The Bachelor by Stephanie Reed

In this sequel to The Bargain, Betsie Troyer is back home in her Amish community where she knows she belongs, free from the confusing Englisher way of life. She and Charley Yoder have made promises to each other, and her life is back on track--until Gerald Sullivan shows up with his young daughter, asking for Betsie's help. He’s on his way to find his estranged wife, and begs Betsie to take young Sheila in. When she agrees, Betsie's carefully planned life is shaken up again. Sheila's newfound faith is troubling to Charley--and his attraction to another girl is beginning to be a problem. But how can Betsie confront him when she is still trying to confront her own feelings about Sheila's brother, Michael? Keeping the peace between the Amish man she's always loved, a twelve-year-old Englisher girl, and a draft-dodging hippie is more than she ever thought she’d have to deal with in her simple, orderly life. Still, Betsie is convinced she can keep things from falling apart completely. Then during her best friend's wedding, tragedy strikes and her world is upended. She has to make a decision: does she love Charley or Michael . . . or is she craving a deeper love that only God can give? The compelling second novel of the Plain City Peace series, The Bachelor deftly weaves together the strands of a solid, simpler time with the turmoil of an era of change, revealing the strengths of both in its powerful narrative.

My Take:  I enjoyed rejoining Betsie Troyer and her family in this book.  At the very beginning Betsie is thrown a curve ball when Gerald Sullivan shows up at her doorstep to beg her to watch Sheila while he goes off to try and win back his wife.  Betsie knows that she should say no but she can't turn away this poor girl.  Betsie also has a problem with Charlie Troyer . Is he truly the one for her or does her heart belong to englisher Michael?  There are a lot of twists and turns in this book.  This is the second book in a series and I would highly recommend that you read the first book The Bargain just so you will be up to speed on everything that is going on.

I received a review copy of this book from Kregel in exchange for my honest opinion.

Reason for absence from blog most of last month

I apologize for being absent from the blog most of last month.  I have been have some severe physical problems since the middle of September.  I developed a problem with my legs that I was falling and had sever pain in my legs and couldn't stand up from a sitting position.  I was admitted to the hospital on November 10 for testing. after three days of all kinds of tests and blood draws I was diagnosed with diabetic amyotrophy which affects 1% of diabetics mostly elderly men so for me to get it this young is extremely rare.   I was then admitted to a rehab hospital so I could have intensive occupational therapy and physical therapy.  I was there exactly 2 weeks. I was discharged the day before Thanksgiving.  I am currently walking with a walker and have a wheelchair for when I am out for longer periods of times.  I have to have Ivs ever two weeks.  I also go to physical therapy three times a week.  I still have lots of pain and weakness in my legs but I hope they will get better every day.  I hope to get caught up with my reviews over the next couple of days. 

The Promise by Beth Wiseman

About the book: 

Mallory's search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal---and danger.

Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal---to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.

Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart's desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.

Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CP8sr 

About the author: 

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold over 1.3 million books, her novels have held spots on multiple Bestseller lists. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series--Seek Me With All Your Heart--was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth lives in Texas with her family.

Find Beth online: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Take:  I found this book very interesting from the start.  I felt that Mallory might have been  alittle naive and not really be looking at things with out her blinders on.  She is determined to save a life and she lets this desire get the best of her. This book was based on true events which makes the story even more compelling.  a great read.  I think most people would appreciate this story. 

I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review. 

Audio book Review of Burn by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge read by Danny Mastrogiorgio

Burn by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
Read by Danny Mastrogiorgio

from Goodreads.
Detective Michael Bennett finally returns to New York City –and to the most unsettling, horrific case of his career.





At last, Detective Michael Bennett and his family are coming home to New York City. Thanks to Bennett, the ruthless crime lord whose vengeful mission forced the Bennett family into hiding has been brought down for good.





Back in the city that never sleeps, Bennett takes over a chaotic Outreach Squad in Harlem, where he receives an unusual call: a man claims to have seen a group of well-dressed men holding a bizarre party in a condemned building. With no clear crime or evidence, Bennett dismisses the report. But when a charred body is found in that very same building, he is forced to take the caller seriously – and is drawn into an underground criminal world of terrifying depravity. 

