Dawn Stoltzfus's A Farmer's Daughter ~ Reviewed

A Farmer’s Daughter

By Dawn Stoltzfus

Published by Revell

223 Pages

Back Cover:

Welcome to the warm and inviting kitchen of Dawn Stoltzfus, a young Mennonite wife and mother who was raised on a dairy farm where simple, wholesome food was a key ingredient of the good life. In A Farmer's Daughter, she opens up her recipe box, wipes away the crumbs and wrinkles from the well-loved recipes, and shares them with cooks and food-lovers everywhere. She offers us over two hundred delicious recipes that reflect the comfort foods she learned to cook from her mother, the same hearty and creative recipes she made and sold at The Farmer's Wife Market.

Along with the simple, wholesome recipes for starters, main dishes, sides, and desserts, readers will find charming stories from Dawn's Mennonite upbringing, tips and tricks for easy meal planning and preparation, and ideas for serving with flair. Anyone who loves to feed their loved ones hearty, wholesome meals will treasure this cookbook.

Review:  

I’m thankful for the review copy of this easy to use and delightful book. The recipes I tried were east to make, the ingredients were easy to find, instructions were simple and my family loved the end result.

I enjoyed reading the food for thought sections where the author talked about life, family, food and friends.

The sections in this book are broken down as follows: Drinks, Breakfast and Breads, Salads and Dressings, Summer Sandwiches and Winter Soup, Garden Fresh Veggies, Comfort Food and Sides, Main Entrees, Desserts, Cookies, Cakes and Bars, and Do It Yourself Recipes.

I made and enjoyed Pumpkin spice latte, Chai tea latte, Baked oatmeal with apples and pecans, Baked peach French toast, Pecan pear muffins, Blueberry cream muffins, Fresh corn and chicken chowder, Zucchini and Ricotta Bake, Garlic mashed potatoes, Chicken curry, Parmesan Chicken, and double chocolate chip cookies.

I found the author very interesting and enjoyed reading about her. She grew up in a real farmhouse kitchen in Ohio, where she began creating recipes for her family of six at the age of sixteen. Her father was a Mennonite Pastor and farmer. Dawn’s family raised their own beef, had fresh milk and raised chickens and gathered eggs.

She missed these fresh ingredients when she moved away from the farm and figured others did too so she opened a store in the western suburbs of Washington, D.C. called The Farmer’s Wife, in honor of her mother. The store specialized in things you could find in a farm kitchen.

She ran until she was ready to start a family of her own. In the four years her shop was opened she learned a lot about people, how important food is to families and relationships and what recipes make people smile.

She says, “Food has a way of bringing people together. Relationships are formed over food, and sharing meals with the ones you love has a way of opening out lives up to each other.”

The recipes in this book are simple to make, great to serve with your family and guests. There are tips for entertaining and ways to create your own family legacy. I can’t wait to try more meals, drinks and desserts from this book filled with yummy recipes. It’s great to use for your family and pass on as a gift.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Melanie Dobson's Where the Trail Ends ~ Reviewed

Where the Trail Ends (American Tapestry)

Melanie Dobson 

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Summerside (October 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609366859 

 

 

 

 

Description:

 

A young woman traveling the Oregon Trail in 1841 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. After losing her parents along the trail to Oregon Country, Samantha Waldron and her young brother, Daniel, must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. When their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they rely on handsome British exporter Alexander Clarke to escort them to Fort Vancouver. A number of men vie for Samantha’s affections, but the only one who intrigues her is the one she cannot have. When Alex’s betrothed arrives from Britain, Samantha becomes determined to create a home far away from the fort. But when Daniel disappears into the wilderness alone one night, Samantha must rely on the man she loves to rescue her brother before it’s too late.

 

Review:

 

Where the Trail Ends follows Samantha Waldron  as she travels with her family along the Oregon Trail.  Along the way she is separated from her wagon party when her father becomes sick.  When he dies, she is left to take herself and her brother the rest of the way to Willamette Valley before winter.  When they are caught on a river in a rainstorm, they are rescued by British exporter Lord Alexander Clarke.  Though he is promised to another back in England, he finds himself drawn to Samantha.  Samantha is feeling the same way, but knows they can never be together, but doesn’t know what to do about it.                 
This was a really good book.  One thing that interested me was the settlement that Alex Clarke lived at.  It was run by the British, and the British folks were upset that the American s were “immigrating” to their territory.  I never realized that was an issue at that time.  I really enjoyed Samantha’s character.  She was strong and determined and didn’t let the fact that she was a woman hold her back.  She did, however, have to learn to turn things over to the Lord a few times, after realizing she couldn’t handle it on her own.  This was a great read!
 

 

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Katherine Scott Crawford's Keowee Valley ~ Reviewed

KEOWEE VALLEY
By Katherine Scott Crawford
September 2012
Bell Bridge Books
ISBN  978-1611941722

Keowee Valley is the saga of one woman’s dreams, adventures and passions as she struggles to build a life for herself on the Appalachian frontier during the turbulent years leading to the American Revolution.

Heroine Elspeth Quincy MacFadden is an orphaned city girl living in Charleston with her Scottish grandfather. But the social constrictions of urban life is not for her. When word comes that her missing cousin has been captured by the Shawnee, she sets out on a dangerous journey to not only rescue him, but also to purchase some land she can claim as her own.

So begins quite an adventure—one that changes her life in ways she could never expect.

I’ll be blunt here…Pre-revolutionary war sagas are not usually my chosen genre from which to read. I accepted this one on a whim. And just like Quinn, my reading life changed in ways I didn’t expect. Translation: I LOVED this story! And I totally can’t wait for a sequel.

