Book Review: Raising Boys By Design

Having just studied the function and design of the human brain, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review the book, Raising Boys by Design, by Gregory L Jantz, PhD  and Michael Gurian. With a unique blend of science and the truths of the Bible, the authors carefully craft a well thought out set of instructions that detail the divine design of your boy’s life, and than put an action plan in place for you as a parent to implement during your son’s journey to manhood.

 

Having raised one son into adulthood, and still headlong into the journey with our youngest son, all while having two amazing young ladies in our home; I especially enjoyed the chapters that dealt with the structural differences in the brains of male and females.   Many times the words on the page rang true, especially during the discussion of gray and white matter circuitry areas of the brain.  It became quite obvious that there are ways that I as a parent could implement, to make our day to day household tasks run in a smoother fashion. 

 

Raising Boys By Design, doesn’t just read like a textbook, but rather transition’s into a how to manual, with practical advice for parents of boys.  They call this section of the book, Putting it to Work.  After all, parenting does take work.  Lots of work.  With a roadmap for success, like that of Raising Boys by Design, I believe parents will be given a new set of tools to make the repairs necessary in their household.

 

I was provided a free copy of this book by Waterbrook Multnomah for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

 

Book review: An Untamed Heart

An Untamed Heart

 

 

If I was to read one book this fall, I would have to say the new book by Lauraine

Snelling would be it! I loved An Untamed Heart, the prequel to the Red River of

the North Series. In fact, before I had read this book, I did not know that the

series existed...needless to say, I have the series on my Christmas list!

This story is one of heartbreak, love lost, and new love born. The story begins

as twenty year old Ingeborg Strand strives to figure out her plans for the future.

She loves the freedom that life in the Seter brings for the children of her family.

Being the oldest she is in charge of all the children while they are up in the

mountains for the summer. There is always jobs to do, such as cheese to

make, the tending of the lambs and sheep, the milking of the cows and the

cooking for all of the hard workers. With all of the work that needs to be done,

there is a joy and a freedom from the life that awaits them as they go back

home in the fall. An unexpected guest, brings quite the air of excitement to the

Seter. Ingeborg discovers the joy and pain of truly loving. As winter

approaches, the blanket of coldness seems to overtake her. Can Ingeborg ever

love again, how will she ever go to the Seter with all the memories of the past

summer. With the coming spring, Ingborgs heart begins to thaw. Just in time

for Roald Bjorklund to come calling.

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Book Review: A Simple Change

 

 

 

Judith Miller, has crafted a beautiful new novel, in the Home to Amana series, A

Simple Change. Growing up in Kansas City, with the hustle and bustle,

carefree lifestyle, and modern conveniences, Jancey Rhoder is little prepared for

the new lifestyle that awaits her as she steps into small town Iowa, Middle

Amana. Yes, the convenience of having a maid prepared her meals is one of

the noticeable changes for Jancey, but women not being able to teach the

children their schooling is the one that plucks the strands of her heart the

most. How can this change really be simple? One day completely immersed in

popular culture, and the next trying to adjust to the rules and regulation of this

new culture. I was intrigued by the heart of Jancey, how she longed to learn the

ways of the Amish. Judith Miller is an expert storyteller, and she does not

disappoint in this novel. There is the usual love interest in this book, but it is

the love that Jancey has for her mother who is dying and the care that she gives

to her that spoke volumes to my heart.  I would give this book 4 stars.

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Book Review: The Letters

The Letters: Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

 

With a hot cup of tea I snuggled up with my blanket and Suzanne Woods Fishers

latest book The Letters.  We begin the story with the recently widowed Rose

Schrock trying to piece her life back together.  Life has not turned out at all how

she anticipated,  having to move back into the Old Order Amish lifestyle after a

series of life changing events. Losing her husband, dealing with the shame of

his death, going bankrupt, and moving in with her mother in law, has all but set

her world to spinning. Rose needs to come up with a plan, one that will allow

her to repay the sins of her husband, and also provide for her children’s future.

After praying for guidance and direction, Rose happens upon a couple in need

of a place to stay for the evening, birthing the idea of an Inn at Eagle Hill.

The interplay of relationships make this story multilayered and interesting.

There is the obvious banter of a mother and her children, the constant reproach

from her mother in law, and a touch of romantic interest with the gentleman

next door. Galen King, is an honest, hardworking horse trainer.