My Take:  The Michael Bennett Series by James Patterson is becoming my favorite series by him.  It was nice to have the Bennett family back in New York.  Bennett was kind of demoted by being given the Outreach Squad to lead.  He gets them to finally care about what they are doing then he is given a promotion to work on the case of all the diamond heists that have been going on.  I enjoyed the family drama that goes along with the this series.  I did feel that the resolution to the one case was a bit anticlimatic. 

Audio:  I felt that the narrator wasn't all that great he really didn't have to much range other than reading the book and not showing any emotion. Kinda monotoned. . Not enough to keep me from listening to him again but still not that great.  

This book is taken from my personal audible library. 

A Month of Giving Thanks #2

Today I am Thankful for my hubby.  Not only is he a good provider he is also a Godly man who wants to follow God's leading.  He has been very good during the last couple of months with all of my physical problems.  He just spent the last hour straightening up the bedroom to make it easier for me to get around with my walker.  He is my best friend.

It's Monday What Are You reading?

It has been along time since I have participated in this meme.  The last time I did was in July.  With participating in Blog Ahead I hope to make this more of a weekly thing.

Ok so here is what was on the Blog last week.

Book Review of


Guess Who Noah's Boat   by Matt Mitter, Ela Jarzabek (Illustrations)


Book review of


The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky


Book Review of


A Lady of Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd 


Book Review of


Keeper's of the Covenant by Lynn Austin

Book Review of



The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt

Book Review of


The Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford

Announcement of taking part in  Blog Ahead



Blog Ahead

Audio book Review of


Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury

Announcement of taking part in Month of Thanks


Month of Giving Tha

This Week on The Blog

Book Review of


The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller


Audio Book Review of


Burn by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
Narrated by Danny Mastrogiorgio

Book Review of


The River by Beverly Lewis

Audio book review of


Lock In by John Scalzi
Narrated by Wil Wheaton

Audio book Review of


Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
narrated by Kevin Kenerly

Book Review of


The Promise by Beth Wiseman

Currently Reading

See Sidebar

Coming up






What's on your Reading Horizon?

The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller

The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller

About the book: 

Bestselling Author Judith Miller Debuts Historical Series Set in West Virginia

Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it's Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner's daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she's being courted by another man---a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he'll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan's hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura's heart.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CAurf 

About the author: 

Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions. She makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.

Find Judith online: website, Facebook,Twitter

My Take:  If you were ever curious about bricks were made then this is the book for you.  I have enjoyed books written by Judith Miller before and this is another book that I can add to that list.  Judith makes here characters jump off the page as if they were actually alive.  You get wrapped up in the story and find yourself cheering for them or hoping they don't achieve what they are trying to do.  A great start to a new series.  

I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review. 

A Month of Giving Thanks

I wanted to join in on this.  I will try to post every day something that I am thankful for.

First up would be for my relationship with God.  I would not have been able to go through the last couple of months without my faith and being able to receive comfort from the Bible and praying.

Audio Book review of Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury Read by Kirby Heyborn and January LaVoy

Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury
Read by Kirby Heyborn and January LaVoy

From Goodreads:
When former national baseball star Tyler Ames suffers a career-ending injury, all he can think about is putting his life back together the way it was before. He has lost everyone he loves on his way to the big leagues. Then just when things seem to be turning around, Tyler hits rock bottom. Across the country, Tyler’s one true love Sami Dawson has moved on.

A series of small miracles leads Tyler to a maintenance job at a retirement home and a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an old woman with Alzheimer’s who strangely might have the answers he so desperately seeks.

A team of Angels Walking take on the mission to restore hope for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia. Can such small and seemingly insignificant actions of the unseen bring healing and redemption? And can the words of a stranger rekindle lost love? Every journey begins with a step.

It is time for the mission to begin… 

My Take:  I enjoyed this book and look forward to listening to or reading the next books in the series.  I liked the way that Karen Kingsbury  went about putting angels in the story doing small things to move the miracles along.  One of the things was just putting the tv on a certain station.  I liked how the story came together and the characters learned the lessons of forgiveness of others and themselves.  I liked the way that the author used the character with Alzheimer's.  This especially hit home as my father is suffering from this horrible disease.  It just proves that God can use us in whatever state we are in.  If you have enjoyed other books by Karen Kingsbury than you will probably enjoy this book.

Audio - I will have to be perfectly honest and say that I really didn't like Kirby Heyborn's reading of this book.   He is just alittle to monotone for me.  I just don't like him as a narrator.  I really have  enjoyed January LaVoy's parts though.  I have liked her in other things that I have listened to by her.