While I was sometimes annoyed with Quinn for her super independent spirit, I also love that it made her character unpredictable. I didn’t always relate to her, but that just made her more believable.

Hero Jackson Wolf is everything a hero should be. Strong. Courageous. Yet his love for Quinn—or Mac, as he calls her—is undeniable and sometimes very sweet and compassionate. He’s a complex man, with a fierce loyalty to family and his Cherokee people.

Disclaimer: this is not a “Christian” book. There are several steamy scenes that are pretty explicit, so if that’s a turn-off for you, you might want to skip a few parts.

KEOWEE VALLEY is a stellar debut novel for author Katherine Scott Crawford. She combines breathtaking description with passionate relationships amidst some intense action. Her writing is strong. Her history lessons are real and gritty. And I am anxious to get my hands on her next book!

Reviewed by: Michelle Griep

Michael Scott's The Lost Scrolls ~ Reviewed

The Lost Scrolls (A Jonathon Munro Adventure) 

 Michael J. Scott (Author) 

Paperback: 356 pages
Publisher: Ellechor Publishing House, LLC; Reprint edition (September 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1937844900

 

Description:

 

When Dr. Jonathan Munro s house is broken into, and his former best friend and colleague, archaeologist Stephen Kaufman, is knifed in the streets of Ankara, he is thrust into a world of international criminals who will stop at nothing to claim the priceless artifact Dr. Kaufman unearthed - a scroll revealing the location of the missing autographs of the New Testament.
Is it the find of the century, or a costly fraud?

As he flees with Isabel, Kaufman's beguiling sister, Dr. Munro finds himself pursued by relentless mercenaries intent on seizing this incalculable treasure for themselves. Through some of Christianity s most revered historical sites, he and Isabel must race to unravel the clues and find the autographs before they fall into the wrong hands.
 

Review:

 

Michael Scott has penned a page turner full of mystery, intrigue and rough characters. A legendary lost scroll may have been found, and since Jon Munro is an expert and his university has been involved in seeking this text, he is sent to Turkey to verify and obtain the ancient writings. His former roommate who had ruined his own reputation and had a hand in rocking Munro’s world is the finder of this document. Full of distrust and disbelief…Munroe doesn’t even believe that the document is real…he heads out to clean up this ridiculous rumor.

Unfortunately, Munro is the only skeptical one and the believers are fanatical. Munro finds himself in a cat and mouse game with some who play for keeps. The simple academic time waster of a job turns into a blood bath, a test of faith and a battle of wits. His former girlfriend joins forces with him and turns his world upside down emotionally as well.   

I’m not a fan of lots of characters to keep track of, but Scott did a good job managing many characters and kept them from becoming overly confusing. Some of his writing gets poetic and descriptive, other times the action whips along at a head twisting pace. There are twists and turns that take the characters across the map. Scott even tossed a bit of a love story in for those who like a wee bit of tragic love with their suspense. Opportunities arise for Munro to share his beliefs and his knowledge about the Bible and it’s historical significance.

Adventure or ancient history lovers should find much to like in Lost Scrolls, or information to debate. Looking for a quick moving beach or plane read, this novel could keep you at the edge of your seat or toes dug into the sand. Those who like a little apologetics in their literature might like the teaching moments, however, those same folks might be put off by language, violence or the actions of characters. I wouldn’t recommend it for children unless a parent gives it a look through. Language, though not vulgar, is peppered throughout. One character in particular is creepy and violent, others are fueled by anger and revenge. Inspirational readers or clean, tidied up endings lovers might want to pass this one up.  

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Davis Bunn's Lion of Babylon ~ Reviewed

Lion of Babylon

By Davis Bunn

Published by Bethany House

ISBN#978-0-7642-0905-5

378 Pages

Back Cover: 

Marc Royce works for the State Department on special assignments, most of them rather routine, until two CIA operatives go missing in Iraq--kidnapped by Taliban forces bent on generating chaos in the region. Two others also drop out of sight--a high-placed Iraqi civilian and an American woman providing humanitarian aid. Are the disappearances linked? Rumors circulate in a whirl of misinformation.

Marc must unravel the truth in a covert operation requiring utmost secrecy--from both the Americans and the insurgents. But even more secret than the undercover operation is the underground dialogue taking place between sworn enemies. Will the ultimate Reconciler between ancient enemies, current foes, and fanatical religious factions be heard?

Review: 

Bunn hits a home run with this new novel that has you rooting for his main character Marc Royce. I’m thankful for the review copy of Davis Bunn’s suspenseful action novel introducing the first book in a new series and Marc Royce, a man who walks out his faith in amazing and dangerous situations.

I was instantly captivated from the beginning of the novel, “The current Administration in Washington is fractured. Top to bottom. I’ve never seen such in-fighting. Worse than Nixon. It’s a virus that’s eaten into every dept, including Intel. They need a voice they could trust. Someone who’s beyond politics. I advise what Intel is fact, what is biased and what is pure political lard.”

“Who watches the watcher?” Marc Royce asks.

“Everyone” Ambassador Walton replies.

Marc Royce was on a leave of absence from the Bureau taking care of his wife during her illness when Ambassador Walton dismissed him from intelligence. Now he wanted him back? His friend Alex was missing. They think it had to do with an issue tied to the Green Zone Chapel – the underground church in Baghdad! Marc heard enough from the Ambassador – Personal matters aside, He’d take on the mission.

The heart of the story shines out in the middle of the action, drama and complex plot. Davis Bunn worked and lived in the Middle East and Israel. He’s very familiar with the underground church there, has an understanding for the people their culture and love of the land.