 

Can Rose ever

trust again, and will she dare to love again?

I give this novel 4 stars, and look forward to the next book in the series!

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

 

 

Dark Road Home

This story was a little more difficult for me to get into and then I realized that it probably was because this is the second novel in the Edge of Freedom Series!!  So after I realized that some of the background info was given in the first novel I just sat back and continued reading figuring it would all make sense soon!  I am really glad that I stuck with the reading, as the story is one that is endearing and one that I had a very difficult time setting aside to do the regular stuff of life!  Ana Kavanagh's story is one of heartbreak and mystery and just when she seems to be settling into her new life in America, memories and shadows of her former life in Ireland begin to surface.  Elizabeth Ludwig along with Bethany Publishers has delivered a wonderful story in Dark Road Home.  I give this book 4 stars, and after reading the first one in the series I am sure that all of the missing pieces will make it a full five stars!

10 Great Dates!

Our church has started to do small groups over the past year , so when I had the opportunity to review the book 10 Great Dates that Connect Faith, Love and Marriage, I thought it would be fun to give it a try!  This book is a guide to achieving greater spiritual intimacy as a couple.  The dates are outlined and structured, which is not my dating style as this kind of felt like a checklist to complete.  But it did give great tips and questions to discuss together as a couple.  I loved the examples that each of the married couples gave describing how their spiritual journey has changed over the years.  For this book to work for me and my hubby...I would look at it as a morning coffee date time...one that we purposely set aside as a time to reflect and discuss these important topics together!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Into the Whirlwind

Well my summer certainly felt like a whirlwind...juggling work, sports schedules, church activities and vacations seemed to make my head spin at times!  When I had the opportunity to review the book Into The Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden the title was not the only thing that caught my attention, but rather the setting of the novel was what really drew me into the story.  Set in October of 1871, the book opens with the events of the Great Chicago Fire unfolding.  The story is one of hard work, ethical business practices and of course, romance.  I absolutely loved this book...and found myself staying up late to read just one more page.  After reading about the events of the fire, I find myself intrigued to learn more about this time in history.  I think I may just book a trip to check out the architecture, the museums and maybe fit in a little shopping in the great city of Chicago!
What a marvellous work Elizabeth Camden,  you should be proud of the accomplishment of writing such a fabulous book!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Small Town Girl Book Review

Last year I had the privilege of reading Words Spoken True by Ann H Gabhart, and had loved the book so much that I jumped at the opportunity to review her recently released novel Small Town Girl. 

Set in the fall of 1941, the sights and sounds of war seem to surround the small town of Rosey Corner.  The invasion at Pearl Harbor grips the small town, and sends each of the characters into a tailspin.   Ann creatively anchors the characters swirling emotional distress through a carefully crafted tale of love that is grounded in spiritual truths.  I found the characters of Jay and Kate to be endearing as they began to take on a life of their own through her words.  This book was a wonderful addition to my summer reading list!

I would give this book 5 stars.  Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Revealing Jesus

When I first had the opportunity to review the new devotional by Darlene Zschech, I jumped at the opportunity.  I love the design of the book.  The cover looks beautiful, and is a wonderful addition to my coffee table.  The layout of the devotional drew me in, with the devotional beginning with a passage of scripture, from different versions of the Bible.  She then shares background information on the verses, and encouraging personal reflection, and then ends with a short prayer to jump start your day.  All of those different tools and techniques can be found in almost all devotionals, but the beautiful treasure that I found in Revealing Jesus, was the heart of a worshipper.  It is clear that Darlene Zschech loves her Lord and shares a close and passionate relationship with Him, and that is why this devotional is so beautiful to me.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

That Certain Summer

 

 

I just finished reading That Certain Summer from award winning author Irene Hannon.  This is the first novel of hers that I have had the opportunity to have read, and I was pleasantly drawn into the rich style of writing that she employs.  I loved the interplay between characters in this novel.  Val and Karen are sisters, who because of an overbearing, and manipulative mother, really do not enjoy each others company.  Time has taken its toll on both of their lives.  Val, a drama teacher in a high school far away from her hometown, has spent the last twenty years escaping the reality of her life by avoiding the hurt and pain of the past.  Karen herself is reeling from the effects of her recent divorce and the pain that it has caused her teen aged daughter, when her mother is hospitalized with a stroke.  Karen has been caring for her ungrateful mother for long enough, and at the end of her rope she decides to contact her sister and ask her to help out.  Even though tensions run high between the two of them....the reprieve from her mother would be worth the sacrifice.  The last thing that either of them could have expected was the events that unfolded that summer.  

