Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter

Book Description

Former free spirit Zoe Collins swore she’d never again set foot in Copper Creek or speak to the man who broke her heart. But return she must when her beloved Granny dies, leaving the family legacy to Zoe—a peach orchard nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

When Zoe returns home with her daughter and boyfriend Kyle, she finds that she’s the only person in town who doesn’t expect her to give up the life she’s established far away from Copper Creek. Everyone believes she was born to run the orchard, but how can she make it her home after so many years?

Cruz Huntley never quite got over his first love, Zoe Collins, the little sister of his best friend Brady. Not when she cheated on him during their “break,” not when she took off to parts unknown with good-for-nothing Kyle Jenkins, and not even now—five years later.

As life-changing decisions and a history with Cruz hang over Zoe’s head, tensions rise between her and Kyle. Even as she comes to terms with the shifting relationships in her life, Zoe still isn’t sure if she can remain in Copper Creek with her new responsibilities . . . and her first love.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

“Blue Ridge Sunrise” was a fun and easy quick read. The usually Denise Hunter romance was just as her other books, which anyone who loves romance will love! The characters are well developed thoughout the story, though I really stayed annoyed with Zoe! She was needed to make the story interesting, though it seems. And I love the Montana Blue Ridge Mountain setting.

You will love this one if you are a romance fan! I received this book from Booklook Bloggers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport

About the Book

Name of book: Colors of Christmas

Author: Olivia Newport

Genre: Contemporary Christmas

Release Date: October 1, 2017

 

Christmas in Blue

Angela just wants Christmas to be over. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration, and everything goes from bad to worse. Can she rescue Christmas for the town—and herself?

Christmas in Gold

When eighty-year-old Astrid moves into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up Christmas hope one more time.

Click here to purchase your copy.
About the Author

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

This first Christmas story, ‘Christmas in Gold’ is about and elderly lady named Astrid who fell down steps at home and her son and daughter decides to move her to an assisted living facility near her son’s house. Trouble is, he travels all of the time and is hardly home. So after much downsizing her son gets her moved in, he has to leave and the daughter can’t come to help either, so ….has fun decorating her new apartment. Except she couldn’t find her God Christmas ornaments, so guess her son didn’t bother to bring them. Then She starts making new friends at her new place, specifically her therapist. They both needed a friend and despite their age difference they hit it off. So we’re able to be there for each other.

This is a good story, but it started off very slow for me. After probably halfway through it gets better. There’s a little bit of drama here but not much. Christmas did turn out different than I expected. The characters are interesting and realistic, and the author shows that no matter the circumstances, we can be happy and useful in whatever stage of life we are in. The God will walk with us.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

 

This second story ‘Christmas in Blue’ for me, is much better. Carole, who has always taken care of the Christmas to Remember event each year passed away leaving her best friend, Angela to follow in her footsteps. And of course she was chosen to do the Christmas to Remember event as well. But things didn’t go so smoothly, and time was running out, and besides that, they only Christmas decorations they could find was blue. Everything. Blue. Which the town wasn’t going to like. Then a mystery person appeared, helping diligently to make the Celebration a success.

I enjoyed this story a lot. It was really special to see a twin come together. But the end results was surprisingly very well done. Makes for a very cozy Christmas story to read during the holidays! Especially if there comes a pretty snowfall!

This is a beautiful book! I love blue so the colors are just what I like. I encourage you to pick up a copy of The Colors of Christmas for hours of cozy, clean fun entertainment! A complementary copy of this book was provided by TLC Tours. The opinions in this review are mine only.

Guest Post from Olivia Newport

 

We All Have a Story

I’m younger than most of the people I exercise with. It started when I had a lot of pain in my feet and needed low-impact classes with the option of sitting down and learned I didn’t have to be a senior citizen to take their classes at my gym. Then I discovered how tough most of them are. Years later, though my feet are better, these are still my people.

A couple of years ago, while we waited for the younger and allegedly-but-not-really-tougher crowd to clear out of the group exercise room so we could invade it, a woman I would not have guessed to be 80, because she could out-cardio and out-lift me any day of the week, mentioned she had been widowed since she was 39. And she’d been widowed the first time at 19. And she’d grown up in Germany while Hitler was intent on destroying Europe and life was not easy.

Then the changing of the guard happened and I was left with my mouth gaping. I knew I had to hear this story. The next week after class, we went across the parking lot to Culvers for lunch and I scribbled notes on the backs of a pile of brown napkins while Astrid talked. Later she let me read the account of her life that she had written herself.