Marc Royce is asked to help find his friend Alex, who’s been kidnapped. This author gives the reader a visual snapshot of this region, helps them understand the traditions of the people and their history all throughout this page turner.

This is a deeply moving and memorable novel that will leave you wanting more. You’ll want to read the next book in this series called Rare Earth, where Davis Bunn takes Marc Royce and the reader on another mission impossible. I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Janice Thompson's Queen of the Waves ~ Reviewed

QUEEN OF THE WAVES
Janice Thompson 
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Summerside (October 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609366867
ISBN-13: 978-1609366865


Description:

When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.

Review:

Queen of the Waves begins in London in 1912.  It revolves around a young woman named Jacqueline Abingdon who is being forced into an arranged marriage by her father.  Her mother and her plan an escape for her by arranging a voyage on the new ship, the Titanic.  However, Jacqueline, or Jackie, as she is called, has other plans.  She has fallen in love with the groundskeeper, Peter.  Jackie and Peter arrange for Peter’s sister, Tessa Bowen, to take Jackie’s place on the Titanic so Jackie will be free to stay and marry Peter.  Thus, Tessa, is transformed from a farm girl into a debutante.  While on the ship, Tessa meets a wealthy American man named Nathan.  As her feelings grow for him, so does her guilt for lying about who she really is. 

 This was a great story line.  It was interesting seeing how both Jackie and Tessa justified their deception in the beginning, yet they were never comfortable with it, and eventually had to face the truth, as well as admitting their wrongdoing to those they loved.  Jackie had to realize how selfish she had been in her decision to deceive her parents and her intended.  Tessa came to realize the forgiveness we have in our heavenly Father.  I really enjoyed this story, and read through it pretty quickly.  It was hard to put down!


Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher's Life with Lily ~ Reviewed

Life with Lily

By Mary Ann Kinsinger and

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Published by Revell

ISBN#978-0800721329

288 Pages

Back Cover: For a child, every day is a thing of wonder. And for six-year-old Lily Lapp, every day is a new opportunity for blessings, laughter, family, and a touch of mischief. As she explores her world, goes to school, spends time with her family, and gets into a bit of trouble with her friends, Lily learns what it means to be Amish and what it means to grow up. From getting a new teacher to welcoming a new sibling, Lily's life is always full of adventure.

The first of four charming novels that chronicle the gentle way of the Amish through the eyes of a young girl, Life with Lily gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish--and lots of fun and laughter along the way. It combines the real-life stories of growing up Amish from Mary Ann Kinsinger and the bestselling writing of Amish fiction and nonfiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher. With charming illustrations throughout, this series is sure to capture the hearts of readers young and old.

Review: 

I came home from work to discover a review copy of this book in the mail.  I sat down to check out a page or two of this adorable book. I ended up reading over half of it before my husband told me dinner was ready. I was immediately drawn into the book by the front cover and transported inside an Amish farm cracking up over this heartwarming story of Lily and her family.

This is the first of four books in a series aimed at readers eight years old and up. It has thirty-nine short chapters with beautiful illustrations that reminded me of those in the Little House on the Prairie books.

Each chapter unfolds a new adventure through fun loving Lily’s eyes. This precious novel begins with Lily and her younger brother, Joseph being rushed off in the middle of the night to their grandparents’ house without saying good-bye to their mother. This troubled Lily greatly. They would learn the next day about the new member added to their family. Dannie was their new baby brother.

I loved how Lily asked her father where this new baby came from and her father’s reply.

“God brought him to us, Lily.”

“Lily clasped her hands at the thought. How wonderful that God had taken the time to bring a baby to them! “Is God still there?” she asked hopefully. But Papa said, No, she couldn’t see God today.”

“What a disappointment. Lily wished she had been home to meet God when He stopped by the house to bring a baby.  The thought of meeting God was even more exciting than having a new baby.”

I was captivated by this sweet six year old girl. Lily stole my heart. I found her view of life charming, innocent and real. I smiled big as I read about Lily’s life. I enjoyed reading of how they added a new family member, had a barn raising, a new dog, cow, and chickens and took a trip to Kentucky to see their grandparents delightful. All the while learning life is always changing and there are new things to discover and learn. 

It reminded me of the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls. It’s definitely a story for all ages. The detailed illustrations enhance the story. The reader will get a peek into the Amish life style through this child’s eyes and learn how this community does family, school and how they interact with friends. I highly recommend this novel for readers of all ages, it’s fun and enchanting.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Linda Rondeau's America II: The Reformation ~ Reviewed

America II: The Reformation
L. W. Rondeau
File Size: 452 KB
Print Length: 286 pages
Publisher: Trestle Press (June 17, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B008CGFVUI


Following unprecedented climatic changes, resultant pestilence and war brought the world into chaos. Eventually, each nation surrendered its sovereignty to form a global democracy, initially known as The Accord. However, the democratic government proved too weak and was soon replaced by a faux democratic rule.
 

The year is 2073, and current governor of Western America Province, Edwin Rowlands, is poised to become the Constitutional Government’s second president. Many fear that the sweeping reforms found in his proposed Preservation Act will set him up as a dictator. If enacted, defection both past and present would become a crime punishable by death, thus bringing all outlands into crushing subjection.
 

While most believe reform is critical, factions disagree on how to prevent the Preservation Act from becoming law. Ahmed Farid, second President, believes reform can be managed within the existing government. Leader of the Revolutionary Army, Jimmy Kinnear, trusts only in military intervention. However, Jacob Goodayle, Chairman of Western America’s illegal outland government, favors separatism.
 

As tensions rise, civil war seems imminent. Who will be the voice of reason in a world on the verge of a third dark age?


