Shadow Among Sheaves Review

Review of Shadow among the Sheaves by Naomi Stephens

I really enjoyed this book by a new author! It takes place in the 1860’s in England and retells the story of Ruth in a unique way. A widow and her Indian daughter-in-law leave India after both their husbands die. They are almost completely destitute and are not sure how they will survive. Eventually Lord Barric enters the scene, but not always in a helpful manner. The prejudices displayed and the desperateness of the widows’ situation will stir your emotions. The story has strong characters, a vivid setting, and is compelling enough to keep you reading until you are finished. This is a great story for history lovers, but with the parallels to the story of Ruth, it will make you want to reread that as well.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

Review of The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo

The Alamo Bride continues the saga of The Daughters of the Mayflower series. It definitely gives more of the background and history of the Alamo battle than I was aware of. The heroine is a young woman with incredible spirit, and also a love for her beloved homeland. She is feisty and can do many things. The hero is a good counterpart to her, and they have interesting interaction. Suspense, mystery, and romance are all woven into this historical adventure. It is an enjoyable read that will teach you some Texas history, too. This series is a great way to spark your interest into American history.

Review of The Forgiving Jar

The Forgiving Jar by Wanda Brunstetter was the second book in The Prayer Jars Series.  It continues the stories of two young women who end up in Amish country with an older couple who are the grandparents of one of the girls. Both girls have a past that has wounded them and both need to learn the art of forgiveness. Both of them find romance, but will their pasts get in the way? Can they learn to be friends and see each other in a positive way? Can they forgive and move forward in their lives? As the story unfolds, you get to know more about the Amish community and their way of life. You also get to see how the relationships develop and how family responds in different situations. The grandparents’ love and acceptance are seen throughout. This story will touch your heart and show you beautiful truths about love and forgiveness. I enjoyed this book and will recommend it to others.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.”

Miles from Where We Started Review

Miles from Where We Started by Cynthia Ruchti is a book I loved! I love road trips and camping! I enjoy meeting new people and seeing new sights. This book takes you on a road trip, but you travel through a whole range of situations involving a troubled marriage and a foster child with a big personality.  A trip like this one comes with many adjustments and so does marriage. Add in a child who has his own difficulties and you have extra challenges, but also humor, real life, and another perspective. So much of life is revealed as they travel down the road, through their own memories, and even into the future. They see more than they planned on and learn lessons they didn’t know they needed. There is so much wisdom woven into their journey as they meet others who share with them. They learn they need people, each other, just as the slogan for their camper is, “Just add humans.” I loved this story, the people, the hope, and the restoration within it. I will share it and I will read it again.

A Sparkle of Silver Review

A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson stirred up emotions in me by bringing up memories of caring for my elderly parents and grandparents. Millie, as her grandmother’s caretaker, has lots of decisions to make to care for her, but not lots of money. Millie has to work hard to make ends meet and they don’t always. So when a chance comes along to look for a fortune, she has to do it. And she has to enlist help. Will the help prove trustworthy? Will their relationship turn to friendship? Or more? Or will their pasts interfere with it all?

This book delivers a touching story of love between the generations, mystery, history, and romance. It has much to say about trust and forgiveness, too. How the lives of the characters are all intertwined is so intriguing. This is a great read and I can’t wait for more in this series.

Review of The Daniel Generation

I have heard Jolene Erlacher speak before and so was excited to read this book. It is engaging and relevant to those in ministry, but also to anyone trying to relate to young people. I found it to be a resource for growth for myself, too. I urge you to get a copy for yourself.

The Daniel Generation is a book that all church leaders and anyone working with young adults should read. It will teach how to engage the next generation and help them be like Daniel was as he served in an ungodly culture. It has practical suggestions and Biblical principles to guide you in standing for your Christian values in a constantly changing culture., Besides helping you to teach these principles, they will guide you to growth as well. This book puts the emphasis on the remnant rather than on success in numbers. It emphasizes the relevance of God’s Word and the reliance on the Holy Spirit. It is well-written and to the point. This is a great resource and one I plan to give to others, as well as read again for myself.