Astrid faced so many tragic circumstances, but she would be the first to tell you that God was with her even before she knew how to call on him. Many people with her life story would have found plenty of reason to wallow and stagnate. But not Astrid. Truly she is one of the most hopeful people I know.

Her story was the beginning of Colors of Christmas, which includes two stories. Astrid’s is “Christmas in Gold,” and the other is “Christmas in Blue.” Astrid inspired me to write about hope for a time of year when the Christian message resounds with hope yet so many people struggle to grasp hope for themselves. I pray these stories will help many recover a sense of hope afresh.

Olivia Newport chases joy in Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

Blog Stops

Books N Baubles, October 17

Christian Bookaholic, October 17

Bukwurmzzz, October 17

Janices book reviews, October 18

Singing Librarian Books, October 18

Moments Dipped in Ink, October 18

A Simply Enchanted Life, October 19

G.O. & D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 19

Bigreadersite, October 19

Reader’s cozy corner, October 20

Have A Wonderful Day, October 20

Reflections from my bookshelves, October 20

Blogging With Carol, October 21

Just the Write Escape, October 21

Zerina Blossom’s Books, October 21

A Greater Yes, October 22

Mary Hake, October 22

Daysong Reflections, October 22

A Baker’s Perspective, October 23

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 23

Baker Kella, October 23

Smiling Book Reviews, October 23

The Fizzy Pop Collection, October 24

It’s Storytime With Van Daniker, October 24

Remembrancy, October 24

Carpe Diem, October 25

autism mom, October 25

Bibliophile Reviews, October 25

A Reader’s Brain, October 26

By The Book, October 26

The Power of Words, October 26

With a Joyful Noise, October 27

Pause for Tales, October 27

Splashes of Joy, October 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 28

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, October 28

Karen Sue Hadley, October 28

Reading Is My SuperPower, October 28

Vicky Sluiter, October 29

To Everything a Season, October 29

Pursuing Stacie, October 29

Just Jo’Anne, October 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away a grand prize of a Christmas Bundle Bonanza which includes 7 Jumbo rolls of Christmas wrapping paper, 2 sets of stick-on gift tags, 2 packages of Christmas cards and envelopes, 2 collections of Christmas novellas—18 stories in all, and a signed copy of Colors of Christmas!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c319

Tour Reminders

The Beloved Christmas Quilt: Three Stories of Family, Romance, and Amish Faith by Wanda Brunstetter

One Quilt Binds Three Generations of Amish Women
Enjoy the gift of a brand new romance from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, along with stories by her daughter-in-law, Jean and granddaughter, Richelle.

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3
The scripture embroidered on the back of a beloved quilt brings hope to three generations of Pennsylvania Amish women at Christmastime.

Luella’s Promise
By Wanda E. Brunstetter
Luella Ebersol has been caregiver for a dying woman and her young son. When Dena Lapp gives Luella her favorite quilt, she makes Luella promise to pass it down to her daughter. But Luella isn’t sure she will ever marry if she can’t find someone with maturity and faith like Dena’s husband Atlee Zook.

Karen’s Gift
By Jean Brunstetter
Karen Allgyer and her husband moved to a slow-paced village to raise their children, but Karen longs for the closeness of family to help her through the challenges of managing three girls with one on the way. When life’s pressures rise, will Karen cave to her fears?

Roseanna’s Groom
By Richelle Lynn Brunstetter
When the unexpected happens on the day of her wedding, Roseanna Allgyer can’t help blaming herself, despite not understanding why. Then an old friend returns to town, and she battles feeling for him—afraid of being hurt again.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

I’m sure author Wanda Brunstetter is thrilled and proud to write The Beloved Christmas Quilt with her daughter in law and granddaughter. What sweet memories. The main theme of the story is a quilt made by Atlee (in the first story’s) first mother in law and given to Atlee and his first wife, and given to Luella. The scripture verse, ‘For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3,’ would be a rock for three generations of ladies.

The first story in this book is written by Wanda Brunstetter. Atlee’s young wife was dying with heart disease and he hires Luella Ebersol. This is a sad story, but it turns out good for everyone. As usual, Ms. Brunstetter creates well liked characters that we grow to love and enjoy. As well as a story that will warm our hearts. I enjoyed Luella’s promise very much.