I received a review copy of this audio book from Simon and Schuster Audio in exchange for my honest review.  

Blog ahead challenge

I signed up for this challenge and I am already a day behind.  My Goal is to schedule 30 blog posts ahead.  Now this will be an on going schedule ahead which means i may be scheduling just one day ahead.  I know that this is not the full intent of this challenge but for me it will be a great thing if I can get ahead by one day.

The Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford

About the book: 

Scotland, 1860.

Reverend Alexander Ferguson, naive and newly-ordained, takes up his new parish, a poor, isolated patch on the Hebridean island of Harris. His time on the island will irrevocably change the course of his life, but the white house on the edge of the dunes keeps its silence long after Alexander departs. It will be more than a century before the Sea House reluctantly gives up its secrets. Ruth and Michael buy the grand but dilapidated building and begin to turn it into a home for the family they hope to have. Their dreams are marred by a shocking discovery. The tiny bones of a baby are buried beneath the house; the child's fragile legs are fused together --- a mermaid child. Who buried the bones? And why? Ruth needs to solve the mystery of her new home --- but the answers to her questions may lie in her own past.

Based on a real nineteenth-century letter to The Times in which a Scottish clergyman claimed to have seen a mermaid, The Sea House is an epic, sweeping tale of loss and love, hope and redemption, and how we heal ourselves with the stories we tell.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/ZSbs53

About the Author: 

Elisabeth Gifford grew up in a vicarage in the industrial Midlands. She studied French literature and world religions at Leeds University. She is the author of The House of Hope: A Story of God's Love and Provision for the Abandoned Orphans of China and has written articles for The Times and the Independent and has a Diploma in Creative Writing from Oxford OUDCE and an MA in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway College. She is married with three children. They live in Kingston on Thames but spend as much time as possible in the Hebrides.

Find Elisabeth online: website, Facebook

My Take:  This story weaves both timelines very well together not only the modern day mystery but also the story of the minister that was determined to prove that there were Selkies or Mermaids.  I have always been interested in mermaids and loved to read Hans Christian Andersons tale of the Little Mermaid.  This story shed alittle more light on Selkies.  This book does have some language in it. 

I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt

About the book: 

What if your old college roommate called, raving about a book someone sent her, calling it the most beautiful book she's ever read? "But," she said, "it's about you." The author is your college ex.

In The Mason Jar, Clayton Fincannon is a Tennessee farm boy raised at the feet of his grandfather. He and his grandfather leave letters for each other in a Mason jar on his grandfather's desk---letters of counsel and affirmation. When Clayton attends college in Southern California, he meets and falls in love with a dark debutante from Colorado. However, when an unmentioned past resurrects in her life and she leaves, Clayton is left with unanswered questions.

Clayton goes on to serve as a missionary in Africa, while he and his grandfather continue their tradition of writing letters. When Clayton returns home five years later to bury his grandfather, he searches for answers pertaining to the loss of the young woman he once loved. Little does Clayton know, the answers await him in the broken Mason jar.

A story about a girl who vanished, a former love who wrote a book about her, and a reunion they never imagined.

Written for the bruised and broken, The Mason Jar is an inspirational romance that brings hope to people who have experienced disappointment in life due to separation from loved ones. With a redemptive ending that encourages us to love again and written in the fresh, romantic tones of Nicholas Sparks, The Mason Jarinterweaves the imagery of Thoreau with the adventures and climatic family struggles common to Dances with Wolves, A River Runs Through It, and Legends of the Fall. 

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/C52aq

About the author: 

James Russell Lingerfelt is the author of The Mason Jar and writes articles forThe Huffington Post. James connects with readers at his blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective, and divides his time between Southern California and his family's ranch in Alabama.

Find James online: website, Facebook,Twitter

My Take:  This book embodies what it feels like to have loved and lost.  It can really be compared to a Nicolas Sparks books.  Nicolas Sparks is good for a fast cotton candy kinda a read but I usually like a little more to my love stories like a candy apple with alittle more bite.  I liked the idea of the whole book I am just not sure if the concept was fully delivered.

I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review. 