Review:

Halfway through “America II: The Reformation,” I kept asking, “So what’s going to happen?”

And that’s a great question for a writer to bring to life in the mind of a reader. L. W. Rondeau did this with masterful stroke after masterful stroke, and each chapter hooked me further and further into wanting to know the answer.

Rondeau created characters worth knowing and brought me the reader right inside their heads. Hearing the thoughts of Edwin Rowlands, the story’s resident bad guy, I understood how he manipulated people and situations to satisfy his lust for power and women.

Ahmed Farid, Rowlands second in command, is a delightful character who remains faithful to a repressive government. He’s a pagan at heart but constantly wrestles with faith questions. He is both wise and cunning.

Rondeau creates a future world and, through the power of story, addresses some controversial issues our world faces now and will face in the future. She does so from a clear Christian perspective but not in a preachy way. She crafts a story worth reading.

I look forward to the next installation of America II



Reviewed by: T. Neal Tarver

M.K. Gilroy's Every Breathe You Take ~ Reviewed

Every Breath You Take [Paperback] 

M. K. Gilroy (Author) 

Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Worthy Publishing (October 23, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1617950688    

 

Description:

 

A high-profile murder tied to an online dating service has the Chicago news media buzzing. Who better to go undercover in the world of personal profiles and promising matches than an ace detective who is single and as attractive as she is tough? Detective Kristen Conner can't figure out her own dating life, but she is about to get a crash course on finding true love - or at least a Friday night date - and become the object of a killer's affections.

 

Review:

 

Every Breath You Take is book two in a series by M.K. Gilroy. Though I haven't read book one I easily entered the continuing story of Detective Kristen Conner. And since I love police procedurals and a bit of mystery I found myself turning pages pretty rapidly. I also appreciate a strong female character who isn't a superwoman. Kristen is a wee bit of a mess but can kick some serious hind-end when she needs to.  I've watched a lot of cop television and Every Breathe You Take is that same kind of guilty pleasure, but it can be packed up and taken along during traffic jams or long flights (definitely was nice escapism during my long recent layover.) 

The subject matter obviously is not for the weak-kneed or kids. The spiritual message is low key as Kristin seems to be deciding whether or not to make God a bigger part of her life, so depending on whether or not you are looking for depth take that into consideration. A few fairly big questions are not answered in the book so there will be another in the series, so if you don't like open endings you may get frustrated. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

James Rubart's Soul's Gate ~ Reviewed

Soul's Gate (A Well Spring Novel) [Paperback] James Rubart (Author)
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1401686052

 

Description:



Reece stood and faced the group. “Every now and then we get a break from reality. A glimpse into the other world that is more real than the reality we live in 99 percent of our days. The Bible is about a world of demons and angels and great evil and even greater glory. A world the prophets saw; the world Enoch, and Elijah, and Paul, and John the apostle all saw. A world that is all around us in every moment if we would have eyes to see and ears to hear.”

What if you could travel inside another person’s soul? To battle for them. To be part of Jesus healing their deepest wounds.

Thirty years ago that’s exactly what Reece Roth did. Until tragedy shattered his life and ripped away his destiny.

Now God has drawn Reece out of the shadows to fulfill a prophecy spoken over him three decades ago. A prophecy about four warriors with the potential to change the world . . . if Reece will face his deepest regret and train them.

They gather at a secluded and mysterious ranch deep in the mountains of Colorado, where they will learn to see the spiritual world around them with stunning clarity. And how to step into the supernatural as powerfully as anyone in the Bible did.

The four have a destiny to battle for a freedom even Reece doesn’t fully fathom. But they have an enemy hell-bent on destroying them as well and he'll stop at nothing to keep them from their quest for true freedom and the coming battle of souls.

Review:

 

 I really didn't want to find another author to go immediately onto my MUST read list. I was able to not get sucked into Rubart's previous titles because they didn't arrive in my mailbox. But this little gem did. 

If you love books about spiritual warfare or novels full of twists and turns and creepy potential around every corner...if you love to be kept up way past your bedtime or love good writing and strong characters....well, you just need to get a copy.  The ending and the "Well Spring" tag imply that there will be follow-up books. This is good. Very good. There are just enough issues unresolved and just enough of a promise that things are only going to get worse to make sure that I will seek book two out.

In the meantime I will be working backwards to get a copy of previous novels by Rubart. He does need to get cracking on book two in the series. Time's a ticking, Mr. Rubart, this inquiring mind needs to know what will happen next.

 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Susan May Warren's You Don't Know Me ~ Reviewed

You Don't Know Me
Susan May Warren
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; Original edition (September 21, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414334842


Description:

To everyone who knows her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses her kids’ sporting events, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.

No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the sleepy town of Deep Haven, Deidre got a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker. Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on bail and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the grace to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?

Review:

You Don’t Know Me is about a woman named Annalise Decker.  She is known by her family and to the city of Deep Haven as a devoted wife and mother.  However, no one knows her true identity is Deidre O’Reilly.   As a troubled young woman, she ended up with the wrong people, and was put into the Witness Security Program after testifying against a dangerous criminal who was put behind bars.  However, twenty years later, she is visited by her agent, Frank Harrison, who warns her that the man she testified against is out of bail and set on revenge.  Annalise is torn as to whether she should run again to protect her family, or if she should tell the truth and risking losing them all.
                