The second story, Karen’s gift, is written by Ms. Brunstetter’s daughter in law, Jean Brunstetter. The setting is decades later when Atlee and Luella’s daughter Karen has grown children of her own. Karen misses living so far away from her parents and family, but her husband is adamant about living in a quieter neighborhood, leaving Karen depressed and unhappy a lot of the times. When they find out their last child has health issues, the couple doesn’t handle it well, creating more issues with this couple. Can they find a happy compromise? This is another enjoyable story with more likeable characters. The plot flows easily and it’s a pretty fast read. I did get annoyed at Karen at times because she kept dwelling on wanting to move to her hometown, especially after the story ended as it did. And I’m still not so sure how I feel about Karen’s husband’s reaction to their daughters health issues. Overall, this is a nice story to follow Luella and Atlee’s story.

The third story in this book, Rosanna’s Groom, is written by Wanda Brunstetter’s granddaughter, Richelle Brunstetter. I think having a first book written in the same book as her grandmother is just too sweet. Roseanne was devastated when her husband to be left their wedding. What’s gotten into him? Then an old boyfriend shows up in town? What will Rosanna do with both guys so close by? A beautifully written story for a first published story, Richelle Brunstetter gives readers an interesting Amish story that will entertain for hours. A wonderful ending to a great book, especially with the Quilt being hand down yet again, to give comfort to another Amish lady in the family.

I highly recommend this sweet Amish book, and congratulations on the three Brunstetter women on their adventure writing together. And I love the recipes included st the end of each story. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Wanda E. Brunstetter

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at http://www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Jean Brunstetter

Jean Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish when she first went to Pennsylvania to visit her father-in-law’s family. Since that time, Jean has become friends with several Amish families and enjoys writing about their way of life. She also likes to put some of the simple practices followed by the Amish into her daily routine. Jean lives in Washington State with her husband, Richard Jr. and their three children, but takes every opportunity to visit Amish communities in several states. In addition to writing, Jean enjoys boating, gardening, and spending time on the beach.

Richelle Brunstetter

Richelle Brunstetter lives in the Pacific Northwest and developed a desire to write when she took creative writing in high school. After enrolling in college classes, her overall experience enticed her to become a writer, and she wants to implement what she’s learned into her stories. Just starting her writing career, her first published story appears in The Beloved Christmas Quilt beside her grandmother, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and her mother, Jean. Richelle enjoys traveling to different places, her favorite being Kauai, Hawaii.

A Simple Wish by Charlotte Hubbard plus Giveaway

Making rugs for the Simple Gifts store has taught Loretta Riehl that an unassuming pattern can reveal surprising depth. People, too, have a way of defying first impressions. Drew Detweiler came to Willow Ridge under a cloud, but the handsome craftsman has gained the community’s respect for his upholstery skills and commitment to making amends for his mistakes. As her new brother-in-law’s twin, he’s joining the family for dinners and Sunday visits, and Loretta can’t deny enjoying his attentions.

If only her dat were willing to let a little joy into his life. Cornelius Riehl grows sterner with each day, and Drew suspects there’s more to his moods than missing Loretta’s late mamm. Hoping to fulfill Loretta’s wish to live in a peaceful, happy home again, Drew sets out to learn the truth. It’s a journey that will bring to light painful realities—but also the chance to forge a new, honest, and loving future together…
October 9: Fabulous and Brunette
October 9: Sea’s Fire
October 10: Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
October 11: Hearts and Scribbles
October 11: Punya Reviews…
October 12: Maureen’s Musings – review
October 12: Nana Prah’s Blog
October 13: T’s Stuff – review
October 16: Long and Short Reviews
October 18: Amish Reader
October 19: The Reading Addict
October 20: Southern Gal Loves to Read
October 23: A Writer’s Life
October 24: Book Lover Promo
October 24: Rogue’s Angels
October 25: Miss Tina’s Snitz Pie Book Review
October 25: Splashes of Joy
October 26: Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
October 26: Vickie’s Kitchen and Garden
October 27: The Book Connection
October 27: Locks, Hooks and Books
October 27: Jennifer Macaire, Tell me a Story

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

A Simple Wish takes Readers back to the Reihl family and their drama in life. Especially with Cornelius and the secret life he was living. This story had a lot of main characters, which ended up mainly with Loretta and Drew. And there are Wyatt and Rebecca, who hopefully will have their own story since theirs was left unfinished, but a lot of attention was given to them in this book.