I would give this book 5 stars.  I LOVED it!!!  

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Deadly Devotion

I am usually an Amish-reading-historical-romance-hope-the-girl-gets-the-guy kinda girl....but I must say that I am so happy that I toke a chance and read Deadly Devotion the new novel by Sandra Orchard.  When I had the chance to review this book, the cover looked a little too scary for my liking, but the description of the book drew me in, and I knew that I just had to read it! 

Kate Adams is a research Scientist that specializes in herbal medicine. When her best friend and mentor dies suddenly, and the local police deem it a suicide, Kate is bound and determined to get to the bottom of what really happened to Daisy Leacock.  The story is fast paced,  interweaving characters and possible motives like a ball of tangled up yarn.  Being a Canadian myself, I loved hearing about the fictional small Canadian town of Port Aster.  I couldn't put the book down, and found myself staying up late in the night to finally solve the mystery. 

What a great novel!  Loved it!  I would give this book 5 stars! Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Stealing the Preacher Book Review

I just had the most wonderful opportunity to review, Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer.  I absolutely loved this book.  Last year I had the privilege of reading Short Straw Bride and then anxiously awaited the arrival of this new release. 

Crockett felt called to preach the gospel and was on his way to go apply as a country pastor.  When suddenly there was an abrupt change of plans.  Joanna was praying that God would send a pastor to her small country church.  Could this change of plans be the answer to her prayers.

I would give this book five stars.  This is a wonderful book and is a great encouragement for those of us that are praying for loved ones to embrace a relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Book Review: Adoring Addie

 

 

 

 

Addie and Jonathans families have been feuding for so long...they almost forget how it all started!  But that doesn't change the fact that it was a not so unspoken rule that they were not to be associating with each other.  Addies parents had given her a stable life, a hard work ethic, and many, many responsibilities.  Addie cooked and cleaned, watched the other children and pretty much ran the household for her mother who suffered from depression.  Her parents wanted her to make something of herself and marry someone who was solid and dependable.  Addie agrees that those are admirable qualities, but the only problem was Phillip Eicher...he was the one chosen to be Mr. Dependable. 

Does choosing Mr. Dependable mean that Addie needs to give up on her chance at love? 

 

Leslie Gould creates a beautifully written novel in her new book in The Courtships of Lancaster County Series.  Well done! 

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

A Noble Groom

Every woman loves a good old fashioned fairy tale.  The one that the price arrives, sweeps you off your feet ad pledges his undying love for you.  Unfortunately for Annalisa, that only happens in fairy tales, marriage was a matter of convenience not of love, for her people.  Recently immigrated German farmers still followed the unwritten rules from the old country, where women were treated like property.  Having lost her husband Annalisa knew that it would not be long until her father had her married off to a perfect stranger.  She had no silly notions of love and romance, until Carl enters her life and she sees a glimpse of what friendship between a man and woman could look like.  Unfortunately Carl brings with him the news that Annalisa's new husband is making the journey to marry her, and that is when her fairy tale falls apart.

What a wonderful book from Jody Hedlund! I could not put this book down.  I loved the historical time period that it was set in and the rich details of the German immigrants.   It was such a wonderful interplay between the two main characters, as the learned to challenge the traditional thoughts on love and instead look to what the Bible says on how a marriage should look like. 

I would give this book 5 stars!!!  Looking forward to many more stories from this author!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Book Review: Undeniably Yours

You know how you can just tell from the cover that this is going to be a good book? 

When Meg Cole returns to small town Texas to take the position left to her from her recently deceased father, Meg Cole finds herself with lots of expectations.  She fully expects to ruffle some feathers as she decides what positions on the sprawling ranch she is going to keep.  From her first meeting with Bo Porter her fathers Thoroughbred handler at Whispering Creek Ranch, it becomes apparent that not all of the hired hands will take kindly to losing their position at the ranch. 

Becky Wade, did a wonderful job in the writing of this novel.  I was instantly drawn in to the characters lives.  I love the way that she described the little details drawing you into the story almost as if you were watching it unfold in person.  The chemistry that she describes between the main characters and how she weaves a story that is victorious over guilt and anxiety all the while reminding us of scriptures along the way made the book particularly enjoyable. 