 I’m normally not into suspense books, but this one was really good.  I was engaged right away in the story line.  One thing that amazed me is how Annalise was able to completely start over, so much so that no one suspected she had lived any other way.  I’m not sure I could have kept quiet about it, especially to my husband.  I would want someone to confide in.  The story did show her struggle with turning her problems over to the Lord, and I think if she had been able to do that in the beginning, she could have trusted her husband with her secret.  Either way, it was a great story line and I really enjoyed it.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Amanda Flower's A Plain Death ~ Reviewed

A PLAIN DEATH 
Amanda Flower
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: B&H Books (July 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1433676974


Description:

Welcome to Appleseed Creek, the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, where life is not as serene as it seems.

While her Cleveland friends relocated to Southern California and Italy, 24-year-old computer whiz Chloe Humphrey moves with some uncertainty to Appleseed Creek to direct technology services at a nearby college. Her first acquaintance is Becky, an ex-Amish teenager looking for a new home.

While driving Chloe’s car, Becky collides with a buggy, killing an Amish elder. But what looks like an accident is soon labeled murder when police discover the car’s cut brake line.

Now, Chloe must take on the role of amateur sleuth to discover who the real intended victim was before the murderer makes a second attempt. Becky’s handsome Amish-turned-Mennonite brother, Timothy, a local carpenter, comes in handy along the way. With God’s help, they’ll solve the mystery that’s rocking this small community.


Review:


A Plain Death begins with a young computer whiz named Chloe Humphrey who moves to Appleseed Creek to head up the computer department at the local community college.  On the way there, she rescues a young Amish girl, Becky, who has run away from home, from two local thugs.  Chloe then takes Becky in, but before barely getting her foot in the door, problems arise.  Becky borrows Chloe’s care without asking (and having no driver’s license) and gets into an accident, killing an Amish elder.  It’s later found out that someone cut the break line in the car, leaving everyone to wonder who the intended victim was and who the culprit is.  So Chloe, along with Becky’s Mennonite brother, begin doing their own investigation to find the murderer.

This was an enjoyable book.  It kept my attention really well and I was able to stay interested from the beginning.  One thing I really liked was the author’s description of Applewood Creek, specifically the town square and where the little Amish Farmer’s Market was set up.  I was able to envision the whole thing in my head, and wished I could have been there!  If you enjoy Amish stories, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book, with all its twists and turns!
 

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Jackson Keene's Nolichuck! TJ's Wild Frontier Adventure ~ Reviewed

Nolichuck! TJ's Wild Frontier Adventure
Author: Jackson Keene
ISBN: 678-1-936127-50-4
Publisher: WhoooDoo Mysteries a division of Treble Heart Books
(September 19, 2011)
Page Count: 281

Description:


TJ s just an ordinary fourteen year old kid with extraordinary
problems at home and school: A broken up family from his parents
bitter divorce, evil bullies almost every afternoon, failing grades,
boring classes, snobby girls, mean teachers, cut from basketball
tryouts, few friends. Life is rough for TJ Cockrell. And then that
mysterious little green book had to go and throw him into the past.
And not just any past, but into the untamed forbidding forests of 1802
eastern Tennessee along with the savage Indians, wild beasts,
bloodthirsty robbers, backwoods ruffians, and log cabin living! Yup,
it s definitely not 2011 Knoxville anymore.

Review:
 
As much as I hate to say it, I was a bit biased toward this book. I've
never been to fond of westerns, and I committed the horrendous act of judging a book by it's cover (Sorry!). Lucky for me Nolichuck! had just enough of a small green magical book to get me interested. It
turned out not to be strictly a western... perhaps a fanestern? or a
westasy? In any event it is centered around TJ - the son of a famous
historian and member of a broken family. TJ is your average teenager,
teased at school, ignored by the "cool kids", with a little Ta i-kwon-do  knowledge thrown in. After his parents divorce the whole world seems a dark place. Then he wanders into his fathers study and...
 
Well, you'll have to read the book to find out more. If your a fan of
pioneer life and magical green books you just might find what your
looking for in Nolichuck! TJ's Wild Frontier Adventure. Good Luck, and happy reading!

Reviewed by: Jayshua Nelson

Courtney Walsh's A Sweethaven Homecoming ~ Reviewed

A SWEETHAVEN HOMECOMING 
Courtney Walsh
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Guideposts Books (August 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0824931718

Description:

The Sweethaven Circle is back -- and so is a friend they thought they'd never see again!
The women of Sweethaven are enjoying an Indian summer when their old friend -- the missing member of their scrapbook circle -- arrives back home. Meghan Rhodes has moved on with her life, leaving Sweethaven and its painful memories in the past. But when her ex files for custody of their twins, she takes the first flight back to the beach town full of haunting memories. Meghan wants to make things right with her ex-husband, her children, and the friends she'd convinced herself she no longer needed. But is she too late? Meghan works with friends Jane, Lila, Adele, and Campbell to begin a new scrapbook for memories yet to be made. Picking up where A Sweethaven Summer left off, A Sweethaven Homecoming explores the strong bonds of friendship, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of unconditional love.

Review:

A Sweethaven Homecoming revolves around a group of women who used to spend a lot of time together scrapbooking who have grown apart, but come back together again, amidst trials and tribulations.  Meghan, who has been a successful country star, returns to try to get custody of her children, whom she abandoned two years previously, while trying to avoid her feelings that she still has for her ex-husband.  Jane, a Pastor’s wife, realizes she hasn’t learned forgiveness when Meghan shows up, as Jane’s son, Alex, drowned tragically while in Meghan’s care.  Lila returns to get away from her husband, Tom, whom she has found out fathered a child with her best friend, Suzanne, twenty five years ago.  Campbell, his daughter, now wants to be in their lives and get to know them, and Lila doesn’t know if she can trust him again.