As usual, Charlotte Hubbard writes a fun and interesting story that will provide a few hours of entertainment. The Amish characters and lifestyle mixed with the Mennonite lifestyle gives the Amish more liberal opportunities. And I actually liked the leaders of the Amish church here, except for Cornelius, that is. And I really didn’t care for his outcome, especially since any other church member would have been thrown to the wolves. And I so much appreciated his daughters and son-in-laws standing up to him. I hope Cornelius’ actions are not the usual actions of Deacons or church leaders of the Amish. This is a really nice read, my only problem with it is that it is listed as Religious and Inspiration, and when a book is listed as such, yet has cuss words used casually, and especially taking God’s name in vain, it’s unacceptable for me. God’s name deserves to be used reverently. A copy of This book was provided by the author and Goddess Fish Promotions for me to read and review. The opinions here are mine only.

And to the Giveaway

Be sure to check out this giveaway!

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Home all Along by Beth Wiseman

Book Description

Charlotte, an Englisher, is living in Amish Country, and she has formed strong and lasting bonds with the people in her new community. She has even fallen in love with an Amish man. But just when she is considering a permanent conversion to the Amish way of life, her world crashes around her. An unexpected death and a mysterious visitor unsettle Charlotte, and she begins to question her faith and her choices.

Daniel loves Charlotte and wants to share his life with her, even it if means leaving the only world he’s ever known. But as he walks alongside of her through her struggles, his own world is turned upside down when a loved one receives a grim medical diagnosis and a prodigal relative returns home. Will Charlotte and Daniel’s relationship succumb to the many pressures around them, or will their faith and the strong community around them allow them to weather the storms of their own lives in order to build a life together?

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Charlotte and Daniel are in love, but the problem is Charlotte is an Englisher, and she doesn’t seem to want to do anything about joining the Amish faith to be with Daniel for the rest of their lives. Daniel is getting so frustrated because he loves Charlotte, but the Bishop is putting the pressure on him because if there relationship is to go on, Charlotte needs to be doing something to lead them all to believe she is thinking about joining their faith. Even though she has lived in the Amish community for a long time, and considers the Amish as her family.

This book doesn’t have a lot going on, the main issue is Charlotte and Daniel’s disturbing relationship. Which makes this book much slower than the first two books in this series. This one is just lacking something, not an interesting. But, all in all, I would have read it anyway to see what happens at the end of the series, and to tie up some loose ends. Pick u this last book in Beth Wiseman’s An Amish Secrets Series. I received this book from Booklook Bloggers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

A Time to Stand by Robert Whitlow

 

Book Description

In a small Georgia town where racial tensions run high and lives are at stake, can one lawyer stand up for justice against the tide of prejudice on every side?

Adisa Johnson, a young African-American attorney, is living her dream of practicing law with a prestigious firm in downtown Atlanta. Then a split-second mistake changes the course of her career.

Left with no other options, Adisa returns to her hometown where a few days earlier a white police officer shot an unarmed black teen who is now lying comatose in the hospital.

Adisa is itching to jump into the fight as a special prosecutor, but feels pulled to do what she considers unthinkable—defend the officer.

As the court case unfolds, everyone in the small community must confront their own prejudices. Caught in the middle, Adisa also tries to chart her way along a path complicated by her budding relationship with a charismatic young preacher who leads the local movement demanding the police officer answer for his crime.

This highly relevant and gripping novel challenges us to ask what it means to forgive while seeking justice and to pursue reconciliation while loving others as ourselves.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

IF everyone would read this book, just maybe people would think before they act. Author Robert Whitlow writes an amazing story, one that may be criticized, hopefully not. Because it shows that sometimes when we are quick to judge, no matter who we are, we may not have all of the facts. And we may be accusing someone of something they are innocent of.

Adisa Johnson, a young African-American attorney, Takes a stand at what she believes in, having the majority of her small hometown go against her. She believes in justice, and takes on a case with a well known lawyer in town. The case is about a white policeman shooting and wounding a black young man. The police never wavers on his innocence, but the young black man is in a coma and can’t respond to questioning. The outcome of this case is astounding.

I really like Adisa. She’s straight forward, but has a heart of gold. My heart ached for her throughout the book, as everyone turned against her. But she was determined to find the truth, no matter what side won the case. And her aunt is just the sweetest! Her aunt’s faith in the Lord, along with the young black man’s grandmother, was breathtaking. And this book has one if the sweetest endings I have ever read! This is a must read for everyone!