Keeper's of the Covenant by Lynn Austin

Keeper's of the Covenant by Lynn Austin

From Goodreads :
The Old Testament Comes to Thrilling Life in the Latest from Lynn Austin

In one life-changing moment, the lives of the Jewish exiles in Babylon are thrown into confusion and despair when a decree arrives from the king's palace in Susa. It calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman, and child throughout the empire on the thirteenth day of Adar, in less than one year. Ezra, a quiet Jewish scholar and teacher, is suddenly called upon to lead the community as they seek God for a reason for this catastrophe. When a second decree arrives, authorizing them to fight back, Ezra is thrust into the role of military leader as they defend themselves against their enemies.

When the battles come to an end, Ezra's brother Jude is dead and Ezra is required by the Law he so diligently studies to marry Jude's widow, Devorah, and provide an heir. Fatherhood changes Ezra, and he asks God to make a way for him and the other exiles to leave Babylon for good and return to Jerusalem. His prayers are answered and the exiles move to Judea to revitalize worship at the temple--but the fight to keep God's Law is never easy. As more and more of his community are tempted, a new battle emerges...this one for the survival of God's covenant and the souls of His chosen faithful. 

My Take:  If you would like to read a book that plunges you into the Biblical world and makes you feel like you are really there this is the book for you.  This is the second book in  the series but you can read it as a standalone without any problem.  Even though this isn't scripture it does give you an insite into the world during the time of the thirteenth day of Adar and life after.  This book had me looking in my Bible to find out what is said in the scripture.  Not many books have affected me that way.

I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review. 

A Lady of Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

About the book: 

Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness.

His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.

Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could strip away everything she holds dear. But soon after accepting the position of lady's companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she's desperately hidden for years.

Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own --- one that has haunted him from birth and tied him to his father's position as steward of Willowgrove. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he'll never be free to find his own way in the world. He'll never be free to fall in love.

When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and build a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long suffered?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CsnBw

About the author: 

Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter





My Take:  Can we just take a moment to truly appreciate the gorgeousness of this cover.  It truly is beautiful. Now on to the story.  This story is all about secrets and whether or not to reveal them to someone you care about.  I think most of us have been confronted with this situation because let's face it if you have lived on this earth for several years we all come with baggage.  I really liked the way that the author handled this in the story and it made for a very sweet read.  This was a very good series and I will be looking for more by this author.

I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review. 

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

About the book: 

The Daughter of Highland Hall || Book 2, Edwardian Brides (Waterbrook Multnomah, October 2014)

What if the title, the estate, the life of security and splendor . . . what if it isn't enough?

Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must. Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband. With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain's elite.

When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London's East End. Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again. Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart for a different path, she must decide whom she can trust and love---and if she will choose a life serving others over one where she is served.

Learn more, purchase a copy, and read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/C7LAY

About the author: 

Carrie Turansky is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. She has written contemporary and historical romances, women's fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott, and they have five adult children and four grandchildren.

Find Carrie online: website, Facebook,Twitter

My Take:  This will strike a cord with Downton Abbey fans who miss Sybil's sense of justice.  Kate finds herself wanting more out of her life other than waiting for the proposal from someone who would be considered proper for her position in life.  When she starts reading the Bible and seeing what others who are less fortunate than herself go through she questions what is the predictable path for her life and what might be a more fulfilling path. 

I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Guess Who Noah's Boat by by Matt Mitter, Ela Jarzabek (Illustrations)
from Goodreads.com
Children will love this interactive new telling of the Noah's ark story. With fun, rhyming text, each spread asks kids to guess which animal is heading toward the ark. The answer is revealed under the cleverly designed flap. With eye-catching illustrations and easy-to-understand text, Guess Who Noah's Boat is sure to become a favorite.

My Take:  All I can say is that my two granddaughters love this book.  They have read it over and over again and love it.  The pictures are beautifully illustrated and the children really like the hidden pictures and guessing what is under the flap. A great book for toddlers . 

I received a review copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Buried Beneath the Words by Betel Arnold

About the book: 

Words! Words! Words!

Words all over the place. Accusing, blaming, and degrading words are the worst of all. After hearing those words over and over again, we begin to feel the weight of them threatening to crush the very life out of us.

Buried Beneath the Words cleverly shares a true life story about the different ways someone can end up buried beneath the weight of negative words. Then it shares a Christian course for how God's word can revive us. By putting the advice given within these pages into practice, you will experience an awakening of the real you---the you that has been buried way too long.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/BCxmQ 

About the author: Betel Arnold is a Certified Christian Life Coach, her passion is to reach out to women with compassion, empathy and encouragement. She is the creator, co-producer, and co-host of Simply Talking, a local public television show addressing issues drawn from our daily lives to deeper questions that come from our personal tragedies. Betel has learned to integrate her roles as wife, mother, inspirational speaker and family advocate. It is Betel's personal life experiences of overcoming adversity where she was able to find the inspiration and inner strength to do the impossible. She inspires others to overcome the challenges that keep us from moving forward in our lives and achieving our goals. Betel Arnold has embraced her life's conviction to help women become all that God has called them to be.

