Monday, July 31, 2017

"The Blessing" by Wanda E. Brunstetter

In this new book by Wanda Brunstetter, readers are transported back to the Troyer Farm, continuing the Amish Cooking Class series. This story is about Heidi and Lyle making the decision to try running an Amish cooking class from their home again. Who will come? Will it work? Come meet the people who come to learn these cooking recipes and techniques and go away with so much more.
The cooking class is meant to help Heidi deal with her sadness over not having children, but so much more happens. Some of the people who attend are: a food critic, a police officer's wife, a teenager, and a mailman. Not all chose to take the class but all are changed by it. Wisdom, friendship, romance, healing. All are important parts of this story. "Food and Friendship Bind Souls in the Amish Kitchen." (from the back of the book) Will Heidi find peace about children in her life? Will the members of the class be able to help each other? 

This is a wonderful book with a story that pulls you in, I especially love the recipes at the end of the book. They include: baked oatmeal and Amish friendship bread. I enjoyed meeting the characters and learning something as the story progressed. There is also a Discussion Guide at the end, so it makes a great book club book. If you enjoy a good story that deals with food and friendship, this book is for you. I recommend it to everyone.

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

Friday, July 28, 2017

"#truth" by Josh McDowell

#truth is a new teen devotional by Josh McDowell. It is a devotional about "Connecting LIFE and FAITH." Teens are especially vulnerable to things that would pull them away from God, but this devotional just might help them keep that relationship strong and vibrant.

#truth is set up much like most devotionals. Each daily reading is dated to go through the year, with a title that gives the reader a clue to what that day is about. There is a Bible reading, a devotion, a "Truth Is" section, and a prayer. Each devotional is easy to read and packed with a powerful message. The "Truth Is" portion is written directly to the reader and points out the importance of the message, bringing it to life.

I really like this teen devotional and can't wait to give it as a gift. Too many times teens are looking for their place and they don't know where to turn. This book of practical Bible teachings may help them along the way. I recommend it! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Saturday, July 22, 2017

"Yarned and Dangerous" by Sadie Hartwell

Dorset Falls if the setting for this murder mystery by Sadie Hartwell. Josie Blair lives in New York, but comes back to Dorset Falls to care for her great uncle, Eb, and to close up the knitting shop once run by Eb's late wife. While she only plans on staying for two weeks, there is much to do packing up the shop, and when you throw in a murder, well, how can she leave until it is solved? Come, unravel this tale of yarn, greed, and a little love story.

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. It is an easy read, but I wanted to know what had happened and how everything connected. Personally, I was rooting for the love story too. This is a story where city life meets country life, with priorities and happiness factoring in too. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a light read that keeps your attention and encourages you to keep reading, especially if you solving a mystery.

Saturday, July 1, 2017

"The Other Einstein" by Marie Benedict

Mileva Maric, a brilliant physicist in a time when women needed special permission to study in universities. She pushed herself hard to achieve as much as possible because many thought she would never be married because of a physical problem. No one should have underestimated Mileva! She would not only get permission to attend Swiss Federal Polytechnic to study math and physics, but she would work with, and marry, Albert Einstein!

This novel takes a look into the life of Mileva Maric. She was a real person, but much isn't known about her life. Ms. Benedict writes a beautiful story inviting her readers to imagine what Mileva's life was like from both personal and professional sides. She does, however, base much on her research and her findings. The love letters she found showed much about the love between Mileva and Albert, as well as discussions they had about scientific theories. What happened to change their story? Pick up the book and you won't want to stop until you know!

I really enjoyed this book! I was totally drawn in by the title and was not disappointed. Knowing that some of what I read was based on fact heightened the enjoyment. Visiting the site at Princeton that holds the Einstein papers was interesting as well. If you enjoy novels that keep you engrossed, that pull you into the story, then this is for you!

"Uncommon: Pursuing a Life of Passion and Purpose" by Carie Scott

Uncommon, living God's way in a world that wants us to conform to whatever the latest fad is, to hide our faith. How can we stand strong? What are some tools to help us live your faith? How can we be more honest, kind, moral, courageous, obedient, prayerful? In this new book, Carey Scott presents answers with real life examples. Come along and meet some women living uncommon lives in today's world.

Christians are called to be followers of Christ, and that can be difficult in this world. Throughout this book, Carie Scott tells stories of ladies who made the choice to live an Uncommon life that is very much filled with passion and purpose in everything they do. Combine those stories with Scripture and you get a book that will inspire you to live your best life as well.

I really enjoyed this book and found the women to be strong role models. It is a book that should be read by all Christian women. It will make a change in your life and I highly recommend it. I thank the Barbour group for my review copy. A review was not required and this recommendation is my own.