Once I got into this book, I really enjoyed it.  It took a while to keep the characters straight as I hadn’t read the previous book.  And each chapter begins with the character’s name who’s perspective it’s being told from.  That, I did enjoy.  It’s nice for a change not having to see the whole story from one person’s point of view.  I really liked how everything came together at the end and the way the characters were reconciled to each other.  It was a very heartwarming story!
 
Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Beth Wiseman's Need You Now ~ Reviewed

Need You Now
By: Beth Wiseman
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 320
Vendor: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 2012
ISBN: 1595548874


Description
 
When big-city life threatens the safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas.

Adjusting to small-town life is difficult for the kids, especially fifteen-year-old Grace who is coping in a dangerous way.

Married life hasn’t always been bliss, but their strong faith has carried Brad and Darlene through the difficult times. When Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their marriage, the domestic tension rises. 

While working with special needs children at her new job, the widowed father of one of the students starts paying more attention to Darlene than is appropriate. Problem is, she feels like someone is listening to her for the first time in a long time.

If Darlene ever needed God . . . it’s now.

Experience a family’s triumph over lies, betrayal, and loss while still clinging to the One who matters most.

Review:

Need You Now is about Brad and Darlene Henderson and their family.  They move from Houston, Texas to Darlene’s Grandparents’ farm in Round Rock, Texas, to shield their children from the perils of big city life.  Each family member has their own difficulties and struggles to contend with while adjusting to small town life.  When Darlene takes a new job after being a housewife for 20 years, and one of their children’s life becomes threatened, Darlene and Brad’s marriage begin to suffer.  You wonder if they can over come the obstacles, and hope they remember to turn back to the Lord.





This book was a little slow going at first, but once I got into it, I had trouble putting it down.  Darlene starts out as a confident woman of God, but she’s never really had any trials or struggles to test her faith, and when they come about, she nearly crumbles.  But she has a wonderful friend and neighbor, Layla, who is a great encouragement to her.  The struggles the family goes through are very true to the time period we’re living in.  I liked how the story pointed back to the Lord in the end, bringing the family together.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers.

Harry Kraus's A Heartbeat Away ~ Reviewed

A Heartbeat Away: A Novel [Paperback] 

Harry Kraus (Author) 

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (September 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 143470257X
 

 

Description:

 

When a brilliant surgeon undergoes a heart transplant, her life transforms as she begins experiencing memories of a murder she never witnessed.

 

The residents worship her. Nurses step out of her way. Her colleagues respect and sometimes even fear her. But surgeon Tori Taylor never expected to end up on this side of the operating table.

 

Now she has a new heart. This life that was formerly controlled and predictable is now chaotic. Dr. Taylor had famously protected herself from love or commitment, but her walls are beginning to crumble.

 

And strangest of all, memories surface that will take her on a journey out of the operating room and into a murder investigation.

 

Where there once was a heart of stone, there is a heart of flesh. And there is no going back.

 

Review:

 

I love medical fiction and a good mystery. Harry Kraus provides both in A Heartbeat Away.

Tori Taylor is a surgical legend. Nurses hate her, students fear her, other physicians grudgingly respect her. But a virus has ravaged her heart leaving her barely able to function. The story opens as Tori receives word of a donor heart match and just in the nick of time.

Tori goes under the knife feeling the full frustration and dislike of the entire nursing staff and fighting fears she won't even acknowledge. She wakes up in the recovery room with a nightmare raging in her mind...memories of fire and hatred and the sense that someone was in grave danger.

Overnight, Tori's life turns upside down. Emotions and needs she never accepted because they were weaknesses haunt her, along with the continued nightmares and visions. Her reign as a queen of ice has left her life in shambles. Few friends, no family, staff members who'd rather see her suffer than comfortable, distrust.... consequences of who she'd been.

Then, the plot thickens and Tori finds herself in a thick mire of murder, abuse and terror. Two people help Tori, one believes her crazy ideas that the visions and nightmares might have been her heart donor's final moments.

Those that grow weak in the knees over blood may want to avoid this one. As are those who get a little squeamish with grittiness in relationships. One scene in particular gives the book a parental warning. There is a secondary plot line that involves teenagers who take a relationship a little far physically.

 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

 

Lisa Bergren's Glamorous Illusions ~ Reviewed

Glamorous Illusions: A Novel (Grand Tour Series) 

 Lisa T. Bergren 

Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (June 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434764303 

Description:

When Cora Kensington learns she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king, her life changes forever. Even as she explores Europe with her new family, she discovers that the most valuable journey is within. The first book in the Grand Tour series takes you from the farms of Montana through England and France on an adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery.

Review:

Glamorous Illusions is about a young woman named Cora Kensington.  The story takes place during the summer of 1913.  Cora has just returned to her parents’ farm, only to face her father’s failing health, as well as the chance that they could lose the family farm.  Suddenly,  Wallace Kensington, one of the wealthiest men in Minnesota, shows up at their door, revealing a long kept family secret – Cora is really the daughter of Wallace Kensington, as a result of an affair he had with her mother.  Before she knows it, Cora is whisked away with Mr. Kensington, introduced to her half-siblings who want nothing to do with her, and sent to Europe with her siblings for a European tour.  Through the tour, she learns more about her family and about herself.                  
 This was a great book!  I loved it from the very beginning.  I enjoyed seeing Cora’s character develop, and seeing how she worked through her struggles, as well as facing judgement from others regarding her illegitimate parentage.  It was great to watch her attitude change about the whole situation throughout the book.  I wish the story would have kept going, but I’ll have to be patient and wait for book two to come out.  I can’t wait!
 
 Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Bonus Review:

As usual, flawless writing from Lisa Bergren. You'll travel from Montana to England and Paris, from a dirt poor farm to an elegant estate, and meet characters rich and poor that you'll love and hate.