Find Betel online: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Take: This is a great book that I think all women can benefit from.  Not only will you be able to conteract the negative words that may be spoken over you but you will also start to  think twice about the words that you speak over others.  There is alot to consider in this small book and you will want to chew on what you read. 

I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Hidden in the Stars by Robin Carrol

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories.

About the book: 

A quilt holds the secret to a killer still at large---and who his next victim will be.

Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21-year-old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother's offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn't help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer.

Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia's mother's "special" quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia's unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer---still at large---silence her forever?

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.

About the Author: 

Robin Caroll is the author of 22 published novels. When she isn't writing, Robin spends time with her husband of 20-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home in Little Rock, Arkansas. She gives back to the writing community by serving as conference director for ACFW. Her books have been named finalists in such contests as the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year.

Connect with Robin: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Take:  This book was a different take on murder mystery.  It must be very frustrating that your one eye witness is unable to speak.  Julian Frazier finds this out when he is investigating the attack of  Sophia and the murder of her mother.  This was an interesting mystery that kept me turning the pages to try and find out what the killers wanted and if Sophia would figure it out.  If you like mysteries this would be right up your alley. 

I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse is exchange for my honest opinion. 

Before Amen by Max Lucado

About the book: 

We all pray . . . some.

We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart. We pray.

But wouldn't we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency?

Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. And what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain words. Unmet expectations. Unanswered requests.

We aren't the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested.

And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Couldn't we use the same?

In Before Amen best-selling author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin.

Pre-order a copy of Before Amen by 9/29 and receive a FREE ebook copy of Max's best-selling Second Chances: More Stories of Grace.

Purchase a copy:  http://ow.ly/BbwcL

About the author: More than 120 million readers have found comfort in the writings of Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy.

Find Max online: website, Twitter,Facebook

My Take:  I am always trying to improve on my prayer life and am always on the lookout for what has worked for others and might work for me.  That is exactly the way I approached this book.  We all need to realize that prayer is not a one size fits all or even that one size fits most. Prayer is a very intimate one of a kind experience between you and God.  I have tried different things and tweaked things a bit to make it work for me which it what I will  be doing with material in this book.  If you are looking for a simple starting off place this may be just the book you have been waiting for.  This is a great start but you will want to grow your prayer time into a meaningful time between you and God.  

I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion from Litfuse. 

Joyful by Shelley Shepard Gray

About the book: A young Amish couple gets a second chance at love in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray's final book in her Return to Sugarcreek series.

Randall Beiler is doing his best to put his family and the farm's needs first, even forsaking love. But though he tries, Randall knows he needs help caring for his younger siblings and keeping the house together.

When his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job taking care of the house and cooking for the family, Randall is furious---and guilty about the way he once broke Elizabeth's heart. But when he learns that Elizabeth and her grandmother are struggling to make ends meet, he knows the offer, no matter how painful, is the right thing for everyone.

Elizabeth wants to refuse---to stay far away from the man who hurt her---but she needs the money. Though she vows to protect her heart, spending time in the Beiler household makes Elizabeth realize that, while she's older and wiser, her love for Randall still burns strong.

Randal, too, seems to want something more. But does he want Elizabeth because he truly loves her---or because he needs a housekeeper? If Randall sincerely wants something more, he must find a way to show Elizabeth---or risk losing his chance at love forever.

Purchase a copy:  http://ow.ly/BeIYd 

About the author: Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Timesbestseller, a two-time USA Todaybestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Find Shelley online: website,Facebook

My Take:  There are a few authors that I know I will love their books when I am in the mood to read about the Amish and Shelley Shepard Gray is one of those authors.  As is the case in so many Amish romance books there are circumstances that could be easily resolved if it wasn't for traditions and ways of the Amish but if there wasn't some kind of conflict it would be a pretty boring book.  This book is a great addition to the series and as with all of her series' you will want to read all the books just because you will love the story so much you will want more. 

I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion from Litfuse.