GIVEAWAY!!

I am giving a brand new copy of One Day Way away to one of my lucky readers. 

For some reason when I posted it, the date changed to March, so it is not on the front page of my blog.  To see the instructions click here.

Fit to Be Tied

by Robin Lee Hatcher

Zondervan Publishing

Unbeknown to me this is the second in the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series.  I really dislike reading sequels when I have not read the first book.  I was able to understand the plot, but did not get a lot of the background needed to understand the characters in detail. There is also a third book in the series coming out 2010.

Cleo is a girl comfortable on a ranch and around horses.  She dislikes wearing dresses and is more comfortable in a pair of jeans.

Lord Sherwood is sent from London to live in Idaho for a year to earn his keep and understand work.  He has a war injury and is need of learning the value of hard work.

Lord Sherwood, or Woody as Cleo calls him, begins working as a ranch hand on Cleo's family ranch.  She despises him and wishes she did not have to train him.  However as time passes she finds herself becoming more interested in him, but will royalty and a ranch girl be able to be together?  You will have to read this book to find out.

Price: $14.99 Click here to purchase.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

Through the Fire

by Shawn Grady

Bethany House Publishing

Since his father's death  in a fire, firefighter Aiden O'Neill is determined to find out who the arsonist was in that fateful fire.  Aiden has a gift of being able to read fires, but after he caused a fellow firefighter to be seriously injured during a fire, he seems to have lost his gift.

An arsonist is on the loose, causing major fires and death in his wake.  Aiden and Julianne, a fire analyst, are teaming up to discover who is behind the fires.  I guarantee the end will surprise you.

I enjoyed the story line, but some of the writing was out of character of the rest of the book.  There were paragraphs that were almost poetic~ but forced and did not reflect the other parts of the book.  I also got confused in several places as new characters were introduced.  The parts about God and Christianity seemed forced and put in as an afterthought. 

Price $ 13.99 purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review from the publisher.  I am not compensated for my honest opinion.

How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong

by Leslie Vernick

WaterBrook Multnomah

 Experience the Blessings of an Imperfect Marriage. We all–at one time or another–have the opportunity to act right when our spouse acts wrong. There are no perfect marriages or perfect spouses. We know that having a good marriage requires effort and hard work. Yet we often don’t know how to continue to love when we are angry, hurt, scared, or just plain irritated. Nor are we sure what that kind of love is supposed to look like. Should we be patient? Forgive and forget? Do something else entirely?

Acting right when your spouse acts wrong will not necessarily guarantee a more satisfying marital relationship, nor will it automatically make your spouse change his or her ways–although both could occur. It will, however, help you see how God is stretching you in the midst of your marital difficulties, teach you to respond wisely when wronged, and lead you into a deeper relationship with Christ as you yield your will to his plan for your life and learn to be more like him.

Price: $ 6.99 to buy

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to review.  I am not compensated for my review.

Somewhere to Belong

Book one in the Daughters of Amana series

by Judith Miller

Bethany House Publishing

I had a hard time with this book, it takes place in the Amana colonies. I am unfamiliar with this religion (the author does not even explain what religion this is) and so was confused why any one would want to join these people.  Also, it said that being single was better then being married, however it was not forbidden.  One of the girls was punished for not keeping the other girl in line~ seems unkind.  I wished the author explained more about the religion.

The story is about two young women.  One has lived in Amana her whole life, and the other has just moved there from Chicago.  It goes through several months of various happenings of the girls.

I think I would have liked the book better with more explanation of the community.  It is also book one in a series as the ending of this book does not explain what happens to one of the girls.  I dislike having to read another book to find out the conclusion.

Price:  $14.99 to purchase.

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

Levi's Will

By W. Dale Cramer

Bethany House Publishing

Winner of the 2006 Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction

"Dusk. An Amish farm in Ohio. Will's father doesn't recognize him at first--it's been eight years--so he holds a match up to Will's face to see him better. "I thought you were dead," Levi Mullet says, then blows out the match and walks away. 

This is not how it's supposed to be. Where's the fatted calf? The party?

For years, Will has worked to overcome the ban of his father and the Old Order Amish community. Only now, when the life of his own son hangs in the balance, does he begin to see the truth--that love is the proof of God, and forgiveness the proof of love.

Levi's Will is the mesmerizing story of an Amish man seeking to build a bridge across three generations."

 I tried reading this book twice~ and I still could not get in to the book.  I found it dragging and long.  I am sorry I could not give any other opinion.  Very rarely do I not finish a book~ but this one was one of the few.

Price:  $ 13.99 to purchase go here.

*I was sent a free copy  of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated in any way for my honest opinion.

Out of the Spin Cycle

by Jen Hatmaker

Revell Publishing

MOPS 2010 Theme Devotional book.

This book is divided into 40 chapters or devotionals.  They are short~ about a page or two.  Perfect for a quick read each day.  Jen Hatmaker makes motherhood fun and also gives us the spiritual boost we need from our Savior, Jesus Christ.