If you've never heard of a Grand Tour, then you might want to pick up this tale. Grand Tours were quite the rage for the elite during the late 1800's and into the early 1900's. This book, first in a trilogy, gives you an up close and personal glimpse into one of these tours.

At times I found the pacing to be a little slow, the angst in heroine Cora a little over the top, and fact that the copper king of Montana is her dad to be a little unbelievable. Overall, though, this is an enjoyable read for a lazy day when you want to mindlessly drift away into another time period.

Reviewed by: Michelle Griep

Melanie Dobson's Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan ~ Reviewed

Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan
By: Melanie Dobson
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 320
Vendor: Summerside Press
ISBN: 1609366409

Description

Though Elena Bissett's once-wealthy family is determined to find her a rich suitor, she'd rather secretly meet a fisherman named Chase at the lighthouse---where they work to solve a decades-old mystery. But when she's forced to meet elusive millionaire Chester Darrington, her two worlds collide. Must she choose between her heart and her family's future? 320 pages, softcover from Summerside.

Review:

 Love Finds You in Mackinac Island Michigan is about a young woman named Elena Bissette.  Her family is vacationing at Macinac Island, possibly for the last time, as her family’s fortune is nearly gone.  Her mother feels it is up to her to marry well to save the family fortune and business, but Elena wants nothing to do with it.  She doesn’t want to marry for wealth – she wants to marry for love.  In the meantime, Chester Darrington (whom Elena’s mother is hoping will fall in love with Elena) is a handsome, wealthy, eligible bachelor who is tired of woman falling over him for his money.  He wants a woman who shares his interests and his love of inventions and new things.  Chester and Elena meet by chance at an abandoned lighthouse, though neither of them reveal who they really are.  The each realize they have fallen in love with each other, but when they meet again at a ball and realize the true identity of the other, their trust is broken.  How can they love someone that hasn’t been truthful.
This was such a wonderful story.  I really enjoy this time period.  I liked Elena’s character a lot, as she didn’t want to conform to society.  I felt bad for her, struggling to marry well to please her mother, yet wanting to find true love.  Chester’s character was fun, too.  I just loved their “chance” meeting, and found myself having a hard time putting the book down because I was anxious to see how they finally realized who the other was, and if that would change anything.  I highly recommend this book!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

 

Don Reid's The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson ~ Reviewed

The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Jefferson Series #2
By: Don Reid 
Paperback
Number of Pages: 400
Vendor: David C. Cook
ISBN-13: 9781434764942


Description

 

Childhood pals Cal, Harlan, and Buddy were known in Mt. Jefferson for their troublemaking. But when World War II tears them apart, they wonder if their friendship will survive. In 1959, Harlan is shot---and Buddy and Cal are the first to arrive at his bedside. Can they discover who put Harlan in the hospital---and why?

 

Review:

Don Reid's book, The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson is a feel good tale wrapped in the lives of likeable, very human characters. The story surprised me a few times and kept me hooked until the end.

The setting of the hook was the feel of the story. Told in a homey story-teller cadence,  this novel evokes a simplicity and warmth from a time in history that has all but disappeared in our lives filled with crashing waves of easy data and instant communication. The polished writing didn't take away from the story either and I found myself entering the lives of the characters as if I vaguely recognized them.

The grabber that took me along for the ride was a strong cord of unraveling mystery. Hidden details pulled at me, compelling me to read a little further.

Finally, the characters were fleshed out and imperfect but guys that reminded me of some of the men I know and respect, even when they behave badly.

This is a great book to curl up with, especially now that the nights will be getting longer and cooler. Don't expect heavy scripture and lots of conversations about God, Reid handles the faith elements realistically. The characters have discussions about faith only because it feels right for them to do so. And it's not heavy and cloying. Of note is that there are some heavy plot lines, too. Sensitive readers may want to look further before reading.


Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Vickie McDonough's End of the Trail ~ Reviewed

End of the Trail (The Texas Trail Series)
Vickie McDonough
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: River North; New Edition edition (May 25, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802404081

 

Description:
 

End of the Trail is part of a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896.

Brooks Morgan left home 11 years earlier and is just too stubborn to return home. In 1896 he pulls into the town of Shoofly to take refuge from a storm and befriends John Langston in the local cafe. A high stakes poker game ends with Brooks holding the deed to John's ranch with one condition - Brooks must promise to take care of Keri. Brooks agrees, assuming that Keri is a horse.

Overcome by guilt, Brooks return to the cafe to give back the deed but finds John on the floor dead. Brooks heads off to take care of John's ranch and is ambushed. With a noose around his neck, hands tied behind his back he offers a prayer up to God. A stunning shot is delivered from the rifle of a lady on horseback that breaks the noose and frees Brooks. But could this lady - Keri - be an enemy, too?

 

 

Review:

 

End of the Trail takes place in a little town called Shoofly.  A young man named Brooks Morgan, who ran away from home ten years ago due to rebellion and not wanting to take responsibility, befriends a sick man named Will Langston.  Brooks agrees to stay on and take care of him and in the process becomes good friends with him.  A high stakes poker games leaves Brooks as the new owner of Will’s property along with the promise to take care of “Keri.”  However, just shortly after the game, Will is found murdered.  In the meantime, Will’s niece, Keri, returns from finishing school, anxious to get back to life on the ranch, only to find her uncle dead and her ranch in possession of a young, seemingly arrogant man.  As they learn to deal with one another on a daily basis, they also have to deal with the fact that someone is sabotaging their ranch in order to gain possession of it.
I believe this is book 5 in Texas Trails: The Morgan Family Series.  I have read all of them, but it’s interesting that the last couple don’t really tie in with the previous ones, except the family name and their link with horses is there.  This was a great book, though.  I enjoyed seeing Brooks finally grow up and take responsibility and I also liked seeing Keri develop into a young woman. 

