Another Read

The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall, is an Old Order Amish story that is a continuation in a series. I did not have the opportunity to read the first book in the series, however, it was not necessary to understand the plot of this story. I always admire that in books, to be able to pick up a new title and not question things that have already occurred.

There were many characters in this story and I had to continually look to see how they were related in the back of the book, but each character was developed very well. I found that there were characters I was more excited to read about than others in the story, which I always enjoy having favorites. I enjoyed the story line also, however, it did take a bit to get into the book. The last 100 pages though were very good and kept my interest.

I enjoyed the obstacles that had to be overcome in order for the characters to develop into whom they were written to be. I can anticipate which characters are going to be emphasized in the next story, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to read it.

SpRiNg!!

I like to think that I am a good decorator....but that just isn't the case! However, I do love going to Kohls and finding festive holiday placemats! These are my latest ones for Spring. They do a great job brightening the room!

Laziness

I feel that in the past month I have been LAZY!!!

1. I have not posted on my blog...

2. I have not updated on facebook....

3. I have not been working out very hard....

4. I have been taking naps....

5. I have been reading A LOT (Which would explain all my book reviews!)

So, while it is GREAT to have time to RELAX, I will enjoy not being quite so LAZY!

(But it is enjoyable while it lasts!)

Read with Ease

Review of What the Heart Sees, A Collection of Amish Romances

In What the Heart Sees, a Collection of Amish Romances, by Kathleen Fuller, simple stories are brought to life and the message that God wants us to know and understand are evident in the message of each story.

Each story in this collection, A Miracle for Miriam, A Place of His Own, and What the Heart Sees are beautifully written stories that allow the reader to reflect on the simplicity of life as the Amish do. Growing up in Indiana I often came in contact with the Amish and was able to witness their basic lives, but without observing their humility and their dedication to the Lord and their work. Therefore, reading these stories, I was able to picture the characters in my mind as Kathleen Fuller did a great job bringing each of them to life.

I enjoyed reading all three stories, however, as a collection the stories began to reflect a similarity with the previous ones. While I enjoyed them, I would have enjoyed a little more complexity with each of the characters and the plots of the stories. Even so, I truly enjoyed the collection of stories and would read more books written by Kathleen Fuller if given the chance.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of What the Heart Sees through Book Sneeze. I received no compensation for my thought.

God is Love

Review of Blind Hope

Blind Hope, by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher, is a sweet story about a blind dog and her ability to change a woman just by being present in her life. I enjoyed reading this story as I have a very big heart for dogs in need of rescue. I have two dogs that I have adopted. My babies do not have any problems, they simply did not have a home. By letting them into my life, my life has changed because of who they are and how they love unconditionally. This is what Laurie Sacher, one of the authors found to be true with her dog Mia.

The story is written much like a memoir, which threw me off at first and actually kept me a little disinterested in the story itself. But once I started reading, I fell in love with this dog Mia and who she was. Also, interwoven in the story is the message that God is always with us, that God forgives all of our faults (just as a dog would), and God is ever loving no matter what our past might look like. It was a true reminder of God’s love and grace. And sometimes, just that message alone makes a book worth reading.

“No one ever warned me that when you rescue a dog, the life you save just might be your own!”

Don't Wait to Read...Save the Date!

I loved, loved, loved this book and could not put it down! Jenny B. Jones, author of Save the Date has written a real winner!

Lucy and Alex, two very unpredictable people to put together are in it for the long haul….simply because they both need each other in their life. This story is funny and witty. It is charming and beautifully written. It speaks to you and opens your heart to the Love of God and His saving Grace. Once you open it and begin to read you will not want to put it down.

I hate to say too much about the book itself because I don’t want to ruin any of the details, but just when you have everything figured out, something happens to take you for a little spin. I am ready to read it again! Enjoy!!

Disclosure: I received a review copy of Save the Date through Book Sneeze. I received no compensation for my thought.

Love to Read

I am so glad that my friend Amanda introduced me to Booksneeze! It is so fun waiting in anticipation for a new book! Here is my latest read:

Softly and Tenderly by Sarah Evans with Rachel Hauck is the Second Novel in the Songbird Series. I did not have the opportunity to read the first book, which usually makes me hesitant to read the second or third book in a series knowing that I have already missed so much, however, this book could be stand alone because of the way it is written. It quickly captures your attention and gives you enough detail to know what is happening.

I have only read one other Rachel Hauck book, which I truly enjoyed. When I received this book and saw the comment on the front that fans of Karen Kingsbury would love it, I was trilled to dive in. It tugged on my heart strings in so many ways, as I was able to relate to the main character, Jade. She struggled with so many things in this story, even the message that our Savior has sent. However, through encouragement, prayer, and devotion, she found her way in more ways than just one. I am hopeful to catch up on the first novel and have the opportunity to read the third, as I am encourged to see how her journey ends.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of Softly and Tenderly through Book Sneeze. I received no compensation for my thought.