There are questions & activity suggestions at the end of each chapter to encourage readers to think about the chapter they just read.

I think the reason for me not enjoying this book is because I was reading it straight through to review, instead of one chapter each day or week.  I did not have the time devoted to dive deeper in to the book.

Price:  $11.99  purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated in any way for my honest opinion.

Fit For My King

by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Baker Publishing Group

In this 30 day journey, the bestselling author of His Princess shares how God healed her from an eating disorder, helped her conquer chronic fatigue, and gave her the strength and wisdom to lose over sixty pounds and keep it off. Today, at nearly 50 years old, Sheri Rose is healthy and free. More than a half a million women have been set free through this life changing teaching.

You can win this diet war once and for all! Sheri Rose Shepherd walks through each day with you, supporting you with 30 days of life changing devotions, heartwarming stories, creative cooking, and a daily dose of Scripture to keep you on track. The treasures of truth found in these pages will transform the way you see yourself forever.

It's time to get your girlfriends together and become the best version of you! God loves you and will be with you every step of the way.

 Price: $ 14.99 purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher for me to read and review.  I am not compensated in any way for my honest opinion.

Momology

A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids

By Shelly Radic

Revell Publishing

As a mother we all need support from one another.  Momology : A guide to Shaping Great Kids is designed to give moms a helping hand with mothering.  Shelly Radic is chief of staff for MOPS international.

Each of the four sections is broken in to several subsections.  here are also various real life "field studies" to help along the way. 

I had a hard time with this book.  Most of the book is about improving one's self as a mother.  I really had a hard time getting in to it.  I though it was going to be a book about giving our children values and helping them in the world today and shaping their character.  I also found it to be dry and unappealing.  It was text bookish.  However you may discover this book is exactly what you are looking for.

Price:  $13.99 to purchase

*I received this book for free from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

A Love of Her Own

by Maggie Brendan

Revell Publishing

Maggie Brendan is a wonderful author.  In the third book of the Heart of the West series she brings Josh's sister, April, to Montana~ just in time for his wedding to Juliana.  I have read book two, The Jewel of His Heart to read my review click here.  Although this is book two, it can be a stand a lone one.  I have not had the chance to read the first one, but I did fine reading the next two.

April is finished with love after her heart was broken several years ago.  When she receives word from Josh, her brother in Montana, that he is getting married she decides she is ready for a change of scenery for a couple of weeks and leaves to go to Montana.  

While in Montana she has a number of crazy adventures.  She may find Montana to her liking especially when considering a certain gook looking man.

A delightful read.  I wished I could have read it closer to her last book, but after I got in to the book I remembered some of the people from the previous book~ although you would clearly understand the book without reading book 2.

Price:  $14.99 to buy go to Revell Publishing

*I received this book for free from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated in any way and this is my opinion.

The Homecoming

by Dan Walsh
Revell Publishing

This is a sequel to The Unfinished Gift, which I also read and reviewed.  To read my review go here. Dan Walsh is a great writer.  I enjoyed this book because I connected to the characters from the first book and wanted to see more.  I am hoping Walsh will do another book in this series.

Shawn Collins has come home from fighting overseas to spend some time with his son and to grieve for the loss of his wife.  However the military has another plan in mind.  He is called to be a speaker on a tour to raise money for the war effort.  It is all very exciting, but Shawn really just wants to be home with Patrick, his son.  He will be gone for at least four months, so he needs to hire a nanny/housekeeper.  He decides to hire Miss. Townsend, the social worker that brought Patrick to his Grandpa's house. Miss. Townsend loves Patrick and finds herself falling in love with Shawn.  Will Shawn find love again?

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

Sixteen Brides

by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Bethany House Publishing

A book about 16 women!  I thought this might be very confusing, however Whitson narrows in on just 5 women and their journey, making it a very well written book.

16 women embark upon a journey to become homesteaders, at least that is what Mr. Drake says.  Little do they know he is counting on them becoming brides.  However when several women find out his sneaky plan they want nothing to do with it and refuse to go any farther.

These five women decide to homestead together.  Throughout this journey of setting up a home some of them find themselves again, ans some find love.

I really enjoyed reading this book and hope there might be a sequel in the future.  It kept me entertained as well as keeping me up late at night

*Price:  $14.99

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review. I am not compensated for my honest review.

Hearts Awakening

by Della Parrish

Bethany House Publishing

 

Just finished Hearts Awakening last night. I thought this book was well written.  Delia Parr took a quite unique storyline and made it into a delightful story.

Ellie needs a job and Jackson needs a housekeeper since his wife died six months earlier.  Jackson never would have thought her to be so plain.  Ellie had no idea he would be so young and handsome.

Scandal surrounds Jackson because of his first marriage.  Will Ellie be able to handle the gossip?  Jackson offers Ellie a unique offer~ but is Ellie desperate enough to accept?

Price: $ 14.99 purchase here.

*i was sent a free copy of this book to read and review from the publisher.  I am not compensated for my honest opinion.