I am Back

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I know it has been awhile since I posted anything but the end of 2013 was kind of hectic. I had to have surgery and had an infection twice so didn't get much reading let alone blogging done. I am back and doing good now. The biopsy was benign and I am back to being able to lift and do normal things again including finding time to read. I have added my blog to Bloglovin too in hopes to get more followers to share what we are reading together.
Upcoming reviews are:
1.
My Hope Is Found (The Cadence of Grace #3)

by Joanne Bischof

 

2.

Pies and Prejudice (A Charmed Pie Shoppe Mystery #1)

by Ellery Adams,

 

Until next time:

 

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, AND A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP READING!

Sisters Of Lazarus by Paula Parker Review

  The book Sisters Of Lazarus by Paula Parker is a look at Martha and Mary in a way that shows the struggles of life they might have had. This is an interesting look into the lives of Martha, Mary, Lazarus and also the Jewish traditions and life.  It gives the authors idea on what Martha and Mary might have been like. She takes what we know from the Bible and takes it a step further to make both of the sisters more real. They have some of the same struggles and concerns that we have in being accepted. Martha is the one who struggles with how she looks, but she is dependable and the one who is the caregiver for her brother and sister. Mary is the free spirit, who is beautiful and knows it. She is carefree and the one who is more likely to do something on a whim.  Paula Parker tries through her fiction account to explain why each sister is the way they are and you can understand more why when Mary uses the expensive perfume and pours it on Jesus' head, how this might be misunderstood by the practical Martha. Or why Martha would be upset with Mary for not helping her prepare the meal for Jesus and the disciples.

I think that this book is a way to get to know the sisters through fiction but also it helps to look at the Mary and Martha in the Bible differently with more understanding. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and enjoyed reading it and while reading this book I  read about the Sisters from the Bible too which was fantastic. The book is worth taking time to read.

I was given an ebook from NetGallery to read and give an honest review. The opinion's are all mine

God Reveals Himself in a Special Way in Appointments With Heaven by Dr. Reggie Anderson

                            Appointments With Heaven by Dr. Reggie Anderson


   Dr. Reggie Anderson writes about his experiences sitting with patients that are dying and in sitting with them he experiences something special. God allows him to see their passing from this life to heaven in a special way. He is allowed to help them in their last minutes and God uses him in a unique and special way. He has so many different experiences sitting and helping the dying patient in this book, and each one brings another glimpse of God and His love.

This book is an exceptional look at how God reveals Himself  in special ways. It looks at and  follows Dr. Anderson has he struggles with his faith after a tragedy that shakes his belief that there is a God let alone his faith in God. It is his struggle, but we all at times when an illness or tragedy strikes, have asked the same thing if there is a God why would he let this happen. This book shows God understands our hurt and questioning but He never leaves or gives up on us. He will meet us where we are and help us when we let Him.

One of my favorite lines was when Karen tells Reggie to pray "God, if you're real, make yourself known to me." pg 76 from Appointments with Heaven by Dr. Reggie Anderson
When Dr. Anderson's friend tells him to ask God to reveal Himself to him, God does in an extraordinary way through a dream.

I would recommend this book to people who are struggling with a loss of a loved one. It is a book that will uplift and help all that read it.

If you would like more info on this book you can go to http://appointmentswithheaven.com/


This book I would give 5 stars and recommend to all.

I was given a copy of this book by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Renewal of the Heart Found in What Once Was Lost By Kim Vogel Sawyer

   In this newest book What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Christina runs a poor farm for people who are down and out, the ones that everyone else has turned their back on. She gives them a home, food, Bible lessons and most of all love. She loves to be needed by them  and thinks of them as her family. Then there is a fire and she has to take them into town and find places for them all to stay until the home can be fixed. She gets every one placed but Tommy who is blind and so she turns to Levi the mill owner who keeps to himself, never interacting with the towns people, to ask him to take Tommy temporarily. He agrees but only for a short time, but that is all God needs to start chipping at his stone heart. What will happen to them all? This is a journey that all will want to go on with Christina, Levi, Tommy, Cora, the twins, Wes, Louisa and Rose as well as Alice and her two kids. It is full of surprises, ups and downs, renewal, forgiveness and love.

All I can say is WOW. I was hooked from the first page and was never disappointed with this book. Kim Vogel Sawyer takes you into the lives of each of the people from the poor farm and makes you love them and hope for the best for them right from the start. She doesn't stop there though, she shows how God sometimes uses something bad, like the fire, to open up new beginnings and restore people to Him.  You cry right along with Christina when she starts feeling like God has forsaken her.  The reader feels like they are a part of this book because what God is showing and revealing to Christina and Levi is a good lesson for all of us. It is a book of more than just love and family, but of Hope when you think their is no hope, Forgiveness when you think you are unforgivable, and Renewal when you think that your Faith is gone. I think by now you can see I love this book. I give it 5 Stars but if I could I would give it 10.