Great job!!!  I loved this book!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Mennonite Girls Can Cook: Celebrations

 

I love to cook...so when I had the chance to review this book I was so thrilled and could not wait for it to come!

 

I flipped through the pages, and decided to try baking some of the recipes right away, much to my families delight.  I started with the cheese stuffed bread sticks.  The dough was wonderful to work with and I was surprised how quickly they came together!  I also made up the Chili Cheese Dip which didn't last long around here, as everyone enjoyed it with nachos.  I am looking forward to trying so many of the recipes in this collection, and with the beautiful photos it just makes it so much more tempting to try them all!

 

I loved the inspiring life lessons that the ladies passed on to us through the story of each of their celebrations. 

 

I would give this cookbook 4 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of MennoMedia and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Herald Press, a publishing imprint of MennoMedia

Mom's Idea Book

As moms we get asked a lot of questions...when is dinner, where are my soccer socks....where did you put my library book.  I was so pleased when I was asked to review the Mom's idea book, because this time, I was given answers.  I loved the small digestible tidbits...the little gems about house cleaning, discipline, laundry and the ever present problem of sorting through clothes closets for growing children. 

I read through the book smiling and nodding as I could relate to each chapter...and wishing that I might have read this book years earlier when my children were small. 

This would make an excellent gift book for someone that has just had a baby.

I was given this book for purpose of review by Crossway Publishers.  All views expressed here are my own, and I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Sweet Mercy Book Review

Growing up along the beaches of southern Ontario, I have often heard tales of bootleggers and whisky smugglers along the shore.  The stories take on various forms, sometimes its dark shadowed figures running through the underground tunnels from a tucked away small town bar, to the unassuming young mother going for a stroll across the border with her false bottomed baby carriage.  Living in days like these I am sure the people from our own small town, not unlike  the town of Ann Tatlocks Mercy, wondered just who they could trust.  Sometimes things are not like they seem.

Ann Tatlocks new novel Sweet Mercy is set during a tumultuous time in our nations history, the carefree days of the roaring twenties had given way to the dirty thirties, the world seemed a little less idyllic and the childhoods of many grew short.  Eve Marryat's family has seen better times, and big decisions were to be made.  Not only were they to move from the big city of St. Paul where the streets were filled with gangsters and the days of prohibition had turned the city sour, but Eve's dad was returning to the very place he longed to be free from.  Eve was so happy to be moving away from the cities dark side, and into the safety of the small town of Mercy and then she begins to see signs that her place of safety might just crumble.

What a wonderful book!!!   I would give this novel 5 stars.

Great writing, wonderful characters and a fresh storyline.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Book Review: When Love Calls

My grandparents were born in the early 1900's and that time period has always held a special place in my heart.  When Love Calls the new book by Lorna Seilstad begins in 1908 as the Gregory sisters are struggling to survive after the tragic death of their parents.  Hannah is the oldest and the bulk of the responsibility falls on her shoulders.  When the bank comes to take her house and they have little food to eat, Hannah is forced to look for work as a Hello Girl for the telephone company. 

 

The Hello Girls have a lot of rules to follow, and Hannah has always had a rather hard time following rules, so naturally many of the adventures that Hannah finds herself in revolve around her independent nature.  The one rule that she think will be the easiest to follow is the one that forbids any relationships with any gentlemen.  That was until she met a handsome young lawyer who happens to find her irresistible. 

 

Loved this story!  I enjoyed the time period, the historical details and most of all the interplay between characters.  I am looking forward to reading the next release of the Gregory Sisters Series!

 

I would give this book 5 stars! 
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Book Review: Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story

 

I'm hooked....I just finished reading Jennifer by Dee Henderson, and I can't wait to go out and read all of the other books in this series!   This is the behind the scenes book...the book behind the book if you will.  In this story, Jennifer meets the man that will love her for a lifetime.  For those of you who have read all of the O'Malley books this will be a wonderful novella, it will warm your heart and remind you why you love this series so much.  For the rest of us, who have yet to read the series, this book gives you just enough background information to make you hunger for more of the story.  I absolutely loved this book.  I found the writing to be fast paced, and yet detailed enough to draw me into the characters. 

 

I am looking forward to reading more about Dr.Jennifer O'Malley, and her family, The O'Malley's which I have a feeling each has a story of their own to tell. 

Wonderful writing, great storyline and beautiful characters.  Well Done!

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group