Abigail Jones isn't sure how she went from big-city columnist to small-town nanny, but her new charge is growing on her, to say nothing of her ruggedly handsome boss. Love blossoms between Abigail and Wade – despite her better judgement. Will the secrets she brought with her to Moose Creek, Montana separate her from the cowboy who finally captured her heart?

I had never read on of Denise Hunter's books and am always a little leery to read a book from a new-to-me author. But I was not disappointed! From the minute I picked up the book it was hard to put down.

The book was a nice clean book, with lots of Christian content. I was especially impressed with the reference all characters made to asking God what to do in certain situations.

The only thing that would have made this book better would have been another few chapters – or maybe a sequel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

An Amish Love - 3 Amish Novellas - Book Review

 An Amish Love is a collection of 3 Novellas:

A Marriage Of The Heart by Kelly Long – Abigail Kauffman is looking for a way out, and Joseph Lambert is looking for a way in. Only after they find themselves suddenly married to each other do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

What The Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller – When Ellie Chupp loses her sight in an accident, she believes love will never be in her future. Christopher Miller has returned home after fleeing from the tragedy that broke his heart. When Ellie and Chris meet again, sparks fly. Could true love be a matter of seeing with new eyes?

Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman – He left to find himself. She found her way without him. Could it be that their prior years together have simply been a preface to a greater love than they have ever known?

When I saw the book and picked it I thought it would be a “typical” Amish novel – easy to read with predictable endings. I was pleasantly surprised that while the endings were always happy ones, the actual stories and the way the endings came about were something different. The story lines kept me glued to the book and I didn't want to put it down.

I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a great, easy to read Amish story.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://booksneeze.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Precious Moments Storybook Bible Review

We were given the chance to review the Precious Moments Storybook Bible.

When I picked the package up at the mail, opened it up and showed it to my 2 children, they were really excited. They wanted to sit down and read the whole thing right away!

I wasn't sure what size the book would be but was pleasantly surprised that it is about the size of an 8x10 picture. The words are large enough that a beginner reader would be able to read or follow along.

The pictures in the book, held the attention of my 2 little ones (4 & 2) and my 4 year old daughter commented how nice they looked.

The Bible Stories were detailed enough for young children so that they would get the true meaning of the story but were still simple enough so that they could understand everything that was being read.

The Bible is split into 4 sections:

Favorite Bible Classics: Noah and the Ark, Moses and the Basket & David & Goliath are just 3 of the 14 stories.

Words of Praise & Wisdom: sections from Psalms & Proverbs

More Stories of Faith: such as Daniel & the Lions' Den, Jesus' Birth and parables.

Songs and Prayers: also is included a place to record special prayers you and your child have.

There is also a section in the front to record a family tree and church records.

The Precious Moments Storybook Bible, has great stories for children and wonderful colorful pictures that would make this a great Bible or devotional book for your little one. It would also make a great gift.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://booksneeze.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”