I received this book from Booklook Bloggers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

KJV Know The Word Study Bible (Thomas Nelson, September 2017)

KJV Know The Word Study Bible (Thomas Nelson, September 2017)
Gain a greater understanding of the Bible book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic.
The study of God’s Word can be easy and rewarding if you break down the Bible into easy-to-understand segments. The KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers three easy ways to begin studying Scripture and helps individuals transition from being a casual reader of the Bible to becoming a regular student of the Bible. You can choose to study the Bible book-by-book, verse-by-verse, or topic-by-topic; each path offers powerful insights that will help you develop a daily routine of Bible study.
The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God’s Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.
Features include:
—King James Version Bible text
—Three easy approaches to study the Bible: 1. Book by Book; 2. Verse by Verse; 3. Topic by Topic
—Insightful introductions for each book of Scripture
—Words of Jesus in red
—Beautiful two-color interior page design
—Comprehensive list of theological notes
—Concordance
—Full-color maps
—8-point type size
Learn more and purchase a copy.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

This KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers three ways to study the Bible. You can study Verse by Verse, Book by Book or Tooic by Topic. Either way you study, you will have a more understanding of The Word of God. We all study differently, so this Bible makes it easy whichever way you want to study. I have enjoyed using the verse by verse study, it give an easier and more simplistically way to study, which makes it nice if you don’t have a lot of time to study. This Bible offers many other tools to study including these:

Insightful introductions for each book of Scripture
Words of Jesus in red
Beautiful two-color interior page design
Comprehensive list of theological notes
Concordance
Full-color maps

if you are looking for a new study Bible, and if you enjoy the KJV of the Bible, this is one you will enjoy. I received this Bible from Litfuse Publicity Blog Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

Thomas Nelson
In business since 1798, Thomas Nelson is one of the oldest Bible publishers in the world and the largest publisher of the King James Version. Their mission is to inspire the world by using our talents, assets, opportunities, and influence to engage and equip people with Scripture and draw people to a deeper study and understanding of God’s Word.

Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall

ABOUT THIS BOOK

Finally back in the Old Order Amish world she loves,
Will Ariana’s new perspectives draw her family closer together—
or completely rip them apart?

After months away in the Englisch world, Ariana Brenneman is overjoyed to be in the Old Order Amish home where she was raised. Yet her excitement is mixed with an unexpected apprehension as she reconciles all she’s learned from her biological parents with the uncompromising teachings of her Plain community. Although her childhood friend, ex-Amish Quill Schlabach, hopes to help her navigate her new role amongst her people, Ariana’s Daed doesn’t understand why his sweet daughter is suddenly questioning his authority. What will happen if she sows seeds of unrest and rebellion in the entire family?

Meanwhile, Skylar Nash has finally found her place among the large Brenneman family, but Ariana’s arrival threatens to unravel Skylar’s new identity—and her sobriety. Both Ariana and Skylar must discover the true cords that bind a family and community together and grasp tight the One who holds their authentic identities close to His heart.

Gathering the Threads is the third and final novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

I have been waiting to read this third book in The Amish of Summer Grove series. I loved the first two books in the series, though the first book had a very heartbreaking ending. But that part had to happen for the series to continue! Ariana Brenneman is back in her Amish home after her DNA dad let her come home earlier than expected. But she wasn’t the same Ari that left months ago. Living with her English family changed her in ways she never though possible. This didn’t go over well at all with her Amish parents and siblings, with them thinking their Ari would be back and everything would be as it was.

Watching the Amish folks and their actions about the change in Ariana was interesting, but yet I was so angry at her dad, the Bishop and preachers. Their attitude was horrible and was it really bullying instead of trying to get her to see the error of her ways? You and figure that out for yourself when you read the book. Though I really like this book, it didn’t have the same excitement as the first two books. I was surprised and pleased at how Ariana’s English dad treated her. And it was surprising that  she learned so much from him, and I really did too. And I can’t leave out Quill. From the beginning I have liked this guy, though I didn’t really understand him at first. He was an all around good guy!

Gathering The Threads is a really good name for this book because Cindy Woodsmall’s does a really good job of weaving all of the loose ends in this series together and writing a very nice ending that satisfies your soul. One that everyone can live with. I received this book from Blogging for Books  to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today best-selling author who has written seventeen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal,and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as the one of the top three most popular authors of Amish fiction.

She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings’ Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.

Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn’t realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn’t allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy’s house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them–afraid that if they didn’t, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann’s because her family didn’t own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults’ disapproval and the obstacles in each other’s lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy’s family moved to another region of the US.