Do Grandparents Have Favorites?

Do Grandparents Have Favorites?

Of course, grandparents have favorites. Let’s get real. We all like some people or some things more than others. Grandparents are human. There is a connection with some grandchildren more than others. Lots of things can affect this. You may have access to some children more than others. A closer proximity may bring closer bonds. You may share something specific with some of your grandchildren, like a love for books or a hobby or activity. Those things may make you grow closer. Sometimes a certain personality of a child draws you closer or may push you apart. A certain child may have a special love for you and that will make you have a more intimate connection.

Some children may not seem to like you as well as other people so your relationship will not be as close. Some children have mannerisms or behaviors that may be distasteful to you, and it changes the relationship or minimizes it a bit. It doesn’t mean you don’t love the child. We love all our grandchildren. It just means a different relationship with them.

My grandparents had over 30 grandchildren. They didn’t know all of us well. We were all different ages from different places and spent varying amounts of time with them at different stages of their lives. My parents had 10 grandchildren of different ages, too. They were much more elderly and facing health challenges when my youngest was born. They were different grandparents to her than to their oldest grandchildren.

It’s not wrong to feel a special connection to some of them. It is a gift. Anytime you can connect well with a young person is a blessing. Both they and you need it. It is a good thing.

But if in having favorites, you play favorites, you may hurt someone. My dad loved all his grandchildren, but he had a special place in his heart for his oldest grandsons. He sometimes bought them more than his other grandchildren. That was obvious favoritism and my children were sometimes bothered by it. Or I was. I try not to show favoritism. I want them ALL to believe they are my favorites. They are all loved by me and I want them to know they are all special to me.

My oldest granddaughter always wants me to proclaim her my favorite. She tries every time I am with her.  I tell her she is my favorite oldest granddaughter. And I mean it!

Each of my grandchildren are unique with special gifts, talents and personalities. I enjoy them immensely. I try to do things for them and buy gifts uniquely for them. I want them to know I accept them and want them as part of my life.

If I have favorites, I will never tell. Some might know or think they know. Hopefully all of them at some point will think it is them!

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear Review

I love The Daughters of the Mayflower series, and The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear is a fantastic addition. You immediately step into the story of what it was like to travel in 1794 into the frontier of western Kentucky. Travel was hazardous at best, and add to it that it was a move with all they could take with them packed on their animals. Their guide is an intriguing individual with some secrets of his own. All of these things make it a tough journey, but there is also conflict with the Indians brewing.

The story is rich in history and you feel like you are with them on their journey. But it is also a satisfying story with the depth of the characters making you feel like you know them. The conflicts and solutions are wrapped in vivid detail and real emotion. History, romance, and a good story- what's not to like?

 This is the kind of story that makes history real and alive. I would recommend it to others.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.”

Review of The Patriot Bride

The Patriot Bride

Kimberly Woodhouse has written an historical novel complete with spies, romance, and historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin playing a part in it. The Revolutionary War takes on a reality that makes you feel a part of it. It makes you see what it was like to live in that time period. Besides being historical fiction, it also has romance. Could Faith end up with an unwanted suitor? Or can two spies wind up together? Will they have to sacrifice more than they thought for their country and freedom? I particularly enjoyed this story as we have just recently toured Mount Vernon and are on our way to Boston. I could imagine the places and how the stories took place. This was an excellent read and I look forward to more in this series of The Mayflower Brides.

Review- The Captured Bride

             This series of the Mayflower Brides is so fun. I love the history and the family tree. The Captured Bride is a great story.

                This story captured my interest! It was a story set in an historical period I wasn't entirely familiar with so I learned from it, too. The main character, Mercy, is a strong woman with an unusual gift that makes her the perfect person to do a job not usually offered to women. She ends up in in some dangerous situations, having to trust people she normally wouldn’t. Her story has depth and involves other layered characters you get to know. There's suspense, intrigue, and romance. The different characters lead you into a deeper story. The Native American angle to it was very interesting and led me to more understanding of their role in our early history.  I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.”