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers
 

Carolyn Zane's Beyond the Storm ~ Reviewed

Beyond the Storm: Quilts of Love Series [Paperback]
Carolyn Zane 
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (October 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426745974


Description:

After a tornado rips through her town, store owner Abigail comes across a piece of fabric from a wedding dress among the devastation. Abigail is moved to start collecting other swatches of fabric she finds – her neighbor’s kitchen curtains, a man’s necktie, a dog’s bed – which she stashes in shopping bags. As she pursues her seemingly absurd quest, horrible realities spark the question, “What kind of a God would allow such tragedy?”

As she struggles to reconcile her right to happiness amidst the destruction, Abigail begins piecing together a patchwork quilt from the salvaged fabric in hopes it will bring some peace. But a new relationship with Justin, a contractor, may require too much of her fragile heart.  Will her pain and questions of faith give way to the courage to love? 

Review:

Beyond the Storm revolves around a young woman named Abigail.  She owns a beauty shop in the little town of Rawston.  She is very materialistic and hasn’t grasped what’s really important in life.  However, her outlook changes when a devastating tornado destroys the town.  As the town begins to draw together to lift each other up, Abigail also develops a closeness with a young contractor named Justin.  Through the love and support of the town as well as family and friends, Abigail begins to see what’s really important in life, and that the Lord has been nearby all along.
               
I really enjoyed this story.  There were also a lot of sub plots involving other characters, and I enjoyed seeing how those characters grew and changed as well.  It shows how much God can use a tragedy to draw people closer to Him.  Abigail’s character went through quite a change, but it was great to watch it develop.  One would hope that if a tragedy such as this swept through a town or city, that the people would come together like they did in this story, and that many would be brought to Christ through it.
 
Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Robert Whitlow's The Choice ~ Reviewed

THE CHOICE

By Robert Whitlow

Published by Thomas Nelson

ISBN# 978-1401685614

432 Pages

Back Cover :

One young woman. Two very different roads. The choice will change everything.

Even as a pregnant, unwed teen in 1974, Sandy Lincoln wanted to do the right thing. But when an ageless woman approached her in a convenience store with a mysterious prophecy and a warning, doing the right thing became even more unclear. She made the best choice she could . . . and has lived with the consequences.

More than thirty years later, a pregnant teen has come into her life, and Sandy’s long-ago decision has come back to haunt her. The stakes rise quickly, leaving Sandy with split seconds to choose once more. But will her choice decision bring life . . . or death?

Review:   

I caught up with Robert Whitlow and his wife last year at the ICRS conference. He was passionate when he spoke of the book he just finished writing, The Choice. The subject matter was near and dear to his heart. Robert had longed to write a book that honored moms for all they sacrificed to be the bringers of life. I think he achieved his goal in The Choice.

There are a couple of things I look forward to when I read a Robert Whitlow book. One, I enjoy the legal aspect. He brings the reader into the courtroom and shows them the evidence and lets them be in the jury box. The other things I enjoy are his characters and how I instantly feel for them and their situation. Roberts’s sharp wit and sensitivity of the subject matter bring a winning combination for a book. This book is broken into three parts.

Part One introduces the reader to Sandy Lincoln whose a cheerleader in trouble, living in Ruthland, GA in 1974. Her boyfriend wants to marry her, but he’s not ready to be a father. It’s Sandy’s senior year and she has some hard decisions to make. “The Supreme Court ruled that an unborn baby has no protection during the first trimester of the pregnancy. They’ve ruled it doesn’t become a person until its old enough to survive outside the mother’s body. That’s illogical,” Sandy yells to her friend., “If all the grocery stores in Atlanta closed, most of the people in the city would starve before they learned how to grow their own food. Does that mean we’re not people because we’re not as self-sufficient as my parents were on the farm?”

Sandy searches her heart and that of God as what decision to make. She knows it won’t be easy whatever the outcome.

Part Two fast forwards to 2008 – California – Dustin, attorney at law who works at the law firm of Jenkins and Lyons, P.C. moves to GA to handle Dexadopamine cases. Dustin and Sandy’s lives collide in an unexpected way. Sandy Lincoln has been an AP English teacher for a while now! She meets Maria and wants to help her adjust to the English culture and language. Sandy soon learns Maria is in trouble, her father is furious and she doesn’t know where to turn or what to do.

Part Three is The Choice. How far will Sandy go to help Maria decide what is best for her and the baby? What will Maria do? Will Sandy stay committed to be an advocate for Maria when her job is threatened? How far is too far for a school and/or a teacher, guidance counselor to go in getting involved with a student and their life’s choices? Do they have the students’ best interest at heart or do they have their own agenda at stake?

Sandy’s attorney says to her in preparation for the road ahead, “this case goes way beyond a fight over who gets to talk to Maria, when a women’s group like this gets involved in litigation, it’s often because the leaders of the group want to obtain a legal precedent that can be used to advance their goals in other situations, locally, and nationally.”

Sandy was in over her head, this was quickly getting complicated, and she needed God to intercede. Maria was confused, hurt and didn’t speak or understand the English language well. Could Sandy help Maria make the right Choice given all her options?

This was definitely an eye opener for me on how special interest groups can and do take advantage of people and their situations to advance their cause. There’s a tender love story written into the mix and some surprises along the way I liked. I really enjoyed this book and I’m thankful for the review copy!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

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