I think one of the things, besides a good book, I got from reading this is a reminder that God forgives and forgets. One of my favorite quotes from the book is
" A familiar ball of shame began rolling in Cora's chest. Ma Creeger had said Jesus took the shame away and she shouldn't let people give it back to her." pg 287 from What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer
I need that reminder and if nothing else I will be remembering this quote from now on when I start to forget.

I hope you all will read this book you won't be disappointed.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Could you please take time to rate my review. Thanks





If you would like to read the first chapter of the book here is the link:
Read Chapter One

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More About Kim Vogel Sawyer
Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are currently in print with awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their feline companions. She savors time with her daughters and grandchildren. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=162648#sthash.hOJGaXWY.dpuf

Patchwork of Mystery Murder Plain and Simple by Isabella Alan Review

 

           Murder Plain and Simple by Isabella Alan

    When Angie's wedding is called off she is glad to move back to Amish Country in Ohio where her Aunt has left her Amish Quilt Shop to Angie. What she doesn't expect is to be in the middle of a murder and for it to happen in her quilt shop which makes her a suspect. Angie thinks she has to help Sheriff Mitchell find other suspects and the murderer to clear her name. She has to piece together the clues before he arrests her for the murder.

I love the book. Angie is smart, stubborn, inquisitive, and strong. Angie is starting a new chapter in her life by moving to Ohio and taking over her Aunt's Quilt Shop which takes strength and courage. She tries to shed light on other people who could be suspects in the murder of Joseph, who was murdered in her store and puts herself and her dog Oliver in danger.  The Author gives you several people who could have been the murderers which keeps you guessing. She has some really unique characters in the town that adds to the story. Who doesn't know someone like Willow, the teashop owner, who is a flamboyant whirlwind that never realizes how ridiculous she is at times. The book is a great read for those who love to read about the Amish, the Amish culture and community as well as those who enjoy a good mystery with twists and  turns. I love the setting in a small Amish community and the author paints a picture with her words so that you feel like you are standing on the sidewalk on  main street with all the Amish shops and buggies. I would give this book 5 stars and I can not wait to read more in this series. Besides we have to find out if there is romance in store between Angie and Sheriff Mitchell.

The quilting hints and how to at the end of the book was a big plus. Overall I think this was a great, enjoyable read and hope that you will read it when it releases Sept 3, 2013.

Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP  for sending me a copy of this book to review and give my honest opinion and review.

The 21 Toughest Questions Your Kids Will Ask about Christianity: & How to Answer Them Confidently Book Review

The 21 Toughest Questions Your Kids Will Ask about Christianity: & How to Answer Them Confidently by Alex McFarland

This book is an excellent resource for parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers and anyone who has asked or had children who have asked the tough questions about God. This is an excellent way to study and learn where to find the answers in the Bible and how to answer these questions. It is a good resource including good explanations and verses to help you to learn and equip yourselves for the inevitable questions that will or have been asked. I love how Alex McFarland says this isn't a book to read verbatim to answer your children but is a way to be ready for those questions. He wants you to delve into maybe why they are asking a question so you know what is motivating the child. Is it curiosity or something that has happened to cause them to question such as loss. It is a very informative and plain language book that helps in your quest to be able to help your children and others when it comes to questions about God and Christianity.

I would recommend this book for all households and church libraries. I wish I had this book when my children were younger and asking these questions.

This book is one that I would even think about giving to young adults and adults if they have  questions like Why does God allow evil? I found when reading this book that many of the questions were ones that we all at one time or another have asked and this is a good study book to help you with those  questions. I think this would be a good book to use in new Christian homes and bible studies.

I would give this book 5 stars and hope that everyone would read and put in the home and church libraries. I highly recommend this book.


Thank you to Tyndale Publishers for providing me this free copy of the book for my honest review.

Fugitive by Shirlee McCoy Review

click on book picture to go to Love Inspired Books

Fugitive by Shirlee McCoy is part of the Heroes for Hire Series. It is a fast but good read. Laney is hoping to move on from her past once and for all but that doesn't seem possible when Logan stumbles back into her life. In trying to run from her past Laney runs right into it. Now Laney is also running from a killer and the law.

 I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book or not at first but from the first page I was glad I did and I truthfully enjoyed reading it. It is a book with a good plot and enough twists to keep you guessing, not only about who is behind the killing and trouble Logan is in, but also who is trying to kill Logan and Laney now, and on top of all that it is about both of them  facing the past head on. Mystery, suspense, and a little romance makes for a quick, good read. If you are looking for a book that is good, not too complicated, and a fast enjoyable read this is your book. I would recommend this book.

If you want to know more info about this book and Shirlee McCoy's other books you can check her out at http://shirleemccoy.com/

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, AND A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP READING!