As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities–from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.

Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest.

If you’d like more information or to contact her, you can go to her website: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorcindywoodsmall

Many Sparrows by Lori Benton from Litfuse Publicity

Many Sparrows (WaterBrook, August 2017)
Either she and her children would emerge from that wilderness together, or none of them would. . . .
In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob on a remote mountain trail.
When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare awakens the next morning to find herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can to recover her son . . . especially when her second child is moments away from being born.
Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob’s life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do—be still, wait and let God fight this battle for them?
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MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Lori Benton leaves her Readers in awe once again with this compelling Native American story. Many Sparrows is a wonderfully written story full of emotions, both difficult and happy. Many sorrows, heartaches and difficult decisions were felt by these very hardworking and loyal people. And yet there was much love and happiness. Clare comes to know these people through very horrific circumstances, with the help of Jeremiah Ring. Their way is not easy, Especially since Clare isn’t trained to live in the conditions she is having to face. But for Jeremiah, what would she do.

Clare may be very pregnant and alone but she very well shows she can take care of herself. I love her feisty spunk and determination. And Jeremiah, wow, he’s just that every woman’s man. His patients with Clare was much more than most men would ever be! And he knows how to survive in any situation, whether it be the white man or Indian.

Lori Benton does such an amazing job of detail in this book. From the historical white mans ways to those of the Native Americans, each scene was described so vividly. The people, the land, the Indian community, every scene was historic and amazingly and wonderfully described. It was so realistic. I was so glued to the pages I felt like I was inside that book, living the story. I just can’t say enough good things about ‘Many Sparrows.’ So much happening in this book, that you just have to read it. And if you are a fan of Native American stories, this one is a must.

And I can’t leave out the way Ms. Benton weaves the Christian lifestyle throughout he lives of the character. No matter how difficult the situation, how long prayers are being said, Ms. Benton clearly shows that God is faithful and He is in control no matter what. I love it when authors speak out about Jesus in their characters.

This is definitely one of my favorite reads. It will stay with me for a long time. I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Blog Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

 

LORI BENTON

Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of “Burning Sky,” recipient of three Christy Awards, “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn,” Christy-nominee “The Wood’s Edge,” and “A Flight of Arrows.”

 

 

Glory Songs CD by Redman

 

A longtime connector of music to the church, Redman will be bringing his newest collection of music to churches for nights of worship from coast to coast throughout the street week of the album. With hits such as “You Never Let Go” and the GRAMMY® winning “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” Redman currently has two songs in Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI’s) Top 15, alongside a notable 23 songs in CCLI’s top 500 most played.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS CD

I have loved Matt Redman music every since he wrote 10,000 Reasons. His worship songs bring healing and peace to your heart and soul.  Featured in the Glory Song CD are 13 worship songs. I really enjoyed listening to this CD a number of times and there is not a bad song on this CD. I do have a few favorites though.

The words to Gracefully Broken encourages Christians to surrender everything we have into Our God’s hands. The last words of the song are so powerful. ‘Your power is at work in me, I’m broken gracefully, I’m strong when I am weak, I will be free.

I few others are ‘Still I will Sing’, whether it is a joy or a sacrifice, still I will Sing.  And ‘Greatest Hallelujah’, we bring our Hallelujah’s for you reign for everymore. And every song on this CD has words that will speak to your heart. And not only the words but the beautiful music. I look forward to hearing these songs on our local Christian radio station’s as well as singing them in our worship time. This is a CD I highly recommend, and if you are a worship leader, you will definitely want this one!

I received a complimentary copy of this CD from FlyBy Promotions. The opinions in this review are mine only!

 

 

About Matt Redman

A key songwriter for today’s church and an active worship leader for the Passion conferences around the world, Matt Redman’s songs have been recorded by Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, Israel Houghton, Jeremy Camp, Jesus Culture, Passion and many more. Winning two GRAMMY® awards in 2015 in honor of the powerful hit “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” the single later was certified RIAA gold, named ASCAP’s Christian Music Song of the Year and Billboard’s Top Christian Song. Redman currently has 23 songs in the CCLI Top 500. The GMA Dove Award winner has a string of No. 1 records on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart including the recent Your Grace Finds Me (2013) and Unbroken Praise (2015), recorded live at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. His first ever holiday record, These Christmas Lights, debuted in the holiday season of 2016 and featured a collaboration with Natasha Bedingfield. Glory Song will be available on Sept. 29.