The House That Love Built ~ review

My review:
"The House That Love Built" takes the reader on a trip to Smithville,Texas. After the death of her husband Travis a couple of years ago, Brooke Holloway still finds it hard to believe that she is now a single mother to her two children Meghan, who is six and Spencer who at the age of ten has matured so much since his father's death and no longer is her cuddly huggy little boy. She spends her days working in the family run hardware store.Her mother Patsy, has just moved into assisted living, her choice, and really thinks that Brooke should give love another chance. Thing is Brooke doesn't know if she will ever be ready. When  the new owner of the Hadley place, Owen Saunders comes into the hardware store to buy supplies and hoping to find advice. He is dealing with issues from a cheating ex wife and figures he might be through with the opposite sex. The friendship that develops between Brooke and Owen has both thinking that perhaps there might be such a thing as second chances after all.

I found this such a great little read. The author does an amazing job of creating a family feeling story that pulled me in from the beginning. I really empathized with Brooke, such a difficult thing to lose a spouse, it was interesting to see how God worked in not only her life but Owen's as well. I enjoyed seeing a friendship blossom and then turn into something more. I enjoyed the antics of the children and thought the mystery that surrounded the Hadley house was interesting. The author does a good job of throwing in a few plot twists to keep the story moving, and interesting. Fans of sweet, contemporary romances that deal with issues of loss, forgiveness and second chances will find this story a great selection. 

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.

Threads of Grace by Kelly Long ~ review

My take on this book:
I find myself reading Amish fiction on a pretty regular basis and the one thing I notice about Kelly Long's writing is that she often takes us outside the box with her Amish fiction stories. In "Threads of Grace" she touches on a few interesting subjects that I hadn't read of before in this genre,such as spousal abuse and autism.  With the main female character,Grace Beiler, we learn that she was married to a much older man, Silas, who was an abusive man, the reason she married Silas was interesting in itself, and his treatment of her honestly seemed to be to try and break her spirit. Truly the only good thing to come out of the marriage was her son Abel who was Autistic. It was interesting to see that Grace was strong enough to move away to try and start a new life, but Tobias, her brother-in-law shows up and threatens that new life. An interesting love story develops between Grace and Seth Wyse the next door neighbor. A great story about moving on, and working thru hurts of the past. A few secondary characters added an additional layer to the story and I can only hope that we may get another installment to see how things will work out for Grace's sister. If you enjoy Amish fiction that isn't the run of the mill same old same old then your going to enjoy this one.
A complimentary copy was provided by Booksneeze for review.

Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley ~ review

In "Waiting For Morning" I was transported back to the year 1896. Life hadn't been easy for Molly Hatfield and her brother Donny. Their parents are dead, and Donny is bound to a wheelchair, something that Molly blames herself for. She works in a saloon and takes care of Donny the best that she can, but when a fire causes them to lose the only home they have she knows she will have to do something else. Unfortunately finding a job isn't such an easy thing to do, so when she learns of a job opening in Arizona where a ranch owner is looking for someone to take over the management of his ranch in return of owning it in the future,she jumps at the chance. Working on The Last Chance ranch is far from easy but Molly is determined to make it work. As if she doesn't have enough on her plate the towns unmarried doctor takes an interest in her and Donny. Will she find what she was looking for at The Last Chance Ranch and realize that God has something great in store for her and Donnie?

A very enjoyable historical read. I found myself totally drawn to the character of Molly. It was easy to see that she sincerely loved her brother Donny. There are several secondary characters that really move the plot of this story along. I also enjoyed the story of  Orbit and Magic and think there appearances really enhanced the story. As a historical fiction this was an engaging story that I would recommend. 

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Betrayal by Robin Lee Hatcher

Julia Grace had been married for eleven years to Angus Grace, and now that he was dead, she finally truly felt free, and truthfully cared less if she ever married again. Thing is her husband's half brother wants her ranch, and marriage might be the only way that she can keep it. When Hugh Brennan, a drifter winds up at her farm looking for work , she allows him to stay, he recognizes a kindred soul, and feels drawn to Julia. Will he perhaps be the answer to Julia's problems, and can she open her heart to another man?

Historical fiction has always been an interesting genre for me, and I found the time frame and setting in this story drew me right in. Julia and Hugh were two characters who were dealing with issues stemming from the past. Both characters seemed very realistic and had me wanting to know their story. While "Betrayal" is the second book in the Where The Heart Lives series, it can easily be read as a stand alone book. Betrayal was the first book I have ever read by Robin Lee Hatcher, but it won't be the last. I enjoyed the sneak peek of the next book in the series titled "Beloved" and anxiously await it's release. Historical inspirational fiction with a western setting made this a very appealing story for me. 

rating 4/5

The Gaither Homecoming Bible ~ review

I don't ever remember a time when I wasn't a fan of Bill and Gloria Gaither, and their wonderful ministry. So when I learned that there was a Bible being published that featured not only them but many wonderful people who have come into contact with the Gaither's during the years.

There are so many things that make this Bible unique. First of all we are introduced to the people who contributed to the writing of the Bible by providing short devotionals that are peppered through the pages. Then there is a page that has several different pictures of the Gaither Vocal Band. Another wonderful feature is the Hymns and songs that are included. I loved reading the lyrics to some of my favorite gospel songs. The pages are filled with soft colors and soothing background pictures that add to the overall uniqueness. If this isn't enough there is a section that allows the owner to fill in their family tree, as well as important dates ensuring that this Bible will easily become a family heirloom. A wonderful gift for anyone who has ever enjoyed the Gaither Homecoming show whether live or on TV  but it is also perfect for anyone just looking for a special Bible, written in the easy to understand translation of NKJV. I have already purchased a few to give as Christmas gifts and I am certain the recipients are going to love it! 

A complimentary copy of this Bible was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The River by Michael Neale ~ review

 "  The River" by Michael Neale was a comfortable read, the opening lines in the prologue really describe     how I felt about this book," it's hard to explain how a powerful story can resonate within us on so many levels, but it's often the way they speak with passion, heartache or even joy. Maybe it's the way they unknowingly reach into our hear of hearts with their words." A story that allows us to glimpse the journey that a boy takes on his way to manhood. Gabriel Clark was forever changed when he saw his father drown in the River. It changed his life forever, he became angry, and steered clear of any real challenges, instead always opting for safe and comfortable while growing up in Kansas. When he gets an opportunity to go on a trip that will allow him to face his fears, he decides that it is time to face his past in the hopes of a new future.

This book was a quick read, one that really makes the reader think. There are several spiritual messages woven into the story, and the greatest one for me had me examining how I handle my own problems. A great story for anyone who needs a bit of spiritual encouragement.  

A copy of this book was provided by Booksneeze for review.All opinions are my own.

The Reason by William Sirls ~ review

"The Reason" was different kind of read for me, one that once I started reading I was loathe to put down. I will admit the first couple of chapters took a bit to get thru, but that was because we were learning all the characters in the story, but once I figured out who was who I was drawn in. 

When a severe thunder storm strikes a tiny Michigan town, part of the aftermath is that a fifteen foot cross that been a landmark, a beacon and symbol for so many that had been in front of St. Thomas church is has been damaged, leaving everyone in the congregation wondering how and if it can be repaired. About the same time a mysterious stranger happens into town, who wants to help repair the cross, but in the end he does so much more.

This is one of those stories that really portrays its characters as real people with real problems,easy to connect with. The character that really stands out for me was Kenneth.He always seemed to be wherever he was needed, and the message of just believe was one that was needed. While I was a bit dissapointed with the ending, overall I did enjoy this book. There is a reading guide included which would make this book perfect for book group discussion.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.